Red Indian Guava 1gal. - Berries of Miami

Red Indian Guava - From Berries of Miami

Psidium guajava L.

Myrtaceae

Common Names: Guava
The Red Indian Guava, originally created in Dade County, Florida in 1946, features a medium to large fruit, which has a strong, fragrant. The tree, more of a bush, rarely gets taller than 12ft. The fruit has a yellow, pink blushed skin, with a red, sweet fruit. Red Indian Guava fruit are excellent to be eaten right off the tree, shortly after ripening. 29F cold damage. Prefer full sun. If you fertilize use nitrogen heavy fertilizer or only nitrogen, guava's like well drained soils.

Given below is the amount of nutrients present in 1 cup (165 gm) of Guava, apart from Iron and Folic Acid: 

• Calcium - 50 mg
• Carbohydrates - 19.6 gm
• Fiber - 8.9 gm
• Niacin - 2 mg.
• Phosphorus - 48 mg
• Protein - 1.35 gm
• Total Fat - 0.9 gm
• Vitamin A - 412 IU
• Vitamin B - 1.15 mg
• Vitamin C - 498 mg
• Calories - 84  

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Guava 

• Guava is a very good source of vitamins, fibers as well as minerals.
• Being rich in Vitamin C; guava is effective in treating male infertility caused by sperm clumping, adhesion and other abnormalities.
• Guava has been associated with healing of wounds, when applied externally.
• Guava has general haemostatic properties and can be used for treating bleeding nose, gums and minor internal hemorrhaging.
• Guava helps cure dysentery, by inhibiting microbial growth and removing extra mucus from the intestines.
• Guava helps the body in combating free radicals produced during metabolism and aids in preventing age-related chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, cataract and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber and thus, is good for those suffering from constipation.
• Guava strengthens and tones up the digestive system and even disinfects the same.
• Guava, having high content of roughage, no cholesterol & less digestible carbohydrates, is good for those trying to lose weight.
• Guavas can improve the texture of skin and help avoid skin problems. For the purpose, you can either eat it raw or make wash your skin with a decoction of its immature fruits and leaves.
• Juice of raw and immature guavas or decoction of guava-leaves is known to bring relief in cough and cold.
• Researches have shown that guava is pretty effective in preventing cancer and even heart diseases in people.
• The presence of complex carbohydrates and dietary fibers in guava makes it effective in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
• The presence of Vitamin C and other phytonutrients, such as caretenoids, isoffavonoids and polyphenols, in guava has led to it being an effective antioxidant. 

Guava has been found to be beneficial , not a cure,for people suffering from the following ailments:

• Acidosis
• Asthma
• Bacterial Infections
• Catarrh
• Congestion of the Lungs
• Convulsions
• Epilepsy
• High Blood Pressure
• Obesity
• Oral Ulcers
• Poor Circulation
• Prolonged Menstruation
• Scurvy
• Swollen Gums
• Toothache

Berries of Miami - The Berry Man
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How To Plant a Plant!!!

Dig the Hole
Remember, proper planting is crucial to the survival of your new tree.
Remove your tree from the container carefully – the roots and soil should not separate too much. If the tree is stuck in the container, jiggle it a bit to loosen the roots.

• Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the container and the depth should be the same as the top of the soil in the container.
• Position the plant so that the top of the root ball is even with the soil surface. Planting too deep could cause your tree to die.
  • Once you have proper depth, either by removing dirt or back filling so the base of the tree is about even with the ground, massage the roots to allow excess dirt to fall off. This allows the roots to spread faster, but be sure no to brake roots, do it GENTLY. If plants had a brain the roots would be it so be gentle...

Fill it in and water it  Place the tree back into the hole.

• Once your tree is in position, fill the hole with soil until it is half full.
• Slowly water to saturate the soil (this removes air pockets that could also kill your new tree), then fill the hole with remainder of soil and soak again.
• If possible, add a 3" thick ring of soil around the outer edge of the planting area. This will keep the water in and help to encourage your new tree to grow.
• Next, place an organic mulch such as wood chips, leaves, pine needles or pine bark 3 to 4 inches deep around the entire planting area without coming in direct contact with the trunk.
• Wet down the mulch.

You're done!

Southern Peaches: The Florida Prince (Now is the season to PLANT, fast before they are no longer dorment))

Southern Peach: Florida Prince

Botanical name: Prunus persica
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: Asia
Avg. Height X Width: 15’ X 10’ - Max height 20’
Season: Spring
Damage temp: 18 F

Comments: Through a breeding program that began in 1953 the University of Florida successfully developed numerous low chill peach varieties suitable to Florida’s mild climate. The varieties we carry will grow and produce fruit even as far south as Miami. In fact, they have fruited successfully in Cuba and Nassau, Bahamas. The fruit quality is equal to that of temperate-zone cultivars, and small commercial plantings can be found throughout central Florida. The trees are deciduous and lose their leaves each winter, but they are highly ornamental otherwise making them an excellent choice for the home garden. When fruiting water thoroughly. Depending on the tree, to produce a big crop with large peaches (other wise they will be smaller sized) a tree may require between 75-150 freeze hrs. Freeze hrs. are a unit of time, one hour, bellow 5o degrees. Fertilize 10-10– 10 or a close combination. The Peaches are grafted onto a bug and fungus resistant root stock called - Nemaguard Peach.

Health Benefits:

Peaches are high in a number of nutrients your body needs such as niacin, thiamine, potassium and calcium. They are also high in beta carotene, an antioxidant that converts to Vitamin A, which is essential for healthy hearts and eyes. The darker the peach’s color, the more Vitamin A it has in its pulp. The antioxidants may also help in maintaining healthy urinary and digestive functions.

Peach tea is known in Eastern cultures to be a kidney cleanser and uses in detoxification. This isn’t peach flavored tea, but a brew made from the pits. Many people claim peaches are good for relief of stomach ulcers and other digestive issues like colitis and kidney disease. This may be due to their high fiber and potassium content.

A Florida-Prince Peach from the yard 2012

Berries of Miami - 'The Berry Man'

               email for questions or availability: berriesofmiami@gmail.com 

The 'White Mulberry", (limited availability)

Name: White Mulberry, Morus alba
Species: M. alba
Family: Moraceae

The white mulberry, is probably the most elegant of all mulberries. It is one of the few with visible flowers, which are white,  stays relatively small and has great growth.  The white mulberry, or as I like to call it ‘Queenie’ because if the Paki is King than white is Queen due to elegance,  has large leaves and good coverage making it a great ground cover, although it can be allowed to tree up to 10-15ft. The white can be placed in either full sun or partial sun, but must be in well drained soil. It does not do well in very cold areas and is only zoned for the cold to zone , but does excellent in the south were the cold is not prolonged.  I recommend using organic fertilizer such as Espoma Citrustone or Jobes, some recommend 10-10-10, yet I prefer half that 6-5-5 or close to it. The best bet is to use manure, it is naturally 5-5-5. The berries must be completely white, violete or pinkish when eaten. . . not green!
Health Benefits:
According to researchers, esp. Dr. Walt’s http://www.drwalt.com/blog/?p=4990, the white mulberry leaves and berries help with type 2 diabetes. In Japan, scientists have discovered the leaf fights plaque in the arteries! The berries also have common health benefits with the other mulberry species.

Berries of Miami - 'The Berry Man'

email for questions or availability: berriesofmiami@gmail.com

The Lady Bug, or Lady Bird - God's natural pesticide

The organic gardener tries to steer clear of sprays, pesticides and fertilizers. But when you must there is always a natural resource God has given to help you keep an organic, healthy garden. I have found over the years, the garden stays healthier, and studies show so do you!

Today we will talk about natures pesticide: Lady Bugs, or Lady Birds. 

They can wipe out aphids, white-fly, grubs etc. Check out the info bellow.

Ladybugs are general predators that feed on Aphids and a variety of slow-moving insects. Ladybugs are a must-have for organic gardening or farming. Ladybugs eat insects during both the adult and larval stages, so you can receive ladybugs as adults and continue to have live ladybugs eating during other parts of their life cycle. The lifecycle of the ladybug is between four to six weeks. In the spring the adults lay up to three hundred eggs in an aphid colony. The eggs hatch in 2-5 days. The newly hatched larvae feed on Aphids for up to three weeks, then enter the pupae stage. The adult lady bug emerges about a week later. However, they usually don't have their spots for their first 24 hrs. of
adult hood. So, if your catch one with out spots, you may have found a brand new adult. There may be as many as six generations of ladybugs hatch in a year.

Lifespan of Hippodamia convergens:

From egg to adult takes 3 - 4 weeks in summer, 6 weeks in spring. When released, adult ladybugs should mate and lay eggs within 8-10 days.The eggs will hatch into larvae in 5 days.Temperature and food availability will determine the timing of each stage and reproductivity.One female can lay up to 1,500 eggs over their 100 - day lifetime.

Release Instructions:
Once you have made it home with your Ladybugs, put them in a household refrigerator but DO NOT FREEZE THEM. For optimal results, release Ladybugs in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cool. Do not release during the heat of the day, as heat causes Ladybugs to become overly active and they are more likely to fly away and find shelter away from the original release site. Prior to releasing, water your plants leaves. This will hydrate and relax your ladybugs after their journey. Ladybugs should be released a few at a time on all plants, twice a week during the season when your plants are lush and attractive to pests. After application re-close the container and place in refrigerator for storing Ladybugs for future use. Ladybugs may be stored in a refrigerator for a maximum of 30 days.

Taken from:http://gardeningzone.com/pages/buy-live-ladybugs 

For white-fly problems try to get the black ones, they are more aggressive. . . yet I have found the red one's feast on them as well.

Pakistani Mulberry (Have 6footers ready to go and 1 gal.)

Pakistani Mulberry

Morus alba 'Pakistani.' The king of mulberry trees not only for its large ultimate height of 50' or more, if let to grow, but for the 4" long fruit that makes everyone swoon. Make sure to partake only of ripe fruit, black, unless you want a puckered mouth for the day. Early summer harvest. The fruit blends sweet with tart in a complex berry flavor that reminds some of raspberries on steroids. Full sun, moderate summer water. Does not stain to the extent of other mulberries.

Has the same health benefits as other mulberries, but almost  3X the size berries!!!

Berries of Miami - 'The Berry Man'

email for questions or availability: berriesofmiami@gmail.com

Gojiberry (still Young!)

Goji Berries - aka Wolfberry

Family: Solanaceae

Genus: Lycium

Comments: Fertilize 5-5-5 Loves Sun, -15F damage. Dry fruit, eat raw or make a tea.

Health Benefits:
Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta carotene and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids are greatly helpful in protecting the retina of the eye and improving eye sight. In fact, foods rich in zeaxanthin have been known to prevent loss of eyesight in people over the age of 65.
Goji berries are also a good choice when it comes to protecting the liver and kidneys.
One of the primary benefits of goji berries is that they help in boosting the immune system and help us stay healthy for longer.
The polysaccharides in goji berries works wonders with the pituitary gland and stimulates it to release HGH, the Human Growth Hormone. This is in fact the main hormone which controls others and can even reverse the effects of aging, making us look and feel younger.
Goji berries also have a high ORAC value which is extremely important in preventing oxidation and in preserving the cells thereby preventing aging.
Goji berries prevent fatigue and tiredness which are the most common by product of a busy and full life that most of us lead today. It also helps in relieving headaches and insomnia.
Health and fitness freaks consume goji berries regularly because they help greatly in weight loss and keep the body fit and young.
Research has shown that goji berries are exceedingly good to enhance fertility and improve sexual function, particularly in men.
Goji berries are known to improve circulation and help people live longer lives.
With their high vitamin and mineral content, goji berries reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Some people claim that goji berries can even prevent cancer although this aspect still needs more verification.

Berries of Miami - 'The Berry Man'

email for questions or availability: berriesofmiami@gmail.com

Chokeberry Red/Black (young)

Choke Berry

Scientific Name: Aronia melanocarpa

Genus: aronia

Scientific name: Aronia melanocarpa

Size: 5x5

Comments:

Full sun to partial shade, more sun more berries; tolerates both wet and dry sites; prefers acid soil. 2-6-24 fertilizer.

Health benefits of chokeberries

·         Chokeberries are low in calories and fats but are rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber.

·         Black chokeberries compose significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phyto-chemicals called anthocyanins. Total anthocyanin content in the choke berries is 1480 mg per 100 g of fresh berries, and proanthocyanidin concentration is 664 mg per 100 g (Wu et al. 2004, 2006). Scientific studies have shown that consumption of berries on regular basis offers potential health benefits against cancer, aging and neurological diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and bacterial infections. (- By Dr. Paul Gross, 2007-07-09).

·         Laboratory analyses of anthocyanins in chokeberries have identified the following individual chemicals: cyanidin-3-galactoside, quercetin, peonidin, delphinidin, petunidin, epicatechin, caffeic acid, pelargonidin and malvidin. These flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants have proven health benefits through scavenging dangerous oxygen free radicals from the body.

·         Cancer research on anthocyanins, where black choke berry preparations were first used to inhibit chemically induced cancer in the rat esophagus by 30-60% and of the colon by up to 80%. Effective at both the initiation and promotion/progression stages of tumor development, choke-berries are a practical research tool and hold a promising therapeutic source, since they contain highest amount of anthocyanins among native North American berries [J. Agric. Food Chem. 50 (12): 3495–500].

• They also rich in flavonoid anti-oxidants such as carotenes, luteins and zeaxanthins. Zeaxanthin has photo-filtering effects on UV rays and thus protects eyes from age related macular disease in the elderly (ARMD).

·         Chokeberries are also good source of many antioxidant vitamins like vitamin-C, vitamin A, vitamin E, beta carotene and folate and minerals like potassium, iron and manganese. 100 g of fresh berries provide about 35% of daily recommended levels of vitamin C.

·         The oxygen radical absorbency capacity or ORAC (measurement of antioxidant strength of food items) demonstrates choke berry with one of the highest values yet recorded -16,062 micro moles of Trolox Equivalents (TE) per 100 g.

Berries of Miami - 'The Berry Man'

email for questions or availability: berriesofmiami@gmail.com

Figs (Available Now)

Turkey Fig:

Botanical name: F. carica
Family: Moraceae
Origin: Middle east
Season: Spring-Summer
Damage temp: 32 F

Comments: Spring fertilize 10-10-10. Full Sun.

Health Facts:

§         Fig fruit is low in calories. 100 g fresh fruits provide only 74 calories. However they contain health benefiting soluble dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and pigment anti-oxidants that contribute immensely for optimum health and wellness.

§         Dried figs are excellent source of minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. In fact dried fruits are concentrated sources of energy. 100 g dried figs provide 249 calories. 

§         Fresh figs, especially black mission, are good in poly-phenolic flavonoid anti-oxidants such as carotenes, lutein, tannins, chlorgenic acid...etc. Their anti-oxidant value is comparable to that of apples at 3200 umol/100 g.

§         In addition, fresh fruits contain adequate levels of some of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin A, E, and K. Altogether these phyto-chemical compounds in fig fruit help scavenge harmful oxygen derived free radicals from the body and thereby protect us from cancers, diabetes, degenerative diseases and infections.

§         Also research studies suggest that chlorogenic acid in these berries help lower blood sugar levels and control blood glucose levels in type-II diabetes mellitus (Adult onset) condition.

§         Fresh as well as dried figs contain good levels of B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, folates and pantothenic acid. These vitamins function as co-factors for metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

§         Dried figs are excellent sources minerals like calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, selenium and zinc. 100 g of dried figs contain 640 mg of potassium, 162 mg of calcium, and 2.03 mg of iron. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation as well for cellular oxidation.

Berries of Miami - 'The Berry Man'

email for questions or availability: berriesofmiami@gmail.com

Everbearing Mulberry (have 1 gal. and 3gal.. available)

Everbearing Mulberry:

Botanical name: Morus nigra
Family: Moraceae
Origin: Asia
Avg. Height X Width: 15' x 15'
Varieties: Everbearing, Persian and Pakistani
Season: Spring to summer, Everbearing produces throughout the year
Damage temp: 22 F

Comments: Only eat when the berries are black. Berries are usually 1 inch in size.  Full sun for more berries, use cow manure to fertilize, if you must use a mixture fertilize 10-10-10.

Mulberry Health Benefits:

• Mulberries have significantly high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals called anthocyanins. Scientific studies have shown that consumption of berries have potential health effects against cancer, aging and neurological diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and bacterial infections
  
• The berries contain resveratrol, another polyphenol flavonoid antioxidant. Resveratrol has been found to be protective against stroke risk by alteration of molecular mechanisms in blood vessels, reducing susceptibility to vascular damage through decreased activity of angiotensin (a systemic hormone causing blood vessel constriction that would elevate blood pressure) and increased production of the vasodilator hormone, nitric oxide.
  
• In addition, these berries are an excellent source of vitamin-C (36.4 mcg per 100, about 61% of RDI), which is also a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation and scavenge harmful free radicals.
  
• They also contain good amount vitamin A, vitamin E and in addition to the above mentioned antioxidants also contain many other health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, ß-carotene and α-carotene in small but notably significant amounts. These compounds help act as protect from harmful effects of oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease process.
  
• Zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions in the retina of eyes.
  
• Mulberries are excellent source of iron, which is a rare feature among berries, contains 1.85 mg/100 g of fruits (about 23% of RDI). Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, determines the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. 
  
• They also good source of minerals like potassium, manganese, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
  
• They are rich in B-complex group of vitamins and vitamin K. Contain very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin and folic acid. These vitamins are function as co-factors and help body in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
  

Enjoy! Berries of Miami "The Berry Man"

The vendor sale @ Kings Christian School went great! Thanks to all the people that came out and bought some of our healthy berries. . . Hope to see you all soon Berries of Miami

Huckleberries (Coming Soon-Still Young)

Huckleberries look just like blueberries (and are often confused with them) and taste like them too (but a bit more tart), but contain seeds that give them a unique crunchy texture. The seeds are edible, so they can be used interchangeably with blueberries, but, since they're not grown commercially, you'll have to find them in the wild.

Huckleberries have not been studied extensively, but may have similar health benefits as blueberries.

Huckleberries grow slowly. Other than removing dead or damaged branches, pruning is not needed nor recommended in young plantings.  The like 10-10-10 fertilizer but natural cow manure is recommended. They do not require much sun.

Health Benefits of Eating Huckleberries

 

• One serving of wild huckleberries has more antioxidant power than any other fruit or vegetable, thus helping a person to fight against aging, cancer and health diseases.
• Huckleberries aid pancreas in digesting sugars and starches.
• Since the berries are high in iron, they help in building blood.
• Huckleberries are used in preparing packs for relieving running sores, eczema and skin disorders.
• They are associated with lowering cholesterol; protecting against heart disease, muscular degeneration, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and peptic ulcers; and healthier elimination.
• Being a good source of vitamin B, huckleberry supports and speeds up the metabolism rate, keeps skin and muscle tone healthy. It improves immune system function, promotes cell growth and division and helps in preventing pancreatic cancer.
• Since it is high in vitamin C, the berry protects body against immune deficiencies, cardiovascular diseases, prenatal health problems, and eye diseases.
• It also helps in protecting the cells against the damaging effects of free radicals and prevents premature skin wrinkling.
• The tea made from dried huckleberry leaves proves helpful in case of poor starch digestion.
• The berry ensures proper functioning of nerve and muscle tissues, such as the heart and skeletal muscles, due to its high content of potassium.
• The potassium in huckleberry regulates water balances and eliminates wastes.
• Clinical studies show that huckleberry promotes eye health, especially in case of diabetic patients.
• It fights infections, promotes insulin production and treats urinary tract infections.
• Huckleberry It acts as a laxative and treats diarrhea naturally.

Berries of Miami "The Berry Man"

Barbados Cherry Info. (Available Now!)

Barbados Cherry: Botanical name: Malpighia punicifolia, M. glabra Family: Malpighiaceae Origin: West Indies, Central America Avg. Height X Width: 12' x 12' Varieties: Florida Sweet Season: May-Nov. Sparsely most of the year. Damage temp: 28 F Comments: The Barbados Cherry is a fast growing bushy tree that can be trained as a standard or shaped as a hedge. The fruit are sweet to sub-acid, and they are used extensively in juices throughout Latin America. The cherries are extremely high in Vitamin C, and just one has the equivalent Vitamin C content of 20 oranges combined. They are also used in jellies, jams, and they freeze without losing their Vitamin C content. Fertilize bi-monthly, the best is natural fertilizer cow manure, if you must use a mixture 6-6-5 or close to it. Part sun. Berries of Miami "The Berry Man"

Vendors Sale at K>C>S> of Miami,Fl

I will have along with one of the greatest horticulturalists I know, Bryan Martin, a bunch of healthy mulberry trees, mulberry babies, raspberry shoots, barbados cherry bushes and many types of flowering butterfly/humming bird attractant bushes. . . brought to you by the joint efforts of Berries of Miami and Back Yard Palms. 8951 SW 44th St 8-2pm