Black Bay resident, Jerel Langaigne-Sampson, is the daughter of a local farmer, who is using ground provisions to make a variety of local flours; inspiration stemmed from her understanding the value of food. “I noticed that a lot of farmers in Grenada have a problem with spoilage of ground provisions when produce is not sold or not utilized by their families; I decided to come up with a way to minimize the spoilage and make a value-added product from the things that we already grow,” she explained.
“In Grenada, the food import bill is high, and I wanted to be a part of the group that can offer a solution to the problem,” she continued.
Jerel believes that her gluten free products are versatile enough to be added to almost any dish, pancakes, cakes, dumplings, food for babies, bread, etc.
The process to create the various types of flour starts in the garden, where the raw materials are sourced by Jerel’s Dad. The provisions are left to dry and go through a lengthy process before it is ground into flour. Langaigne-Sampson says she enjoys this process because it makes her feel like she is, “adding something and doing something to make her community a little better.”
Flours come in two different sizes: the flavour pack and the big pack. The variations are Blessed Breadfruit, Bountiful Bluggoe, Glorious Green Banana, Captivating Cassava, Classic Corn, Perfect Plantain, Satisfying Sweet Potato, Delicious Dasheen, Tasty Tannia and Yummy Yam.
The local manufacturer explained the difficulty in getting local products on the shelves of supermarkets; an occurrence she wishes would change soon. Adapting to this challenge, Jerel is managing a vibrant social media platform (Facebook page) that allows customers to contact and purchase products easily. The products are also found at Hotspot supermarkets, Art and Spice at Spiceland Mall. Persons can also call the business on 536-0860.
Jerel aspires to expand the business to more local supermarkets and to begin exportation of the flours.
BUNCH CLEARING FOR BANANAS- Taken from the Banana Tech Pack Developed by IICA
After the flag leaf has heralded the coming of the bunch, the bunch begins to bend towards the ground. Once the bunch has emerged, the flag leaf must be pulled away from the bunch to avoid scarring the tender bananas. At this time, any dried and dying leaves must be removed from the plant to avoid scarring the bananas.
Continue removing dried leaves and any other leaves that are in direct contact with the developing bunch
Planting Days: October
28th – 31st
A most barren period, best for killing plant pests or doing chores around the farm.
November:
1st -2nd
Favourable time for sowing grains, hay, and fodder crops. Plant flowers. Favourable days for planting root crops.
3rd – 4th
Start seedbeds. First day is a good day for transplanting. First day is also when to plant carrots, beets, onions, and other root crops. Second day is good for planting cabbage, celery, cauliflower, Brussel Sports, and other leafy vegetables.
5th – 6th
Poor planting days.
