Moringa Medicinal Plant Testimonial

Moringa Micro Greens

Rooting Figs Pepe Vid 2013 (+playlist)

Your health, liberty, freedom and pursuit of happiness

Your health, liberty, freedom and pursuit of happiness

Recently I read an article on Mother Jones about contaminated genetically modified corn and another article elsewhere on GMO contaminated alfalfa. These are just some of the examples of how we are being screwed royally. Not just in the food supply but in so many other ways.

Every American Citizen is being impacted by GMO'S, the Farm Bill, The Patriot Act,  Corporate welfare, Banks, Wall street and greed!

If you believe in the right to free speech and the United States Constitution & the Bill of Rights, then wake up, your eyes are closed. You and I are all now monitored in the USA. Most people know this and don't even care. For Gods sake the news has been talking about it openly and so it is what it is. Incredible!

So why care? Because of the fear factor that's why? Anything you say or think good or bad can come back to haunt you and your family for ever. Do you see that?

Facebook, Twitter and all Social Media is a convenient tool that can be and is most likely being exploited every second of every day. We apparently love to give away all our information. We also like to express our opinions and beliefs. Right? So how many dare to speak? Fear is a means to control, don't you think?

Someone once said..  "The people should not fear the government. The government should fear the people". Now that's what I call true checks and balances.

So what should the government be afraid of? They will always fear a united citizenry! Not a citizenry armed for a battle with weapons, but one that is tired, abused and seeking a level, just playing field.

We the people are the government we are in control right?

Really? Not when we are splintered into all kinds of groups. To divide is a tactical maneuver to efficiently deal with numerous opponents. Do you see this today in the so called news media and in politics?

Wake up and demand that your government represent you the people and not allow lobbyists to influence that which is against your best interests and your rights under our constitution.

Speak out and hold legislators accountable with the power of your voice, your vote and by uniting people not dividing them. If you care, then you must lead the way, then represent the people. Too often we allow elected individuals to be our leaders. That's a bunch of crap. We vote and they direct our wishes for our benefit. "Yes keep dreaming you are saying right now as you read this." Am I right? You are laughing at me because I don't live in the real world and I want to change it.

Money may not buy you true love, but it will get you elected. The impact of the Farm Bill and many other laws primarily benefit large multinational corporations and do nothing to help citizens. The purpose of these laws is to make money and lots of it. The health and true well being of the citizenry is not important when these laws are passed.  If they did then why are so many of us sick and dying in such an advanced nation as ours? Why is the middle class evaporating and why are most of us working harder than ever to survive?

Why is healthcare out of reach and out of control in cost and care?

I always say profit is not a dirty word, but don't you think greed is?

Can anyone compare the dollar figures for corporate welfare to welfare food programs?

I wonder why Corporate welfare seems to be okay.

So here is the part you might call me a lefty right? No, don't do that! We are falling into the label trap, divide and conquer and we all lose. Some will win but are you one of those winners? Do you think so really? Stay with me and think please. The American people are not intentionally brain dead. New technology is just making more of us brain dead everyday. We walk around tethered to a smartphone or other gizmo we can't seem to put down and forget. For Gods sake Mine is in my hand more than I care to admit. Why?

Okay let me conclude by saying that as long as we stay united as people on the issues affecting our health, freedom and right to earn a decent living, start a business and keep the monopolies away, we will be able to live the American Dream. Everything else we can figure out later.

Now go plant a fruit tree or some veggies. Make sure the label says GMO Free or USDA organic. So far USDA means non GMO. Wonder how long that will last?

Should I push the SHARE button? Hell yes, no fear people!

Peace,

Jason "Pepe"
http://www.pepesplants.com

Atemoya pollination by Sap Beettles

Organic Insect spray remedy

Moringa Tree Container Growing

Over watered Moringa seedlings you can save them!

The Loquat tree, tasty healthy fruit & medicine?

The Loquat tree, tasty healthy fruit & medicine?

By: Jason “Pepe”

Mother Nature offers us some amazing gifts and spectacular beauty. We live on this planet and breathe the air, drink the water and we can enjoy the incredible variety of nutrition she provides.

A huge part of our nutrition is derived from plants of all species. Plants also provide medicine and they can also be poisonous to some creatures and yet safely eaten by others.

One interesting tree I would like to discuss with you is the Loquat Tree Eriobotrya japonica. Loquat trees are found almost all over the world.

Some of you may know the tree as Nispero de Japon in Spanish or Japanese Plum, Nespolee in Italian. Many other common names are also used worldwide.

The Loquat tree has been grown in Japan and China for thousands of years. The tree was first discovered in 1690 by a Botanist named Kaempfer. The Loquat tree is related to roses believe it or not!

Loquat trees produce delicious yellow orange fruits much like little pears or plums. They are excellent tasting sweet and slightly tart when ripe.

The best varieties I have come to grow and enjoy eating are Yehuda, Champagne, Christmas, Bradenton and some others. These named varieties are grafted and have been around for many years.

Loquat trees are easy to grow and are evergreen. The trees produce two crops per year on average. These trees are typically pollinated by bees. Trees grow in subtropical and mild-temperate climates. The best crop is generally from early February to March in Florida.

Besides eating the fruit for its delicious flavor and nutrition, some make a tea from the leaves for relaxation and extracts from the tree are used in Ancient Traditional Medicine. The tea is reported to relieve diarrhea, depression and counteract intoxication. Leaves can also reduce swelling.

*See Disclaimer regarding any medicinal or health uses!

Additional Health Benefits of Loquat Leaf

Loquat Leaf is believed to offer incredible health benefits. Keep reading you 

probably will be surprised the tree offers so much to us in so many ways.

Loquat Leaf Extracts Aids Mucous Membranes

Loquat leaf helps your body release anti-oxidants known to fight aging.

Loquat leaf produces a variety of chemicals shown to increase insulin production which may help to reduce diabetes.

Loquat Leaf Assists the Liver in Detoxifying Chemicals

Loquat leaf contains (B-17), and this substance is known to help combat liver disorders as well as supporting the livers ability to process and eliminate poisons in the body.

Much research is being conducted worldwide on the benefits of Loquat extracts from all parts of this wonderful tree given to us by Mother Nature. Some studies are ongoing in cancer research as well as in the production of anti-viral medications.

* DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Do not rely on this information to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for educational purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your health care professional. We grow fruit trees and are not health care professionals.

To learn more about the trees visit our web site

Pepe's Fruit Tree Trailer

"We are humans and we are not genetically modified.

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"We are humans and we are not genetically modified. At least not yet. One day, we may be. Will we let it happen?"

Jason "Pepe" Sept 28, 2012

Can you imagine how beautiful it would be if we all had plenty of organic fruits and vegetables within our reach locally? Today more and more people are rethinking just about everything and local food production is high on the list.

Once upon a time almost every person had food from the garden at their fingertips. Today we go to supermarkets and basically eat out of a box. Look at the size of the supermarkets fresh fruit and veggies section. How big is that area compared to the rest of the buildings square footage? It's really small when you think about it. Do you know what that box of so called food contains? Sure you know the calories, fats etc. Do you know what genetically modified organisms are in that box you are going to eat?

Now I know that we can't all be farmers, but is it that hard to plant a few food producing trees and shrubs? No it's really not! The joy of eating fresh healthy produce right from your home or sharing some with your neighbors is truly worthwhile.

Here are some ideas:

Start a blog, go on facebook, twitter and other social media sites and spread the word. We should work hard to promote urban farming that's sustainable, organic, non toxic and no GMO'S.
Speak out and get involved. Learn about the subject and get vocal, write, protest and please wake up this nations youth to the direction they are being forced into.

Plant valuable trees on your property and encourage friends and family to do the same. What are valuable trees? Well, fruit trees can be a great investment that helps feed your family and also helps the environment. Trees are our friends and our world could not exist as we know it without them.

But Pepe, I don't have a place to plant a tree or start a garden? Well how about talking to family, friends, neighbors, schools and of course if you have the stomach for it "Politicians" Maybe they have some land you can use and share the crop.

A very smart elderly customer of mine purchases trees and gives them to her sons and daughters. What a beautiful thing for a family to work together this way. She has been doing this and so have others.

An old friend used to say I should remember that there is strength in numbers. More people planting more food producing trees and shrubs can make a huge impact on our local supplies.

More people speaking out and helping promote urban farming on a local level will be an incredible bonus to our health, economy and environment. Think local and stop thinking global. Global is non sustainable. Does that make sense? Local thinking and local action in this direction will be good for every American Citizen.

Some folks around the country are actually growing and selling fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and more right from small urban yards of about one quarter acre. One family in Pasadena California has been doing it for over ten years. Here is a link, http://urbanhomestead.org/ so you can see for yourself.

Buying local is not easy, but with time it will be.

Having locally grown food offers us fresher food and less dependence on fossil fuels and that's a good thing, don't you think? Why should we be eating mangoes from Mexico in Florida, it just makes no sense does it? What about garlic from China? OMG it's true, have a look at the labels.

Let's make buying locally a reality, get involved in your community and start community gardens. A healthier lifestyle and cleaner environment begins with each and every one of us.

Jason "Pepe"
http://www.organikthrive.com

http://www.pepesplants.com

http://www.miraclefruit.info

http://www.pepesplants.info

Feed the soil well eat the harvest and live a healthier life

By Jason “Pepe”

All living things depend on the soil. Healthy soil is not dirt! What you sweep from the garage floor or vacuum out of your carpet is dirt. Soil is healthy, alive and can be thought of as a micro universe. Sampling soil under a microscope opens up another universe loaded with beneficial organisms.

This other universe is referred to as The Soil Food Web. This micro universe is composed of many players. Bacteria, fungi, protozoa and a wide range of other organisms exist in it. Mites, nematodes and even earthworms are part of it also. All the creatures on our planet depend on the soil food web. We are no exception to the rule.

Speaking of rules lets think about the old butter commercial that you might recall. Is it butter or is it margarine? Remember that one? It’s not nice to fool with Mother Nature!

So let me get back to the soil and farming.

Today farming is in a transition. For more than 30 years the idea of farming organically has been gaining traction. Every day, slowly we are finding the wisdom of the old farmers to be quite valuable. To understand how and why we changed to predominantly synthetic farming methods requires that we go back in time a bit.

After World War 2 many modern methods developed to farm the land. New scientific research promised to bring us higher crop yields with synthetic fertilizers and insecticides. This modern science based technology spawned a synthetic revolution. Old methods of farming began to slowly disappear as more and more farmers began to rely on the so called modern methods.

Huge corporate empires evolved that changed minds and sold us on the virtues of modern farming technology. Pesticides like DDT, herbicides, fertilizers and other synthetic products that could be created in the lab had great value. DDT was eventually banned after serious damage to wildlife and the ecosystem occurred.

Big profits are made when patents are filed and products are put into (almost forced) the hands of the farmer. Bigger profits are yet on the horizon as corporations continue to patent and control seeds and our ability to grow our own food. What do you think Genetically Modified Organisms are all about? They are about control, profit and ultimately will increase disease by malnutrition of human kind.

Now let’s fast forward to 2012 and look at the health of people and the health of our soil. All the science did was to pollute our air, water and as a result seriously damage the natural soil food web. Today we look at the soil and the organisms in it differently. Healthy soil does not allow pathogens to breed. Healthy soil is teaming with organisms beneficial to plants, animals and humans. Healthy soil is possible when we keep the synthetics out and allow nature and the microorganisms that belong in the soil to prosper.

It amazes me that we think about our health often by thinking about our digestive system. We are told to eat a healthy diet and be sure to have healthy bacteria in our gut. We are told to buy pro biotics, eat yogurt and take all the other magic pills offered over the counter. When you think about your stomach, think about friendly and not so friendly bacteria. Think about the soil food web.

Farming without synthetics and restoring balance

One of the best ways to fertilize your plants is by utilizing natural ingredients found in compost.

There are many ways to create compost and that is a topic for another article. Here we will touch briefly on the use of compost tea and some of the benefits.

Compost tea is a water based extract of compost that can be applied to both the soil and directly to plant surfaces. Home-made biological extracts of this type have been in use for hundreds of years. One reason for its use is that the extracts offer better health, growth and vitality to plants. Conventional farming methods relied on the heavens, stars planets and natural earth cycles. The farmer of the past relied on mother earth and used its wisdom to live a healthier life. Hard work, clean water and good soil provided super nutritious food.

Application of synthetic non organic pesticides and fertilizers harm the soil food web and all of us.

Organic farming methods rely on heavy composting, mulching, crop rotation companion planting and much more. Providing plants with nutrients is more than just thinking about NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) Remember the soil food web? Well I hope so. All those organisms work together to feed on each other and to release nutrients found in healthy soil. The shredded banana, lettuce, egg shells and other kitchen scraps you composted will feed the organisms and they in turn will help you to have great soil. Pathogens are eliminated because millions of good bacteria, fungi etc out compete the bad guys.

In the past compost tea was brewed by letting compost sit in a large pail or a jar in the sun for a day or two. That created a type of compost tea that was anaerobic. Anaerobic means without oxygen. This type of tea was implemented but today a better healthier way is being used.

Today actively aerated compost tea has emerged on the scene. The technology involves agitating compost in a water bath to dislodge bacteria and other microbes as well as humic substances. Microbial foods are then added to the liquid to promote multiplication and growth while air is bubbled into the brew to keep it from becoming anaerobic while the microbes are multiplying. Actively aerated compost tea typically takes from 12 to 24 hours to “brew” – at which time the microbes have taken up all of the added food and become dormant. Actively aerated compost teas do not have a long shelf life however, and in fact, unless aeration continues they should be used within 12 hours of production.

So know let me say that you can add a special fermented blend that is both Aerobic and Anaerobic. This fermented product can be added to the Aerated tea and increase the brews shelf life and its effectiveness.

The fermented product contains additional microorganisms such as: Lactic Acid, phototrophic bacteria, certain strains of yeasts, fermentative fungi and actinomycetes.

Think about this! Who fertilizes the trees in the forest? How do they look when man leaves them alone?

Let’s give the soil what was naturally in it. Let’s help undo the damage we inflicted on Mother Nature. Start using quality compost teas and you will see, feel and taste the difference!

Pepe's Plants

Jason “Pepe” owner of locally based Pepe’s Plants is a man on a mission. He wants more people to start planting and harvesting sub tropical fruit and growing herbs and vegetables.

"Pepe" wants people to know that growing fruit trees is not very difficult so long as you understand some basics. He is eager and pleased to share his knowledge with anyone who visits his booth.



His experience is extensive. In the late 1990's he and his family managed 7.5 acres of land with a wide assortment of tropical fruit trees and exotic palms. His grove and nursery was located in Southwest Ranches near Griffin Road and 178 ave.



Today his family owns a 2.5 acre nursery in Jupiter Florida and he also operates a small backyard nursery from his home in Davie.



"Pepe" joined our Yellow Green Farmers Market Family in October of 2010. He often brings exotic fruits like Atemoya, Ilama, Pitaya, Rollinia and new varieties of fruit hybrids to share with customers. The Ilama is a fantastic fruit with complex flavors. Illama is a rich sweet fruit and a real special treat.



Pepe's booth also draws traffic for “miracle fruit,” a berry that temporarily alters taste perception from sour to sweet. Beyond the novelty, he says, some people believe it may benefit diabetics and chemo-therapy patients.



"Pepe" hopes that farmers’ markets can one day come full circle - customers buy and grow fruit trees and the following season sell their local harvest at Farmers Markets near them.



"Everyone should look at backyards & vacant lots, no matter how big or small, as micro farms for fresh fruits and vegetables. By thinking this way and taking action, we’ll increase the local food supply available to our community,” he says.



"Pepe" Recommends several methods of growing herbs and vegetables. One great product he offers is the Earth Box. According to Pepe the Season for vegetable growing is almost here so stop by soon and say hello to him.



To visit Pepe's Plants stop by booth #163 on the South side of the Market. You can also visit his very informative and educational web site at http://www.pepesplants.com

Best South Florida Farmers Markets « CBS Miami

Best South Florida Farmers Markets « CBS Miami

Your food, your future?

Your food, your future?

"The times they are a changing" Truer words could not have been spoken in the song by Bob Dylan in 1964. Today it's a different world. It's an ever growing competitive and demanding world at that.

Our current means of obtaining food and feeding our families could someday be in jeopardy. We need to see and prepare for the potential new realty. Most Americans eat from a box or a can. We nuke our foods and call it a home cooked meal. We eat on the run and at fast food outlets too often.

Today more than ever food manufactures are making packages smaller and prices higher. They say that food costs are skyrocketing and that things are only going to get worse. Higher prices are the result of higher fuel costs, transportation costs, manufacturing cost etc. Since profit is the driving force and demand continues to climb, the picture is getting uglier.

Do you agree that, we are less healthy as a society because we eat out of a box on a shelf? Do you feel that you pay more, work harder and it seems food prices are climbing?

Well maybe you shop at the organic market. Well, I am not convinced that "Organic “always means it's really pesticide free. For me it's organic if I grew it and I know what I sprayed on it, fertilized it with etc. Today many hard working farmers produce excellent organic produce. I am sure you know it's not cheap.

What if you could grow your own food and it was cost effective for you.

Here's an example: Three months ago I planted heirloom eggplant seedlings. Cost $2.49 cents for 12 seeds. Today I have harvested over 15 eggplants from just two full grown plants about three feet in height and four foot wide. I am doing it 100% organically in Florida soils. My friends can't believe how big and tasty they are. The same is true of tomatoes and other vegetables like beans.

We all may not be able to grow our food for several reasons. Our busy schedule, we live in apartments, we have no clue how to grow or maybe we just hate the idea of exercise, perspiration and dirty finger nails.

If you are one that prefers to let others grow your food, then here is a suggestion.

Join a CSA group (Community Supported Agriculture). A CSA teams up and buys in bulk from local farmers and the members take shares of food.

Or you could actually grow as much as you like yourself. My family grows some of our food in our backyard. We have set aside an area that is 30 feet x 4 feet and in this area grow tomatoes, corn, pumpkin, herbs and much more. You can do the same. Enjoy eggplant, Broccoli, strawberries and more. You can grow organically and never have to spray a synthetic pesticide. The difference in quality, taste and yield is magnificent. No need to break your back or get heavy equipment. You need no fossil fuels either. The secret is permaculture and its principles.

While you think about the vegetable garden, don't forget all the amazing nutritionally rich fruits you can grow as well.

Do a search for Permaculture on the Internet and study the basics of what it is all about. You, your friends and family do have control. Why not take control and begin to grow your own food?

Do it because it is healthier for you in so many ways. Do it to get some exercise, spend quality time with family, save money and learn that you can be self sufficient.

The world is a complicated place; you can choose to make it simple. Just get going and do it! 




SALE: Grow your own food easily without breaking your back: Follow this link: http://www.pepesplants.com/vegetable-gardening.html

Guillaume Nery base jumping at Dean's Blue Hole, filmed on breath hold b...

The Amazing Miracle Fruit

We all want to be green! Right?

Really? What are we doing about it? The only way we will have organic pesticide free foods and save the planet is if we begin to grow our own food. Why not start right on our own 1/4 acre lots. When we begin to utilize sustainable practices we will reap huge rewards. Today very few farmers are offering organic produce. Most of what is grown is imported and usually not organic. Importing food is detrimental to our economy, national security and well being.

The world we live in is changing fast and if we have not gotten our wake up call yet then consider the phone ringing right now. "Ring"...... Hey it's me Pepe wake up! 

Let's go folks start looking at land differently, realize that times they are a changing. The sooner we begin growing our own food the faster we will learn what works and the better our results will be. Our families will be eating food that is fresher and without pesticides. We can grow fruits and vegetables not found in grocery stores. Heirloom tomatoes like the Zapotec variety are more heat tolerant and less susceptible to insects, fungus etc. Do we see the picture yet? 

The important thing we all should understand is this!  The air, water and soil are critical components to our food supply and are directly related to our survival.  So now let me tell you about permaculture and keep in mind that it is more than just organic growing. 

Please note that I am no expert on permaculture. I do know and have practiced many of these concepts for years. My Grandfather and uncles learned these techniques as farmers and ranchers in Cuba, many years ago. Many of my family have passed on over the years but what they taught me lives on today in me and in my son. My hope is that more and more people practice and enjoy growing fruits, vegetables and raise livestock. The experience of growing your own food is rewarding and can bring people together in so many wonderful ways. I urge you to get involved. 

This year my goal is to promote and begin to incorporate more and more the principals of permaculture. Permaculture is being practiced at home in the nursery and in our grove operations. I hope you take a closer look at permaculture and how it can make our world a better place. We may have no choice!          

let's start tearing up the concrete and turn the city into a green sustainable place we can all nurture and enjoy.           

Here are the permaculture guiding principles as I understand them.  They are listed in order of most importance:

Earth Care
People Care
Fair Share

With this in mind I leave you to decide if this is for you or not. 

Peace,

Pepe's Plants

The Miracle Fruit Plant

By Jason “Pepe”

12/24/2010

Synsepalum dulcificum

The Miracle Fruit Tree from West Africa is simply amazing. The natives enjoyed the benefits of the fruit for centuries. The local food supply was mostly very bland. These natives discovered that eating the small fruit made sour food taste sweet and improved other food and drinks.

Today more and more people are discovering and enjoying this fruit all over the world. From San Francisco to New York, Miami and most major cities around the world, flavor tripping has become all the rage.  

A typical flavor tripping party involves groups of people tasting many sour and other bland or just plain foods. The fun begins when lemons taste sweet as lemonade. Some even say that tobasco sauce tastes like chocolate syrup. Well I can tell you it does not! It’s hot like hell, so don’t even think about it! Many other foods and drinks do improve and taste surprisingly better. Try a sip of balsamic vinegar or taste some goat cheese and be pleasantly surprised at how tasty the goat cheese becomes. I could go on and on but won’t ruin the fun for you. You have to taste it to believe it. The only caution I offer you is that you don’t overdo it. Eating a large quantity of sour foods may upset your stomach.

In the 1960s, an attempt was made to market the active ingredient in Miracle Fruit called miraculin. Mr. Robert Harvey, a biomedical postgraduate student, founded the Miralin Company to grow the berry in Jamaica and Puerto Rico. The plan was to extract the miraculin in his United States Laboratories. Mr. Harvey targeted his marketing to diabetics. He felt very strongly that miraculin had tremendous commercial value and was a safer alternative to other non sugar sweeteners.  In his research he discovered that miraculin could make diet foods taste better and with no strong aftertaste.

For several years Mr. Harvey worked closely with the Food and Drug Administration, trying to get Miraculin on the market. In 1974 when miraculin was about to be launched into the market, the FDA pulled the plug on Mr. Harvey and his dream ofmaking miraculin available to consumers. The FDA ruled that miraculin would require additional years of testing if it was to allow miraculin as a food additive. This ruling effectively put the Miralin Company out of business.

It’s difficult to understand how a berry that has been consumed for centuries and now for many years all around the world could meet this fate. Could it be that special interest like the sugar lobby played a role in the demise of Mr. Harvey’s Company? 

So how does the Miracle Fruit do its magic?

The miracle berry is small it’s about ¾ inch to 1 inch. The bright red long and oblong shaped berry contains several chemical properties. The most concentrated chemical is a glycoprotein named miraculin. Miraculin binds to taste receptors in the tongue, tricking them into sensing acidic tastes as sweet. Miraculins masking effect on taste buds is temporary, typically lasting 45 minutes to an hour in most cases. To experience the effect, you would scrape some of the pulp and seed away with your teeth and tongue as you chew it. Wait about twenty minutes and start tasting.

So everything tastes great, right?

Well, not everything. Some foods taste great, some are unaffected and others are a little nasty. Some like beer after eating the fruit and others hate it. Everyone is different and parties can be quite fun. 

Grapefruit – candy

Honey Dew – brings out the soft subtle flavors

Granny Apple – best apple of your life

Broccoli – amazingly the cooked stems taste like artichoke

Plain yogurt tastes like a good fruit yogurt. 

The miracle berry really is a miraculous, fun and amazing fruit tree to grow. Some day it may even turn out to be beneficial to both dieters and diabetics.

Can I grow a Miracle Fruit Plant?

Yes you can. Click here for more information, photos and more! 

http://www.miraclefruit.info

Miracle Fruit Seedling 3 months old