Tilapia sold at the Mercado Central in San Jose
Tilapia inhabits a wide range of fresh water habitats, including shallow streams, ponds, rivers and lakes. Word-wide, Tilapia is the fifth most important fish in fish farming and to farm one needs warm water as Costa Rica has because of its tropical environment. So, it is understandable, why, just about every eatery in Costa Rica you will find Tilapia on the menu. Tilapia is a mild-tasting freshwater fish, with a firm white flesh. It has become a very popular backyard business all over Costa Rica. Tilapia farms vary from a few small ponds that cater to the personal use, local town demands – to those of a huge ponds that are on many hectors for commercialism. It is common to see the fish sold on chopped ice on vendor carts, at farmers markets and other open air events.
In some areas, some of the commercial outlets will let you catch your own fish and cook your own lunch (they provide the rice, beans and fruit) for a couple thousand colones.
Below are a few Tipapia Receipts that I enjoy.
Tilapia – Baked Costa Rican-Style Tilapia with Mangos, Black Beans and Rice Read more... (795 words, 3 images, estimated 3:11 mins reading time)
Yesterday many websites were in a World-Wide Blackout against The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) bill, and it’s sister bill, Protect IP Act (PIPA), that is currently working their way through the United States Congress and the Senate. These new bills threaten every facet of the internet by letting government regulate what can and can not be seen; a form of censorship - just like China and Iraq does to their Internet users.
Craig's List Blackout in Protest of SOPA and PIPA
Thousands of website owners, webmasters, and SEOs (including Tico Times Directory), joined with the big boys like Google, Craig’s Lists, and Wikipedia and protested for 24/hrs this scary and very unfair bill. The purpose of the blackout was twofold: to raise public awareness, and to encourage people to share their views with their elected representatives.
Fighting online piracy is VERY important and we believe in the copyrights and trademarks protection of others. Unfortunately, SOPA and PIPA bills target the innocent places like American social networks, Blogs and search engines. This alone undermines the existing laws that have enabled the Web to thrive, creating millions of U.S jobs. In otherwords, those in protest, believe the bill violates a few US Amendment Rights, like the 1st Amendment – Freedom of Speech. Read more... (752 words, 2 images, estimated 3:00 mins reading time)
A female Mediterranean fruit fly pumps eggs through her ovipositor into the soft outer layers of a ripe coffee berry. Coffee is one of Costa Rica's prime exports
In 2011 National Geographic had a photo contest and ironically one of the winners in the nature category was a picture of a fruit fly resting on a green coffee bean in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Obviously unknown to the photographer, it implicated one of Costa Rica’s worst nightmares is alive, well, and continues to threaten Costa Rica’s multimillion dollar agriculture business.
The Mediterranean fruit fly, is one of the world’s most destructive fruit pests. This pest attacks more than 260 different fruits, flowers, vegetables and nuts and causes billions of dollars in damages.
It was in 1955 the Mediterranean fruit fly first invaded Costa Rica and did over $2 million in damages, or in today’s dollar, around $20 million. And back in 1955, the agriculture business was only a fraction of what it is today. With said, Costa Rica has taken massive steps to combat any infestation and has established detection procedures so that the pest does not make Costa Rica its home. Read more... (519 words, 1 image, estimated 2:05 mins reading time)
One again, as the New Year gets started, Costa Rican’s will find themselves paying more to the government.
Ticos by nature are non-aggressive, but this time the government may experience what American’s have seen, “country wide protests” and what some of the Bloggers are writing about, “WTF – The don’t understand land!”
Starting today (Jan 1, 2012) Costa Rica will see ( to name the few) higher traffic Fines, increase in tolls, and new tax(es), particularly on corporations, which is caused a bit of confusion.
Traffic Fines and Vehicle Registration
Just about all traffic fines will go up on average ¢44.000 colones. And for the existing high fines that have not been paid, expect a hike of 14%. In other words, a ¢316.000 fine suddenly becomes ¢360.000.
Private cars and Motorcycles will pay on between 30% to 43% more for registration and general taxes.
Traffic fines can be paid at some banks, but then again, find a bank open on Sunday and without a mile long line, and if you can’t pay, one had better keep a sharp eye for a Tránsito official who will be looking for that missing 2012 sticker on your windshield. Read more... (613 words, 2 images, estimated 2:27 mins reading time)
Coffee has always played a major role in Costa Rica’s history and economy. Up until a few years ago it was Costa Rica’s #1 exported and very commercialized product. The largest growing areas are in the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Puntarenas, and Cartago. It is grown just about everywhere in Costa Rica.
Even if I like all the commercial brands like Cafe Milagro and Britt, I really prefer the tiny low-volume farm-specific coffee producers who now keep their lots separate, and either sells just the beans and/or mills it themselves where they keep total control of the process with the best possible flavors and prices. One can still buy a kilo (2.2lbs) of coffee between 3-$6 USD. The San Jose Central Mercado has several coffee retailers that offer local prices.
Costa Rica coffee is considered some of the best in the world. It is high in caffeine, very good body, exquisite aroma and excellent acidity. With said, it is often blended with inferior varieties. Many of the US store brand coffees have a mixture of Costa Rica beans.
Costa Rica has six coffee regions, West Valley, Tarrazu, Tres Rios, Orosi, Brunca and Turrialba. The coffee is grown in varies altitudes from 2400-5500 feet and each has their signature tastes. Read more... (492 words, 2 images, estimated 1:58 mins reading time)
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