Explore the New Restaurant Recommendations section for Jaltemba Bay – written by Tara Spears
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Banana is King of Tropical Fruit
Tara A. Spears
The once exotic banana has become a staple food in the diets of many people around the world. It can be eaten in a variety of ways, including in smoothies, salads, and desserts, but also baked or fried. Did you know that the banana is the third most produced fruit in Mexico? In the coastal state of Nayarit, there are approximately 30 thousand agriculture workers that are involved with the growing, harvesting, and transporting of bananas. Mexico is ranked as the number 10 in world banana production. (gov.mx.agricultura)
A few years ago, I wrote about including banana trees in your home landscaping. (Views from My Tropical Garden – Banana Trees.) While I love the foliage, it was simply too much of a good thing with 200 bananas each tree ready at the same time, and having four trees. I removed them and planted smaller flowering plants. Recently I read that the farm worker receives about only 3% of the sales price, with the rest of the profit going to transporters and retailers. That prompted me to look at bananas in a different way and share that perspective in an article.
Banana farm workers have become a strategic pillar for the national economy, employing nearly seven million people within the country and maintaining significant growth, with this segment of the agri-food production representing 8.1% of the national GDP, according to the Secretariat of Agriculture. Working on the banana plantations requires strength, stamina, and heat tolerance. Each stem, containing 5-7 rings of bananas, weighs an average of 25-50 kilos!
Bananas, plantains, are grown most frequently in the country’s tropical coastal areas. There are 14 types of banana that grow here but locally you will typically find the Cavendish, Macho, or Tabasco. Plantanos range in color from bright green when unripe to nearly black when overripe. The growing of bananas is environmentally friendly the last few years as producers try to reduce the carbon footprint.
Mexican banana plantations achieve remarkable yields, and their productivity is above the world’s average, with 30 metric tons per hectare, according to the federal agency. The large plantation managers are trending to initiate sustainability methods to provide a steady source of income, using water-efficient methods and minimizing pesticide use, ensuring the preservation of the environment and the well-being of the local community.
Storing bananas incorrectly can lead to premature ripening, turning them brown and mushy in no time. The key to maintaining their freshness lies in appropriate preservation techniques. Over the years, scientists and agriculturists have found several methods to extend the life of this fruit, maximizing their value.
Here are several factors that can affect the speed at which your bananas ripen: 1. If it’s warm, the bananas will ripen faster. 2. If it’s cool, the bananas will ripen slower. 3. Humidity also plays a significant role in banana ripening. High humidity speeds up the ripening process, while low humidity slows it down. 4. Light can also influence the banana ripening process. More light means faster ripening, while less light slows it down.
Bananas are an excellent choice if you’re interested in adding more healthy fruits to your diet yet they don’t hurt your wallet. The following list of popular Mexican banana dishes are available throughout the country and you can google the dish name to get a recipe to prepare at home. Chicken Cooked in Avocado and Banana Leaves: Pílte de Pollo; Banana Bread: Panqué de Plátano; Mexican filled plantain croquettes: Croquetas de platano rellenos; Mexican plantains with vanilla cream: Postre de platanos con vainilla; Mashed plantains with pork rinds: Machuca de platano con chicharrones; Mexican plantain empanadas with picadillo: Empanadas de plátano; Yucatan style plantain soup: Sopa de platano yucateca; and Crunchy Mexican plantain fritters: Aranitas.
The next time you bite into a sweet banana, remember that there is a determined and hard-working laborer behind it. For you, a banana in a store is a healthy snack but for thousands of Mexican agricultural workers, it feeds his/her family.
Roadside Memorials in Mexico
Tara A. Spears
During the recent national holiday, there were almost daily reports of fatalities on Mexican highways. Many of the grieving families will try to ease the pain of losing of a loved one by erecting a roadside memorial. Local highway 200 has always been dangerous driving through the jungle due to the lack of shoulders, many, many turns and a huge volume of out of area drivers racing to get to the beach.
I have counted more than 30 memorials/ descanso, between Penita and Bucerias alone. While most car-crash victims are little known people, family and friends want to keep the memory of that person alive by making a public display at the site of a tragedy. Not only do roadside memorials let families remember and grieve their loved one, each memorial draws attention to driving safely.
When gathering data for the article, the majority of people surveyed believed that there are three distinguishing types: using a cross as a marker of death; other shape memorials to give thanks for surviving an accident, and the larger roadside chapel. This is not an absolute as the practice reflects individual religious beliefs, economics, and accessibility to the location.
A recent discussion on Gente Nayarit had some very insightful data. Juan Francisco Martinez commented that “There are several answers related to the feelings of the grieving families. It (memorial) is a reminder to not forget the tragedy and the people who perished there, and to warn that this site is dangerous. Many people believed that it is good to create a memorial so that the deceased’s soul can ascend to heaven and the family can remember them by returning to the site.
Anselmo Ochoa and several others said the memorials are “In memory of that individual’s life..” Yamed Guerrero sums up; “Placing memorials has to do with Mexican culture, keeping the memory and remembrance to the deceased. This practice is a mixture between respect and why not say fear, where a person died, and on the other hand, a place to make prayer for whom is no longer there, so that it is not for forgotten …”
Thank you to Juan Quijas for a very clear reply: “Roadside memorials are for those who have died, especially in a violent manner, as a symbol of peaceful mourning. Memorials are an expression of affection from friends and relatives, and are often decorated with flowers and candles as a tribute to the deceased, helping them accept their fate and rest in peace. The cross is a tangible symbol of mourning and it serves as a constant reminder of the person who died at that place and as a warning to others.
There are two very interesting examples of the roadside chapel near Jaltemba Bay. The one north of Las Varas started with a death and grew larger over time due to additional deaths on that treacherous section of highway 200 through the mountains. It was much smaller 25 years ago but has had additions added.
Long time resident, Viky Robeles, explained “the memorial was built to protect travelers. That road has always been dangerous, especially during rainy weather.” It’s very interesting to visit and see the types of offerings that people make.
Another roadside chapel is about 20 minutes south of Jaltemba Bay. Perched on the edge of a ravine where the highway turns sharply, there stands a marble and gold mini chapel that is shaded by a huge, ancient Huanacaxtle tree. Local legend says that this chapel was built in thanks for surviving an accident. A popular version says that a long time ago a driver of a freight trailer lost control of the rig, falling from the highway into the ravine behind where the chapel now stands. At the time of the accident, the driver entrusted himself to God and prayed that if he survived the wreck, he would show his gratitude by making an altar to where he could bring offerings. He included a statue of Sr. Jude Thaddeus, who is the Catholic patron saint that is prayed to for problems throughout life, be it money, legal problems, or other favors.
The phenomenon of creating impromptu memorials after traumatic death (accidents, murder, disasters etc.) has become popular since the 1980s. When you see a memorial along a highway, remember that it is meant to both honor a loved one and to warn others about the dangers of driving on that road. Safe travels, friends.
No Private Beaches in Mexico
Tara A. Spears
There are no two sides to this story: foreigners CANNOT OWN THE BEACH as stated in the federal constitution. If the offender-yes, offender, because they are breaking the law- cannot say that they didn’t know that an individual couldn’t own the beach, it’s not believable. 
I googled ‘private beach Mexico’ and more than 6.6 million examples appeared in 5 seconds. Every realtor/ architect/ engineer /building permit clerk will tell you that the beach is a no build zone, guaranteed public access. It is such a universal policy that anyone can learn about this law even if they did not do advance research before buying property. The reality is that the same action is illegal in her country of origin -as well as in 99% of all countries worldwide-negates that excuse. That leaves the motivation to arrogance and greed.
Are the local people being touchy about area beaches? Not at all, defending their land from marauding foreigners has been an ongoing battle for the Mexican people for hundreds of years. The public outcry ignited immediate action by inhabitants- bringing a band to the impromptu party on the alleged private beach in retaliation, as well as informing officials.
For more than three hours, residents and local media outlets demonstrated with norteño music and shouts of “the beaches belong to the people!” according to NotiBanderas and other media. The owners stated that they had permits that entitled them to close the beach access, but the government in all municipalities, is obligated to ensure that these corridors remain open. At the very least the owners face a stiff fine for the violation as well as workers who were onsite without the proper permissions.
It’s nothing new for outsiders to want to claim ownership of the highly desirable ocean frontages. Typically, as in Mexico, the designation of a public or private beach is often determined by the application of a concept based on the mean high tide line. In most coastal states, all land below the mean high tide line belongs to the state, and CITIZENS HAVE THE RIGHT TO UNRESTRICTED ACCESS TO THAT LAND. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources reiterates its commitment to upholding the regulatory framework and working to ensure that all Mexicans can enjoy their beaches. Period. No discussion, like it or not, the beaches are open access.
What is ZOFEMAT? The Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone is the twenty-meter-wide strip of land, passable and adjacent to the beach. To better understand this, one must know that the beach is the land covered and uncovered by the water due to the effect of the tide (Article 7, Section IV of the General Law on National Property).
Likewise, when the coast lacks beaches and features rock formations or cliffs, the Secretariat will determine the federal maritime-terrestrial zone within a 20-meter strip adjacent to the marine coastline, only when the slope of said strip is 30 degrees or less continuously. (Article 4 of the Regulations for the Use and Utilization of… )
According to Tus Buenas Noticias.com, verification of the use, exploitation, and development of ZOFEMAT, maritime beaches, and reclaimed lands, are administered by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), as well as the responsibility of PROFEPA to alert. While there are many concerned and dedicated Mexican activists, due to the country’s vast coastline, its rich natural resources, and the importance of its ecosystems, Mexican beaches will always be coveted by foreigners.
The beaches and the federal maritime-terrestrial zone are national assets for common use and are subject to the federal public domain. Therefore, all residents of the Mexican Republic may use them without restrictions other than those established in the laws and administrative regulations, according to the General Law on National Assets. 
This selfish event will have a ripple effect for a long time. The collective anger for the greed and insult is valid. It is good that further infringement is temporarily stopped; hopefully the government agencies will seek the maximum penalties.
The unfortunate downside is that this type of behavior tarnishes all foreigners, the majority who seek residency in Mexico because we value its traditions, love the people, and love its natural beauty. We stand with you to respect your country and values.
New Local Craft Beer: Dos Islas Pineapple Beer Artisanal
Get hydrated, enjoy the taste and get mellow, all at the same time. This fruity- beer beverage is perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially on a hot day when you’re looking to unwind. Tepache helps people to slow down, relax, and celebrate. Talented local entrepreneur, Jairo Bernal Lopez, 322 146 8368, is the creator and brewer of a new craft beer, Dos Islas. 
If you’re like me, I wasn’t familiar with Tepache before trying Dos Islas. It’s a true cultural beverage that originated with the Inca, Maya, Aztecs dating from Pre-Columbian Mexico as a popular drink among the Nahua people of central Mexico. The word tepiātl means “drink made from corn” because originally, corn was the base of tepache, but the contemporary recipes for tepache use fruit.
When asked what category of beer Dos Islas falls into, Jairo explains: “Whether my drink can be called “beer,” technically it is not a beer because it is not made based on barley or hops, such as traditional beers. However, because of its presentation, the fermentation process and the level of alcohol that it has, many people associate it with a craft beer. Dos Isla is a fermented pineapple drink, which looks like a beer due to its freshness, its natural gas and its tropical flavor.”
Perhaps the reason that I immediately took to drinking Dos Islas Tepache is because it is delicious over ice, my prefered way to drink any type of beverage. It’s also satisfying right out of the bottle. From the moment that you pop the top and the exotic scent reaches you, drinking Dos Islas is a memorable experience! If you’re already NOTB, put getting some Dos Islas Pineapple Beer at the top of your bucket list for next winter.
Let’s face it, pairing beer with meals can be tough. It can be difficult to guess what combination of foods and beverages will excite your taste buds. Fortunately, tepache goes well with different spicy foods, fruits, and meats that make the perfect food pairing for a refreshing glass of tepache. 
Hold the tequila, don’t uncork the wine, and keep the rum in the bottle. Drinking Tepache ensures as good of time plus it has a delicious taste. Dos Islas is like the best of the Mexican tropics in a bottle: vivid flavor, relaxing, exotic, try it!