One of the most enjoyable aspects of living in such a lush environment is the ability to have year-round access to fresh fruits and vegetables. With a growing body of residents and visitors, our appreciation of this element is expanding into the creation of a very special and localized food culture here at Finca Bellavista.
Finca Bellavista is located within an area that is largely secondary growth rainforest. Many sections of the finca are reclaimed pastureland, and our garden crew has worked wholeheartedly to bring back and nurture the existing fruit trees and crops. These sections of land (we like to call them forest gardens) produce a lot of food that creates the staples of our daily diets here at the finca. Yucca, palmito, plantains, cacao (the fruit that chocolate comes from), mango, tikisque (mountain potatoes), pejabayes, lemons, limes, oranges, pina (pineapples), passion fruit (maracuya) achiote (squash) are a few of the things that come from these areas of the finca. Our Vivero (nursery) is an area where foods like pepino (crunchy cucumbers), chayote (yummy little green squashes), sweet potato (comote), black pepper (pimienta negra) jicama, tomate (tomatoes), beninghena (eggplant) and our luscious greens (hearty mountain spinach, spicy mustard greens, butter lettuce, etc.) are grown and harvested.
Exploring the finca's gardens is a great way to absorb the colors, smells, and tastes of the tropics. There's always something blooming or fruiting, and it can be a very enjoyable experience to meander through the gardens see the the food production process.
*Finca Fresh*
Farming Methods
In general, the guidelines in this process are:
New Moon - Plant fast germinating seeds 3-5 days before the new moon. This is also the time for cutting timber, bamboo and palm fronds for roofing.
First Quarter - Fertilizing, composting, and bed preparation are good activities during this week and is the second choice for planting fast-germinating seeds.
Second Quarter - Schedule harvest activities and transplanting, fertilization and harvesting.
Third Quarter - Grafting 3-5 days after the full moon and is a great time for composting, soil fertilization, and bed preparation.
Fourth Quarter - This is the time for pruning and trimming, preparation and planting of fast-germinating seeds before the new moon. it's also a good time for soil preparation for the greenhouse, composting, soil fertilization and bed preparation.
Community Meals
For folks that would rather not cook or those that enjoy a little company, Finca Bellavista provides meals in the community center with advanced notice. In our kitchen, we focus on providing meals that are crafted from produce that is grown and harvested right here in our gardens. The majority of our meals are typical Costa Rican fare, though we have the occasional Pizza Night. Savage Jungle Chef Jef prepares most of these meals, though guests are welcome to help out or join in the preparation process.
Treetops Catering
FBV resident Lauren Lubin started a food catering service to Finca Bellavista's treehomes at the end of 2010. Treetops Catering is a gourmet vegan catering service, offering top quality gourmet food and optimal health to each of its customers. Imagine being able to call in for delicious take-out food from your treehouse! Treetops can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or this form for price quotes and more information. Lauren has also been filming cooking shows in Casa del Mono via YouTube. Click here to view her shows!
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