What is a native variety?
This is a variety of plant that originates in the region. It's exciting to follow the origins of plants because they tell a story.
For example, did you know that vanilla is native to this region? The reason people often think of vanilla as coming from Madagascar is because it was brought there. The only pollinator (the Melipona bee) for vanilla lives and originates from this region, so vanilla grown elsewhere is pollinated using a hand-pollination technique.
why does it matter?
Much like our philosophy on growing, we consider heirloom and native vegetable varieties (yes, the original guys!) to be important in saving the regional ecosystem and in keeping history alive.
Many of the heirloom or indigenous varieties we have chosen to grow originate in the Yucatán. This means they were meant to grow here and they love it here! Not only does this help us with pest and disease control, as they are naturally acclimatized, but it also means the people of this great land sustained themselves on these beautiful plants once too! Eat Belize, BE Belize!