#organic agave

[farmobileo3]

I made homemade guava jam with organic blue agave.

[nectave]

Nectave The Healthcare offers high-quality agave inulin powder, a natural prebiotic that supports digestive health and overall wellness. Sourced from premium agave plants, our inulin powder is rich in fiber and helps promote healthy gut bacteria. Ideal for smoothies, baking, or daily supplementation, it’s an easy way to boost your fiber intake. Trust Nectave for pure, effective agave inulin powder, tailored for health-conscious individuals in the United States.

[terracegallery]

Succulent Life...

I offer another richly organic and sleek agave plant. A succulent like no other. Such beautiful colors and textures perfect for any home or office space. Natural botanical art. GET IT HERE!

[solarpunkbusiness]

Biodegradable Plastic made from Tequila Agave Waste

Tequila is one of Mexico’s most iconic and successful exports. According to the Tequila Regulatory Council, for each liter of tequila produced, twelve liters of organic waste is discarded.

Ana Laborde, a businesswoman from Mexico, discovered the wasteful practices behind tequila production – she thought that producing bioplastic bags could be a successful and sustainable business opportunity.

Ana began researching biodegradable alternatives to the ubiquitous plastic bag. However, she grew concerned that many of the common sources of bioplastics, such as corn and potatoes, might better be used as food. Mentioning this to her cousin, who worked in the tequila industry, Ana learned about the vast amounts of unused agave leaves – approximately 400,000 tons each year – created during the liquor’s production. If plant fibers could be easily extracted from agave leaves, she reasoned, this unwanted by-product might be an untapped source of bioplastic.

Her objective was to develop a process to extract cellulose, the molecule that gives plants their structural integrity, from agave leaves. The extracted cellulose could then be used to make biodegradable plastic bags, containers and cleaning supplies. With technical assistance from Mexico’s Center for the Investigation of Applied Chemistry, the team successfully developed this process.

Ana persevered, and in the years since BioSolutions has established strong links with plastic injection molding companies and manufacturers of homeware and promotional materials. BioSolutions’ flexibility has allowed it to expand its product line and customers over time. In 2019, it announced a collaboration with the Jose Cuervo tequila brand to for bars, restaurants and events across Mexico and the United States. BioSolutions is also producing bioplastic beer glasses for concert arenas and stadiums using waste from beer production, an opportunity which required Ana’s team to alter the manufacturing process.

[najia-cooks]

[ID: Three rectangular, dark golden brown pastries on a plate. The pastries are filled with a deep golden curd, drizzled with white icing, and garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme and curls of lemon peel. A lemon wedge sits to the left of the plate. End ID.]

Puff pastry tarts with lemon-thyme curd

Flaky, crispy puff pastry is topped with a homemade lemon curd in this classic mini-tart recipe, perfect for breakfast, brunch, tea, or dessert. The savory pastry and the brightness of the lemon cut the sweetness of the curd, while fresh thyme adds a bit of minty, peppery complexity.

Recipe under the cut!

Patreon | Tip jar

Makes 12 pastries.

Ingredients:

For the pastry:

1 batch puff pastry

For the curd:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tablespoon agar agar flakes (or 1/2 tsp agar powder)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

Zest of two lemons (about 1/2 Tbsp)

1/2 cup (120g) non-dairy margarine

2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves, removed from stems and minced

Pinch salt

Crack of black pepper (optional)

Replace the agar with 1 Tbsp of cornstarch in a pinch.

For the 'egg' wash:

1 Tbsp non-dairy milk

1 Tbsp agave nectar

Instructions:

For the curd:

1. Juice and zest the lemons. Scrub lemons under running water for a few seconds to clean their peels (especially if they're not organic). Use a surform tool to zest the lemons, or use a vegetable peeler to remove just the top layer of the peel (trying not to take too much of the white pith) into strips, and then mince.

Press and roll the lemons firmly against a hard surface to make juicing easier, then cut them in half and juice with a reamer or citrus press. Pass the juice through a fine sieve to remove seeds and fibers.

2. Make the curd. Whisk together sugar, agar or cornstarch, lemon zest, thyme, and salt in a small pot. Add lemon juice and stir to combine. Add margarine.

3. Bring curd mixture to a low boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Lower the heat to medium low for and continue to cook, stirring often, or 10-30 minutes until thickened.

You will know it is thick enough when you can run a finger across the back of a spoon dipped in the curd, and the trail your finger made does not collapse back into the curd but remains visible. Keep in mind that it will thicken further as it cools!

4. Remove curd from the pot into a bowl and refrigerate until cold.

For the wash:

Whisk ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.

To assemble:

1. Cut your puff pastry in half and refrigerate the half you're not working with. Roll the other half out into an 8 x 12” (20 x 30cm) rectangle, then cut it into 6 4” (10cm) squares.

2. With a small, sharp knife, score the edges of each square to form a smaller square about two inches in diameter in the center of each pastry. Be careful not to cut all the way through the pastry—you just want to create a little bit of separation while leaving the square in one piece.

3. Refrigerate the dough squares you have formed and repeat with the other half of the puff pastry.

4. Brush the pastry squares with the 'egg' wash mixture and bake in a preheated oven at 400 °F (205 °C) for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.

5. Using a sharp knife, gently trace over the previously scored squares to re-separate; press each central square down, leaving the outer borders puffy and elevated.

6. Add a dollop of lemon curd to each square and garnish with thyme, mint, or candied lemon peel, or drizzle with a mixture of powdered sugar and non-dairy milk.

Note that non-vegan recipes for puff pastry tarts with fruit curd often instruct you to bake them, for some or all of the cooking time, with the curd already added—with an eggless curd, I found that this resulted in the curd bubbling up and spilling over the sides of the pastries, then burning to the bottom.

[beardedmrbean]

MEXICO CITY — In a small town in Mexico’s western state of Michoacán, members of a criminal group forced residents to pay for high-cost internet service — or face death.

After these threats, residents made monthly extortion payments while simultaneously reporting the situation to authorities.

After months of investigations, officials raided three properties, finding evidence such as antennas, internet repeater equipment and connections, which were handed over to the prosecutor's office.

While it may sound surprising for Mexico's drug cartels to be involved in internet service, those who follow the criminal groups' activities aren't at all surprised.

"Drug cartels have diversified their operations since their inception," security analyst David Saucedo said. "Many of them started as criminal organizations whose main activity wasn’t drug trafficking."

Some gangs were involved in, for example, fuel theft, others were involved in vehicle theft and others specialized in robbing public transportation, Saucedo said.

“Criminal groups that joined drug trafficking already had these other activities beforehand.”

Besides the billions of dollars cartels make from the drug trafficking industry, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says the most powerful drug cartels, Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation (CJNG), are involved in many illegal ventures that result in profits.

“The Sinaloa Cartel is most closely identified with drug trafficking but is also engaged in extortion, the theft of petroleum and ores, weapons trafficking, migrant smuggling, and prostitution,” the 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment states.

CJNG directs the theft of fuel from pipelines, extorts agave and avocado farmers, migrants and prison officials, and taxes migrant smugglers, the report said.

"The portfolio is extensive. However, while drug trafficking is the most profitable activity, it has a longer recovery time for the investment compared to other ... criminal activities, which yield almost immediate profit," Saucedo said.

From cartels calling older Americans to offer timeshares in Mexico, leading to the loss of nearly $40 million, to cartel-backed smugglers reaping growing profits in the trafficking of migrants across the U.S-Mexico border, their criminal range is extensive.

Here are some ways where the cartels have extended their reach:

Fuel theft

Fuel theft, known as huachicoleo in Mexico, is a highly profitable activity for organized crime groups. In the first nine months of 2022, Mexico's state-owned oil company, Pemex, lost $730 million from illegal pipeline taps.

Cartels in Mexico have developed a sophisticated approach to fuel theft, which involves corruption, precision and violence.

This includes tactics such as bribing Pemex employees and local officials for information, drilling precise illegal taps into pipelines, and using modified tanker trucks to transport stolen fuel for distribution in black market networks.

Several cartels are involved in this criminal activity. For instance, the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, led by Jose Antonio Yepez, also known as El Marro, established its dominance through fuel theft before entering into drug trafficking.

Additionally, CJNG and the Gulf Cartel are also linked to fuel theft, which supports their criminal activities.

Avocados

Mexico's multibillion-dollar avocado industry, which continues to break records for exports every year, has also been one of the main targets for drug cartels.

Avocados are known as “green gold” in Mexico, and the country has become the world’s largest producer of the popular fruit.

But as growers’ fortunes have risen, they have faced increasing threats from drug cartels seeking a share of the profits.

In Michoacán, the only state authorized to export the fruit to the U.S., CJNG and local gangs demand payments from farmers, often referred to as "protection fees."

These fees can range from $135 to $500 per hectare monthly, depending on the size of the farm and the level of perceived threat.

The extortion process begins with cartels identifying and targeting profitable farms. Armed cartel members then approach the farmers, issuing threats of violence or property damage if the farmers refuse to comply.

In February 2022, the U.S. suspended avocado imports from Mexico after a U.S. official received a death threat while working in Uruapan.

The imports resumed a week later following new safety measures applied by Mexico’s government in the region.

Two years later, locals say the situation hasn’t changed much, and avocado growers continue to deal with criminal organizations in the area.

Tortillas

The average Mexican consumes about 70 kilograms of tortillas annually, according to the Mexican Agriculture Ministry. It is a staple in Mexican cuisine, which is why cartels have decided to profit from it.

Extortion from cartels affects nearly 20,000 tortillerías, directly impacting the prices paid by Mexicans.

According to the National Tortilla Council, in an interview with The Washington Post, out of more than 130,000 tortillerías in the country, between 14 to 15% percent suffer from extortion.

Homero López García, the organization's president, told El Sol de México that establishments must pay between $135 and $190 weekly to multiple criminal groups to continue operating.

"Well, look, nothing surprises me anymore," Saucedo, the security analyst, said about cartels extorting tortillerías. "Perhaps it's a somewhat insensitive and cynical posture from me, but the truth is that I remain open to all possibilities in this regard."

Chicken

In a video posted on social media two days before Christmas 2023, an armed group was seen arriving at a poultry shop in Toluca, Mexico, kidnapping four workers and putting them into a white van.

The Mexico state prosecutor's office said the victims were retailers who were forced to buy chicken in some establishments. Likewise, they had to pay a fee of $2.50 per kilo in exchange for not getting killed by the Familia Michoacana cartel.

Authorities said as a result of their efforts to combat extortion, the criminal groups La Familia Michoacana and CJNG lost over $43 million from threatening poultry and egg vendors in municipalities of the Toluca Valley and the southern part of the state.

The state prosecutor's office said in 2023 alone, they received 4,010 complaints for this crime, of which they determined that only one in four was made in person, with the rest being indirect through phone calls, social media, and emails.

Three months later, the four workers kidnapped in December were found alive, and four perpetrators were detained, but those behind the abductions remain on the loose and the extortion of poultry vendors continues, officials said.

'Piso' fee

"They were asking me for $600 monthly for cobro de piso; we reported it, and we had to close for a month," Guillermo, a businessman in downtown Mexico City, told local media, recalling the extortion from the cartel.

The cobro de piso, which is the fee cartels charge business owners in exchange for "protection," has been the main problem for merchants in Mexico City.

"The first group of affected businesses are restaurants, followed by convenience stores in second place, and then jewelry stores in third place," said Jose de Jesus Rodriguez, president of Mexico City’s Chamber of Commerce.

In the past few years, extortions have been on the rise. Depending on the areas, some establishments would receive calls, emails, or in-person visits from armed men asking for the cartel's fee.

"They have tried several times, it's through calls," restaurant owner Israel Zavala told Mexican media. "The trust in the authorities isn't very high; complaints have been filed, but they don't proceed."

Analyst Saucedo said the problem with the metrics is that we have never had access to their accounting books.

“We will never have the total amount of the taxable fee because many do not report it to the authorities.”

In Mexico City, there are many criminal organizations involved in activities such as drug dealing, but also charging extortion fees to small business owners like tortilla shops, street vendors, and taxi drivers.

"Since Mexico City is a densely populated area, and we have a very large informal economy, many people are unfortunately susceptible to paying protection money. Consequently, it is a profitable activity for the local mafias," Saucedo said.

 "Besides paying an official tax to come to work, you have to pay another one to them," Angel Campos, a vendor at a street market in Mexico City, said.

[typhlonectes]

Lesser Long-nose Bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuena)

With tongues as long as their bodies, these pollinators are able to sip on the nectar of cacti and agave flowers.

These desert nectar-feeding bats are true heroes in maintaining fragile desert ecosystems in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are the primary night pollinators of both the organ pipe and saguaro cactus. In turn, growing up to 50 feet in height, the cacti provide important nesting and perching sites for a variety of birds, such as red-tailed hawks, elf owls, Gila woodpeckers, and gilded flickers.

The National Park Service promotes bat conservation through research, educational projects, and working with multiple private, non-profit, and federal and state agency partners. 

Next time you see beautiful saguaro blooms or fruit this summer, make sure to thank a bat!

NPS Photos

via:  Saguaro National Park (Arizona)

[positivexcellence]

genpadalecki: Pour decisions have never been so eco-friendly. 🌎🍹 Sharing some of my favorite sustainable alcoholic (and non-alcoholic!) spirits in my stories today to help you ring in the new year. Shop them at the ltk.it link in my bio 🎊

Psst...meet me @towwn to find a festive cocktail recipe using @dulcevidatequila. Cheers!

towwn: kissing 2023 goodbye with an eco-friendly mistletoe margarita made with @dulcevidatequila . 🍹💋♻️

dvt uses 100% organic agave grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, as well as recycled glass bottles + steam distillation to reduce energy consumption + greenhouse gas emissions. cheers to that! 🎊

[booksbeansandcandles]

Fire Cider Recipe 2

Instant Fire Cider

2/3 cup raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple*, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled

1 (1-inch) piece fresh horseradish root*, peeled (optional)

1 large clove garlic, peeled

1/4 small lime (peel included if organic // 1/4 small lime is ~20 g)

1 ½ Tbsp honey (raw, local preferred // if vegan, sub maple syrup or agave)

1/2-3/4 tsp ground turmeric*

1 pinch ground black pepper

1/8 tsp ground cayenne

Instructions

Wash and prep your fresh produce (pineapple, ginger, garlic, and lime).

To a high-speed blender, add all ingredients (apple cider vinegar, pineapple, ginger, horseradish (optional), garlic, lime, honey, turmeric*, black pepper, and cayenne). Blend on high for 30-45 seconds or until there are no large pieces remaining. If you don’t have a powerful blender, this may take longer. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a measuring glass or bowl, using the back of a wooden spoon to squish and stir the pulp so all of the liquid comes through. Discard the leftover pulp. You should now have a lovely orange-colored tonic with no lumps. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more honey for sweetness, turmeric for earthiness, or cayenne for heat — it should be potent!

Drink as desired. Take as a spoonful before meals for stimulating digestion. You can also add it to salad dressings, marinades, or cocktails, or make mocktails by adding to sparkling water.

Store in a glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 weeks. Separation is normal — give it a shake before serving

Horseradish is a traditional ingredient in Fire Cider, but it can be tricky to get at the grocery store (it’s in the produce section). We like the “fiery” quality horseradish root adds, but the tonic is still potent and delicious without it. Another option is to sub 1/4 – 1/2 tsp wasabi paste.

Link to recipe 1

[nectave]

High Quality Agave Products

Discover premium high-quality agave products at Nectave The Healthcare, your trusted source for natural and organic sweeteners. Our carefully crafted agave syrup is perfect for those seeking a healthier alternative to refined sugars, offering a low-glycemic, all-natural option. Produced with the highest standards, our agave products are ideal for enhancing beverages, desserts, and everyday meals. Experience the purity and quality of Nectave’s agave, made to meet the highest expectations for taste and health.

[acti-veg]

News had a section on the issues of agave farming, how rising demand gets them prematurely harvested without being able to flower, more monocultures and loss of genetic diversity in the plants. To no one's surprise, the reason is increasing tequila consumption in Europe and agave syrup wasn't mentioned even once. And while we're at it, blaming rich vegans in particular for agave syrup consumption makes no sense anyway, as organic agave syrup is in the lower price range of the honey sortiment at the stores I checked.

I’ve found that when it comes to misinformation, it doesn’t actually matter how visible or readily available the truth is. They choose a narrative that fits their existing views based on whatever clickbait article they’ve stumbled on, and it takes an enormous amount of counter-information to force them to let the fallacy go.

Even when they do let it go, they move on to the next thing before circling back. We debunked the quinoa thing five years ago, then it was agave, then soy, then plastic. Now we’re talking about agave again, as if this wasn’t already widely debunked. Anything to avoid talking about the actual issues. It’s the same with climate denial, it’s a constant battle to address misinformation, and every victory is unfortunately only temporary.

[sarking]

Citrus Chickpea Salad

Made this tonight, sort of. I used a fresh red pepper instead of roasted, added some black pepper (really? really, recipe? none?), substituted honey for agave (didn't measure it either), and threw in some lemon thyme with the cilantro.

Also, I mixed the lemon and vinegar and herbs up in a bowl by themselves and poured it over because, like, don't you want your flavors mixed?

It's pretty tasty! Not incredible, but I'll make it again; it's a nice summer side and easy enough to throw together before dinner. You could add some grated garlic or more fresh herbs (oregano, I'm thinking, but honestly pretty much anything would be good) if you wanted a little more from it.

Cucumber, Blueberry, and Feta Salad

I made this Sunday and this was really good, and again, super easy to throw together, and held up surprisingly well without getting soggy. (I keep the leftovers in the empty feta container and finished them it tonight.)

The dressing it has you use is Wegmans brand, natch, so good luck finding a substitute if you don't have a Wegmans? (But also, now you know how I feel every time I see a recipe calling for Trader Joe's this or that.) It's a bit more creamy than a vinaigrette, but I think if you grabbed a basic white balsamic vinaigrette recipe and threw in some lemon juice, garlic, and fresh or dried herbs, it would be fine. It was very Italian seasoning-y and the herb I noticed the most was the oregano, and maybe thyme. The ingredients list from the dressing is:

Water, Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic White Balsamic Vinegar, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Distilled Vinegar, Organic Sugar, Sea Salt, Organic Onion Puree, Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate, Organic Garlic Puree, Organic Dehydrated Garlic, Organic Black Pepper, Xanthan Gum, Organic Parsley, Organic Oregano, Organic Thyme, Organic Rosemary Extract, Organic Flavor.

Basically, you're shooting for tangy/acidic and herby. It would also be great with the lemon vinaigrette from this triple melon salad, although I find that's significantly less acidic than the white balsamic dressing.

[thenerdygeekyana]

My problem with celebrity tequila brands

Okay, this isn't in any way, shape, or form to be hateful towards Lewis or other foreign Tequila brand owners, the purpose is to create consciousness of Jalisco's and Mexico's context. 

Agave cultivation has a significant impact on Mexico, both positive and negative. Here are some of those impacts:

Economic Impact: Agave cultivation is a major economic driver in Mexico. The agave plant is primarily known for its use in producing tequila, mezcal, and other alcoholic beverages. These products contribute significantly to Mexico's economy through exports and tourism. Tequila alone is a billion-dollar industry and provides employment to many Mexicans, particularly in the Jalisco region, where most tequila is produced [1]. Investments from foreign celebrities and millionaires in distilleries contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, supporting tourism, and generating revenue through exports. [1.2] These ventures often lead to increased economic activity in the region, benefiting businesses and local communities, although more often than not, workers are paid minimum wage, which just for context the minimum wage is 207.44 pesos daily (equivalent to 10.71 Euro or 11.31 USD), which no one cannot live with a minimum wage, with groceries and rent going up, the current cost of living monthly for one person is around  24,950 pesos monthly. [1.3][1.4]

Cultural Impact: Agave has been used for centuries by indigenous communities for food, fiber, medicine, and ritual purposes [2]. Foreign-owned distilleries often emphasize traditional Mexican production methods and cultural heritage, thereby promoting Mexican culture and craftsmanship on the global stage. Some foreign-owned distilleries collaborate with local artisans and experts, preserving traditional techniques and knowledge related to agave cultivation and distillation. This collaboration can help safeguard traditional practices and expertise from being lost over time [2.1]. But sadly that is not the case for all businesses, which leads us to another negative impact, the appropriation of Mexican traditions, including the art of tequila and mezcal production [2.2], where foreign-owned distilleries may not fully understand or respect the cultural significance of agave-based spirits. This can lead to the commercialization of traditional products without adequate understanding or respect for their cultural and historical context [2.3].

Environmental Impact: Agave plants help prevent erosion and promote biodiversity by creating microhabitats for various organisms [3]. However large-scale monoculture of agave for tequila production can lead to environmental issues such as soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and excessive water usage. Intensive farming practices, including the use of pesticides and herbicides, can harm local ecosystems, impacting flora and fauna [4]. Also, the focus on cultivating specific agave varieties for tequila and mezcal production has led to the neglect and potential loss of other agave species. This loss of agrobiodiversity could have negative consequences for future crop resilience and adaptation to changing environmental conditions [4.1].

Water Usage: Agave cultivation requires a significant amount of water, especially in regions where it is not native. In areas suffering from water scarcity, this can strain local water resources, leading to environmental stress and conflicts with other water users [5]. Jalisco, like many other regions in Mexico, has experienced water scarcity issues. On that note, water distribution is also unequal, with urban areas often receiving better access to water supply and sanitation services compared to rural regions. This disparity has posed challenges, particularly for agricultural communities that rely heavily on water for farming, a problem that the farms sponsored by foreign owners will most likely not encounter. [5.1][5.2][5.3][5.4]

Social and Economic Inequality: Despite the economic benefits of agave cultivation, there are concerns about social and economic inequality within the industry. Small-scale farmers and agave workers may face exploitation and unfair wages, highlighting issues related to labor rights and social justice [6]. There are concerns about the impact on local communities, particularly in terms of gentrification and rising property prices. As the area becomes more popular due to celebrity-owned distilleries, it can lead to the displacement of local residents and changes in community dynamics [6.1]. Small, local tequila and even wine producers find it increasingly challenging to compete with the marketing power and global reach of these large, celebrity-endorsed brands. As a result, local businesses struggle to gain traction both within Mexico and in the international market. This situation not only affects local commerce but also puts pressure on the livelihoods of Mexican workers and communities involved in the industry. [6.2]

The disappointment expressed towards individuals like Kendall Jenner, Lewis Hamilton, and George Clooney, to name a few, stems from the concern that their involvement in such ventures could perpetuate the challenges faced by small, local businesses. It is essential for consumers and enthusiasts to conduct their research, raising awareness about the impact of foreign tequila brands on Mexican soil and the workers. Supporting local, sustainable, and ethical producers can play a significant role in preserving the cultural heritage, empowering local communities, and fostering a more equitable and just industry.

References: (if you want to get more informed please feel free to read the following documents)

[1]: "The Tequila and Mezcal Market in Mexico," Euromonitor International, 2018.

[1.2]: Herrick, C. (2018). The Economic Impact of the Tequila Industry. El Daily Post. Retrieved from https://www.eldailypost.com/mexico/mexican-tequila-industry-economic-impact/

[1.3]: Precios y Costo de Vida en Guadalajara, México. Precios actualizados en octubre 2023. (n.d.). Expatistan, Comparaciones De Precios Y Costo De Vida. https://www.expatistan.com/es/costo-de-vida/guadalajara

[1.4]: Del Trabajo Y Previsión Social, S. (n.d.). Entran en vigor salarios mínimos 2023 en todo el país. gob.mx. https://www.gob.mx/stps/prensa/entran-en-vigor-salarios-minimos-2023-en-todo-el-pais?idiom=es

[2]: Casas, A., Otero-Arnaiz, A., Pérez-Negrón, E., & Valiente-Banuet, A. (2007). In situ management and domestication of plants in Mesoamerica. Annals of Botany, 100(5), 1101-1115.

[2.1]: Alemán, G. (2018). Traditional, Artisanal Mezcal Finds a Home in Mexico City. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/05/travel/mezcal-tours-mexico.html

[2.2]: Haas, A. (2017). The Growing Popularity of Mezcal: A Global Business and Mexico's National Spirit. The Mexicanist. Retrieved from https://www.themexicanist.com/p/the-growing-popularity-of-mezcal

[2.3]: Magazine, B. (2014). Tequila's Latest Hurdle: Cultural Appropriation. Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-05-01/tequilas-latest-hurdle-cultural-appropriation

[3]: Nobel, P. S. (2003). Environmental Biology of Agaves and Cacti. Cambridge University Press.

[4]: Toledo-Guerrero, E. O., & López-Mata, L. (2012). Agave as a model CAM crop system for a warming and drying world: Scaling from ecophysiology to crops and ecosystems. In Plant Responses to Drought Stress (pp. 685-710). Springer.

[4.1]: Colunga-GarcíaMarín, P., May-Pat, F., & Eguiarte, L. E. (1999). The Pleistocene glacial cycles and the origin of the Agave victoriae-reginae complex (Agavaceae) in Central Mexico. Molecular Ecology, 8(10), 1605-1613.

[5]: Mayer, M., & Glenna, L. L. (2017). Economic geography, community attachment, and sustainability in the wine and agave industries in Jalisco, Mexico. Geoforum, 78, 92-104.

[5.1]: CNA (Comisión Nacional del Agua). (2017). Estadísticas del Agua en México. Retrieved from http://www.conagua.gob.mx/CONAGUA07/Publicaciones/Publicaciones/EAM_2017.pdf

[5.2]: García, A. B., & Valdés, G. S. (2013). Sustainability of Water Resources in Jalisco, Mexico. Sustainability, 5(12), 5189-5213.

[5.3]: GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit). (2014). Integrated Water Resources Management in Mexico: Experiences and Lessons Learned from the Altos de Jalisco. Retrieved from https://www.giz.de/en/downloads/giz2014-en-water-altos-de-jalisco-en.pdf

[5.4]: SEDESOL (Secretaría de Desarrollo Social). (2018). Diagnóstico del Agua Potable, Alcantarillado y Saneamiento en México. Retrieved from https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/384212/Diagnostico_Agua_Potable_Alcantarillado_y_Saneamiento.pdf

[6]: Torres-Ruiz, F. (2012). Haciendas, peones, and post-revolutionary politics: The early history of the tequila industry. Mexican Studies/Estudios Mexicanos, 28(2), 305-334.

[6.1]: Barajas, A. (2019). In a Mexican town dependent on tourism, a tequila bar starts a debate. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-12-27/in-tourism-dependent-tequila-mexicans-ask-is-it-still-ours

[6.2] Ficker, M. (2019). "Sipping on Social Justice: How Your Tequila Purchase Supports Mexican Communities." Forbes.

[6.3] Almeida, I., de Azevedo, J., & Assunção, L. (2019). "Mexico and Its Tequila Industry: Production and Exports." Brazilian Journal of Food Technology, 22.

[6.4] Mora, D. F., & Catepillán, D. (2018). "Territorial and Innovation Dynamics in the Mezcal Industry in Mexico: Challenges and Opportunities." Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 42(5), 543-563.

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Madam is so overexposed I know more about her cooking/dietary habits than I could ever want to by u/Training-Jello7600

Madam is so overexposed I know more about her cooking/dietary habits than I could ever want to Wannabe foodie Meghan is my favorite of all her eras. It was right before Harry; she was desperately looking for her third (fourth? fifth?) act and sleeping her way into the Toronto food scene and writing some of the most godawful prose ever committed to page on that blog. I enjoy seeing someone so basic and cringe attempt to pivot from a lackluster acting career into an even more lackluster career as a foodie guru influencer.(As a side note, it’s telling and ironic that the most successful and uplifting content of her life was the “Together” cookbook, made when she was a working royal. Looks like the Palace knows what they are doing after all!)In honor of foodie Meghan, and in anticipation of whatever she’s about to unleash on us on her Instagram if it ever does indeed launch, I’ve compiled a perfect day of eating for the Meg.Breakfast:- For madam: After barking at her maids to clean up the broken crockery from the night before, she tucks into “A cup of hot water and a slice of lemon, followed by her favourite breakfast of steel-cut oats (usually made with almond or soy milk) with bananas and agave syrup for sweetness” (a line from the Pulitzer-winning “Finding Freedom”)For the three children (Todger Cream included): First a serving of inspirational bananas with messages such as “stay strong” (they’re gonna need it in that household!) on the peel. Then organic waffles on the Queen’s waffle maker. It’s shocking we don’t know the brand and that it hasn’t been merched yet, but there’s always time.Lunch:- A “mean bolognese” (Megain’s words), most likely Chef Corey’s recipe but repurposed for ensnaring Harry, who was impressed with her apparently amazing use of spicesFor the kids: In-N-Out milkshakes because she’s a cool relatable young mother of littlesSnack:- For the kids: Quesadillas served in a poverty backpack for the unhousedFor the man child: Vegetables from the garden and try-hard jam with Etsy labels that they haven’t been able to foist onto more unfortunate journos For Madam: A Clevr SuperLatte with a foam of trace lead and other earth metalsDinner:- Sushi appetizer for her while Harry sulks that there isn’t a steak option. He whines so much that she whips up her signature invisi-tacos a la Michelle Obama and puts Nando’s Peri-Peri sauce on them to remind him of the time she ate a three course meal while also on an epidural/bouncing on an exercise ball at the same timeAn engagement roast chicken for the main; Ina still hasn’t called but she’s holding out hope for a collabSome plant-based/pretentious sides with the latest pseudoscientific healthy merchable ingredients That f*cking lemon olive oil cake made with lemons from her trees (that if I hear about one more time I’m going to explode)Several bottles of Tignanello, our Saint’s ambrosia of enlightenment Late Night Snack:- Ozempic a la modeThere you have it! Let me know if I missed any of our Saint’s favorites. post link: https://ift.tt/mFKz8Ms author: Training-Jello7600 submitted: January 12, 2024 at 09:24PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit

[madamlaydebug]

Hidden deep within your brain the pineal gland is regulating daily and seasonal rhythms in response to sunlight. Unfortunately, accumulating neurotoxicity, inflammation, and calcification, is silently crushing this critical gland.

Pineal Purpose

The pineal-body is a pea-size pinecone-shaped endocrine gland weighing just 0.1g and floating in its own pool of cerebrospinal fluid, above the roof of your mouth. It contains photoreceptive cells that switch on, and off, hormone and neurotransmitter production on or off in response to sunlight.

Seeds, greens, avocados, and burro bananas - make sure you fuel pineal production. Dr. Sebi taught us that “Real Soul food is food that enhances the Soul, our central Sun, our carbon. Fruits, vegetables, grains, this is REAL food.”

Master Conductor

The pineal gland controls other endocrine glands, interlinking the brain with the body via hormones and neurotransmitters. Acting like a biological-clock, the pineal gland coordinates our interaction with the sun:

Rhythms: sleep and wake cycles, seasonal responses.

Reproduction: fertility levels and sex hormone production.

Regulation: growth, body temperature, and blood pressure.

Immune: activation, tumor suppression, cell rejuvenation.

Neurotoxins and Calcification

Toxins cause inflammation, reduce mental efficiency, and deregulate hormone production. Sleep disorders, depression, and neurodegeneration (e.g. Alzheimer’s) are all associated with calcification of the pineal gland.

Deposits of chalky calcium restrict the gland, reduce its size, and impede the production of neuro-endocrine substances. The pattern of pineal calcification is similar to teeth-enamel, and fluoridation (water and toothpaste) is linked to the destruction of this enigmatic gland.

Detoxification, Relaxation, and Nutrition

Chronic inflammation causes calcification. Reducing exposure to inflammatory neurotoxins begins to restore the correct mineral balance, and decalcify the pineal gland:

Fluoride: highest concentration in the body found in calcified tissue in the pineal gland.

Chlorine: public water is bleached with chlorine, associated with neurological birth defects.

Aluminum: leaches from pots, pans, and foil, associated with plaques seen in Alzheimer’s.

Sugar & chemical sweeteners: over-stimulate and damage neurons, reduce dopamine.

MSG & derivatives: confusingly labeled, many processed foods include this neurotoxin.

Endotoxins: bad bacteria in the gut produce toxins that inflame the gut and brain.

Stress: prolonged fear is toxic, causes the amygdala to shrink, and emotional fatigue.

The next step is supporting the brain to clear the waste and rejuvenate:

Sleep: at night the brain is ‘washed’ clean, detoxified, and replenished with nutrients.

Hydration: to bathe the brain and pineal gland you need to keep fluids flowing.

Meditation: like exercise for the brain, rewires, and strengthens your emotional health.

Berries (except cranberry): reduce free radical damage and nourish with flavonoids.

Coconut oil: alternative fuel for the brain which produces less oxidative damage.

Apples, seeded grapes & prunes: are high in boron which naturally displaces fluoride.

Tamarind: increases fluoride output in urine, helps retain zinc and magnesium. Fresh organic tamarind pulp or paste is easily mixed with water into a sweet and sour flavored drink, add a little agave if the taste is too lip-puckering!

•Dr. Sebi