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NinaNina · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 78 Location: Oaxaca

I've been researching and writing about the raw food diet, and was wondering if anyone has tried it in Mexico. I'm already somewhat vegan, and think that raw in Mexico could be doable, what with the green juice stands, the year-round fresh fruit and all. But what about getting good sources of raw nuts, seeds, sprouts and the like? How hard is this?

MELEE · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:43 pm Post subject: Re: Going raw in Mexico

NinaNina · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 78 Location: Oaxaca

You're right Melee. I mostly see roasted, toasted or processed somewhat, but there is raw to be had (but probably not organic). I think I more have a mental block about all the preparing that a raw food diet in Mexico might require, because I probably would have to purify many of the things first and because there aren't as many raw convenience foods around here.

Mekyn · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 30 Location: Cuernavaca

Making your own sprouts is definitely very doable. You just put a warm, wet paper towel in a jar, put some seeds on top, keep them in a warm environment and wait for them to sprout. Much easier than growing a plant from a seed. My success rate on growing plants is about 50%...I love lemon cucumbers but I can't seem to keep them alive for more 3 weeks. Can't figure out what I am doing wrong.

NinaNina · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 78 Location: Oaxaca

Thanks for your advice, Mekyn. I've been rawish for a couple weeks now, but haven't done the sprouts yet. Have you tried sprouting lentils or other beans? I heard lentils were a good source for beginning sprouters.

Mekyn · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 30 Location: Cuernavaca

No I have never done lentils...but I am sure it's not hard. Getting a seed to sprout has never been difficult for me. Keeping it alive long enough for it to bear fruit has been my problem. You will want to keep in mind that different seeds have different gestation periods so the time they take to sprout will be different. My mom used to always have fresh alfalfa sprouts when I was growing up and they only take a few days but the seeds may be hard to find. I don't think I have ever had lentil sprouts. I love lentil soup though. Good luck on your diet. Anything that is all whole foods should be really good for the body.

notamiss · Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 1:43 am Post subject:

I see about half a dozen different kinds of sprouts for sale in the organic produce section of the supermarket (Comercial). Also alfalfa and bean sprouts at the outdoor markets. But this is in Mexico City; I don't know whether they would carry them in Oaxaca.

MELEE · Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 4:33 pm Post subject:

You can get alfalfa and soy sprouts in the makets in Oaxaca. I have a 70s Better Homes and Gardens salad cookbook with directions on sprouting many other things. It does seem to be easy like Mekyn says, but I've never tired it.

I bet the hardest thing about eating raw in Mexico is not finding things to eat, but resisting all the fabulous cooked things!

Dragonlady · Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 11:35 pm Post subject:

deleted

unrelated to TESOL

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Thanks for that post! Solar powered anything should work just fine here in certain areas of Mexico. My area where we get virtually no rain, comes to mind! >-)

NinaNina · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 78 Location: Oaxaca

Yup, Samantha, solar power is my dream, now that we have a rainwater catchment system done. There is a company here in Oaxaca that sells a solar water heater, installation included, for about $600 U.S. The larger solar panels that could get you off the grid completely cost closer to $1500. Maybe if I get a big writing assignment... I also dream of putting in an organic rooftop garden, but I have a propensity for killing plants, so not so sure about that.

MELEE · Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 2:36 pm Post subject:

You can build your own solar hot water heater for much cheaper than the price you listed.
Also the models that are for sale around here are designed for latitudes farther north and include lots of small diameter copper pipes, here in the land of super hard water, those pipe tend to get gunked up with mineral deposites in just a couple of years. (Though that won't be a problem with rain water--the softest water in the world!) BUT there is no need to risk it, as we live at the perfect latitude for a batch or "bread box" hot water heater. I'll be back in a few minutes with a link to some plans.

Ok here's one (I have a pdf book as well, but I can't find it right now, if anyone wants it pm me and I'll email it to you.)
http://www.byexample.com/projects/current/batch_collector
In the US a lot of people use this style only in the summer (vacation cottages) or as a pre-heater for gas hot water heaters. We have one here and as long as you shower after 2pm, which we already did anyways, it's all you'll ever need.