Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is a popular adaptogenic herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its potential health benefits. It is native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Here is a short description of Ashwagandha: <strong>Ashwagandha</strong> is an ancient medicinal herb known for its ability to help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. It is often referred to as an "adaptogen" because it may support the body's resilience to various stressors, both physical and emotional. Key features and uses of Ashwagandha: <strong>Stress Reduction</strong>: Ashwagandha is believed to reduce stress and anxiety by regulating cortisol, a stress hormone. Energy and Vitality: It is thought to boost energy levels, improve stamina, and promote overall vitality. Immune Support: Some research suggests that Ashwagandha may enhance the immune system's function, helping the body defend against infections. <strong>Cognitive Function</strong>: It has been explored for its potential to support cognitive function and memory. <strong>Anti-Inflammatory:</strong> Ashwagandha may possess anti-inflammatory properties, which could benefit individuals with inflammatory conditions. <strong>Sleep Aid:</strong> In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is also used to improve sleep quality and treat insomnia. <strong>Physical Performance</strong>: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts sometimes use Ashwagandha to enhance physical performance and muscle strength. <strong>Hormonal Balance</strong>: It may help balance hormones in both men and women. <strong>Antioxidant Properties</strong>: Ashwagandha contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative damage. Ashwagandha is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and tinctures. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement or herb to your routine, as individual responses may vary, and there could be potential interactions with medications or underlying health conditions.

<strong>TOURING THE PLANT SECTION OF THE FARM</strong> <img class="alignleft wp-image-1860 size-medium" src="http://tasteofjamaicatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Medicanal-Herbal-Garden-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225">Welcome to our farm tour! This tour gives you the opportunity to experience what life on a farm feels like. The farm which we have selected for the tour is divided into two sections – the animal and plant sections. In this article, we’ll be showing you some of the interesting things to look out for when you visit the plant section of the farm. Here are some features of the farm’s plant section: <ul> <li><strong>Organic Vegetable Garden</strong></li> </ul> An organic vegetable garden is a type of garden where vegetables and plants are grown without the use of artificial fertilizers or chemicals. This simply means that, all the plants in the garden are grown naturally and only depend on natural nutrients for their nutrition and growth. Vegetables gotten from organic gardens are good for your health because they are 100% natural and contain all the necessary nutrients that your body needs. Due to the increasing demand for organic foods, lots of people are planting organic vegetable gardens. However, there are few important factors that must be considered before an organic vegetable garden is cultivated. They include: <ol> <li><strong>Soil</strong>: Since no chemicals or artificial fertilizers will be added to support the growth and nutrition of the vegetables and plants, the organic garden needs to cited in a place with very fertile soil. Before the planting begins, the soil needs to be tilled, to loosen it. After tilling, organic fertilizers or compost manure can be added to the soil, to enhance its performance.</li> </ol> <strong>Note: </strong>It’s important to avoid artificial fertilizers, as using them will defeat the purpose of the garden.   <ol> <li><strong>Location</strong>: The location of an organic garden is very important; it largely determines how well the plants in the garden will do. For example, vegetables need a lot of sunlight to produce their own food (photosynthesis) and grow, so planting them in an area without sunlight would affect them negatively.</li> </ol>   <ul> <li><strong>Vegetable Type: </strong>There are different kinds of vegetables out there, but not all are suitable for an organic vegetable garden. While some vegetables are prone to pest attacks and diseases, some others are disease-resistant and can do well even with low-maintenance. Organic vegetable farmers usually avoid the former and go for the latter. Here’s why: The main goal for planting an organic garden is to grow vegetables without the use of chemicals. So while planting, it’s important to avoid vegetable seeds that'll require pesticide treatment in the future.</li> </ul>   <ol> <li><strong>Planting Technique: </strong>Most vegetable seeds come with planting instructions, boldly written on their packages. Vegetables like that require special care, and the instructions must be followed for them to thrive. Depending on the type of vegetable, the seeds can either be planted in a pot and later transferred to the soil or planted directly in the ground.</li> </ol>   <ol> <li><strong>Watering: </strong>Different vegetables need different amounts of water to survive. While some need to stay moist for most part of the day, others just need a little water for their survival. During watering, the vegetable leaves are avoided, because wet leaves attracts pets – it’s better to water the roots.</li> </ol> <ul> <li><strong>Medicinal Herb Garden</strong></li> </ul> A medicinal herb garden is a type of garden where different kinds of medicinal plants are grown with the goal of serving the needs of general health maintenance. You may be wondering, “what are medicinal plants then?” A medicinal plant is described as any type of plant that can be used to cure or prevent certain kind of diseases in the human body. You may not know this but the truth is, about 25% of all prescription drugs are gotten from plants and over 70% of pharmaceuticals are made from components found in plants. To a large extent, medicinal plants have provided mankind with different kinds of potent drugs to help reduce the prevalence of infections and chronic diseases. Millions of people across the world use plant-based drugs, and despite the continuous advancement in synthetic drugs, some of the plant-derived drugs still remain important and relevant. Medicinal plants can be used or consumed in different forms. They can be used as powders, salves, herbal baths and teas, extracts or syrups. As you take a walk around the medicinal herb garden, the tour guide will show you over 30 different kinds of herbs and also explain their uses to you. Below is a list of herbs you’ll likely come across. <ol> <li><strong>Ackee (Leaf): </strong>One of the most popular foods in Jamaica is the combination of Ackee leaf and salted cod fish. Locals call it “Ackee and salt fish”. The Ackee leaf can also be used to make tea. It is believed that tea made from ackee leaves can treat colds and flu.</li> <li><strong>Aloe Vera</strong>: The Aloe Vera plant has a lot of medicinal benefits. It can be used to fight infections, support the immune system, decrease the inflammation in arthritis, improve the skin, cure ulcers and heartburn, and improve cardiovascular health.</li> </ol> <ul> <li><strong>Annatto</strong>: No part of the annatto plant is a waste; the bark, leaves and seeds can be used for medicinal purposes. This herb is the major ingredient in a product called Cumsee Lotion which can be used to treat ulcers, lower blood pressure, reduce pain etc.</li> </ul> <ol> <li><strong>Basil</strong>: Tea made from this herb can serve as a remedy for stomach upset.</li> <li><strong>Bissy (Kola Nut):</strong> The Jamaicans call kola nut “Bissy”. It is a herb popularly known for it’s ability to neutralize poison in the body. However, it can also be used to reduce menstrual cramp pains and cure nausea, headaches, vomiting, indigestion, rheumatism, jaundice etc.</li> <li><strong>Cerasee</strong>: The Cerasee plant produces a bitter taste when boiled, however, people still consume Cerasee tea because of it’s ability to cure stomach upsets.</li> </ol> <ul> <li><strong>Cinnamon</strong>: Normally, cinnamon leaves are used as spices in the preparation of foods, however, they can also be boiled and consumed as a remedy for stomach upset, cold and vomiting.</li> <li><strong>Fever Grass</strong>: In other parts of the world, this medicinal plant is known as ‘lemon grass'. However, Jamaican locals prefer to call it fever grass because of its curative properties – it is believed that a tea made from fever grass is a good remedy for fever. Fever grass can also be used to cure headaches, stomach aches and urinary infections.</li> </ul>   <ul> <li><strong>Coffee Farm</strong></li> </ul> Coffee farming is described as the practice of growing coffee seeds for the purpose of consumption and further processing. Coffee is consumed by millions of people worldwide, as a seed and as a by-product. The coffee industry is so big that it provides jobs for almost 124 million people across the globe. While it’s great to have a cup of coffee drink every now and then, it’s also important to know where coffee comes from, how it is grown and how it is processed. <strong>How Is Coffee Farming Done?</strong> Thee are three major types of coffee farms. They include: <ol> <li>Organic coffee farms</li> <li>High production coffee farms</li> </ol> <ul> <li>Small family-owned farms</li> </ul>   <ol> <li><strong>Organic Coffee Farms: </strong>This type of coffee farm promotes the practice of growing coffee without the use of use of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals. In organic coffee farms, the yields are usually healthy and the ripening happens naturally within few weeks. Before a coffee farm can be called organic, it must fulfil the following criteria:</li> </ol> <ul> <li>The farm must have been involved in the production of coffee without pesticides, for at least three years.</li> <li>Their pest control method must not involve pesticides and their soil should only be fertilized with compost manure and organic fertilizers. </li> </ul> Due to its high quality, organic coffee is usually more expensive than standard coffee beans. <ol> <li><strong>High Production Farms: </strong>Just like the name implies, this type of coffee farm focuses on producing high volumes of coffee seeds for food industries. Almost 20% of coffee farms around world are operated in this manner. High productions farms are mostly found in Mexico and Vietnam.</li> </ol> <strong> </strong> <ul> <li><strong>Small Family-Owned Farms</strong></li> </ul> Do you know that over 80% of the world’s coffee is produced by small-scale farmers? Well, over 125 million people are employed by coffee farming and 25 million are coffee farmers. They the ones who make it possible for you to have a cup of coffee every morning. <strong> </strong> <strong>Coffee Plants?</strong> On maturity, coffee plants produce fruits and the seeds are called ‘beans’.  Most people eat the coffee fruit raw, however, it’s not a common practice.   <strong>How Many Weeks Does It Take For Coffee To Mature?</strong> After the coffee seeds are planted, it takes about three to four years for the coffee plant to produce its first fruit. After the plant blossoms and produces its first fruit, the cherries take another one year to mature.   <strong>How Is Coffee Dried?</strong> It takes about six weeks to process coffee properly. Firstly, the coffee is placed under the sun to dehydrate the cherry and prevent the fruit from deteriorating. To dry the coffee, aerated and raised beds are used. While the coffee is being dried by the sun, the farmers usually turn the coffee to ensure uniform dehydration. When there’s rainfall, the cherries are covered.        

<em>So, Jamaica has its sunshine, warm Caribbean sea and white sand beaches, friendly faces and pulsating musical rhythms.</em> <em>But what more is there for visitors to Jamaica to enjoy? </em><em>There is, and the Taste of Jamaica Farm and Garden Tour is just the tour that offers just that. </em><em>The Ocho Rios based </em>eco friendly<em> tour offers a taste of a real Jamaica that has often escaped the notice if visitors to the island. But now, it is yours to enjoy.</em> <em>There are several aspects of this tour, all of which are guaranteed to offer fun for everyone. Let's look at some of them.</em> <strong><em>Jamaica's Countryside Visit</em></strong> <em>The tour leaves the resort town of Ocho Rios in the parish of St Ann and takes you on a journey through several communities in the parish, including stops at some of them.</em> <em>These include the world famous Fern Gully; the farming community outside ocho Rios; a working Medicinal Farm and Garden in Harmony Hill (entrance to Hinds Town). </em> <em>The Farm and Garden will feature</em> <ol> <li style="list-style-type: none;"> <ol> <li>Native Chicken</li> <li>Rabbit Ranch</li> <li>Organic Vegetables Garden</li> <li>Medicinal Herbal Garden (Over thirty species of Jamaican Medicinal Herbs on display)</li> <li>Coffee Farm</li> <li>Tobacco Farm</li> <li>Flowers Garden</li> <li>Ground Provision</li> </ol> </li> </ol> <strong>Medicinal Herbs</strong> Jamaica is known for its various medicinal and healing herbs. Visitors will be given first hand knowledge of some of our herbs and spices on location as well as view some of the medicinal herbs from our Garden. Lunch (Not included) Skip the Farm and Food tour, purchase only the farm tour or the nature trail and learn to make the Jamaican Jerk Chicken . Guest wanting to learn to make jerk chicken can purchase un-cook Chicken in Whole, Halves or quarter on the farm and have the full experience on how to marinate and make the Jamaican Jerk Chicken, enjoy your jerk chicken alone or purchase the Jamaican Festival to make a meal with Red stripe, Rum Punch. Etc.   <table class="table table-bordered tours-tabs__table" style="height: 233px;" width="862"> <tbody> <tr> <td>DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION</td> <td>Ocho Rios</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DEPARTURE TIME</td> <td>Departure at 9:30 AM.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>RETURN TIME</td> <td>Approximately 1:30 PM.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>WEAR</td> <td>Comfortable clothing and Shoe, Hat, Jacket, and Sunscreen.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>TOUR HIGHLIGHTS</td> <td> <table class="table table-bordered" style="height: 62px; width: 86.4109%;" width="300"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 55.792%;">[icon_tick state="on"]Breathtaking sightseeing</td> <td style="width: 49.409%;">[icon_tick state="on"]Drive through the Communities outside Ocho Rios</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 55.792%;">[icon_tick state="on"]A visit to a Farm and Herbal Garden – Visitors will be taken to a working farm for viewing of some of Jamaica’s Medicinal Herbs and agricultural produce.</td> <td style="width: 49.409%;">[icon_tick state="on"]Fruit Tasting Session – Visitor will taste a wide variety of our fruits while viewing some of the trees on location.</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 55.792%;">[icon_tick state="on"]Introduction to our Medicinal Herbs: Jamaica is known for its various Medicinal and healing herbs. Visitors will be given first hand knowledge of some of our herbs and spices on display.</td> <td style="width: 49.409%;">[icon_tick state="on"]Cookout where guests can be the chef  and learn how to make the Jamaican Jerk Chicken.They will also sample, Blue Mountain Coffee.</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 55.792%;">[icon_tick state="on"]Cool off with Rum Punch, Coconut Water or a refreshing Red Stripe Beer available for purchase from our Beer Joint</td> <td style="width: 49.409%;"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 55.792%;">[icon_tick state="on"]Cultural music such as Mento and Reggae will be played, guests will enjoy the picnic style atmosphere on the lawn.</td> <td style="width: 49.409%;">[icon_tick state="on"]The Farm tour do not include food or refreshments.  </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <a href="https://goo.gl/GQgy2B" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-1526 " src="http://tasteofjamaicatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/excel.png" alt=""></a> <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147312-d11706753-Reviews-Taste_of_Jamaica_Authentic_Tour-Ocho_Rios_Saint_Ann_Parish_Jamaica.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1620 aligncenter" src="http://tasteofjamaicatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2019-Certificate-of-Excellence-300x194.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="194"></a>

Join us for the Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food tour on our 10 acre organic farm in the cool hills of St. Ann.  Connect with nature, the land and the animals. Become inspired! This tour is a guided, authentic and hands on food and farm tour experience. This tour will take you from your hotel or cruise ship in the Ocho Rios area and transport you through the memorable Fern Gully and to our farm in, Harmony Hill, Salisbury St. Ann. On the way, you will traverse through our local Jamaican communities of Colegate and Walkerswood. You’ll be guided by our 2 resident farmers, Patrick and Lascells, as they help you catch the flavor of Jamaica while strolling through this exotic farm. They will show you unique demonstrations and educate you about the various ornamental and medicinal plants and herbs that can be found on the farm. Pluck a pea off the vine, put your hands in the warm soil and plant something or even harvest some veggies for your lunch time salad as you learn about organic agriculture from our guides.   You can sample our fruits in season, or take a bite of our sweet, sweet sugarcane. Take a walk through our coffee farm while your tour guide talks about the techniques of coffee farming. This eye-opening tour features an authentic Jamaican lunch that encapsulates our local flavors and reminds you of what “real” food tastes like. Goats, chickens, ducks, Birds and rabbits are all found on our farm; and our is home to one of the largest collections medical and healing herbs in Jamaica. From friendly farm animals to incredible plants like Moringa and Neem, you'll discover something new to learn with each visit. Afterwards, relax in the garden, and take in the sweeping views of Jamaica’s north coast, and the beauty of the hills at the same time. Listen to the birds sing and engage your senses with the herbs, spices, fruits, birds, flowers, and ornamentals that are featured on our farm while enjoying a sampling of the world renowned Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee. Children and adults can interact with our farming animal such as goats, native chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs etc. and learn about them. Kids and adults will also love our birds and seasonal butterflies that visit the farm. Our tours are walking tours, however special accommodations can be made for those with mobility challenges. Contact us before you book so that we can ensure that you have the best experience possible.   <strong>Farm Highlights</strong> <ul> <li>Taste our fruits in season</li> <li>Learn about organic farming</li> <li>Native Chickens</li> <li>Rabbit Ranch</li> <li>Organic Vegetables Garden</li> <li>Medicinal Herbal Garden</li> <li>Coffee Farm</li> <li>Tobacco Farm – Learn about Tobacco and hot it is dried and preserve</li> <li>Flowers</li> <li>Fruit tasting</li> <li>Try seasonal fruits from our fruit basket</li> </ul> <table class="table table-bordered tours-tabs__table" style="height: 233px;" width="862"> <tbody> <tr> <td>DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION</td> <td>Ocho Rios</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DEPARTURE TIME</td> <td>Departure at 9:30 AM.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>RETURN TIME</td> <td>Approximately 1:30 PM.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>WEAR</td> <td>Comfortable clothing and Shoe, Hat, Jacket, and Sunscreen.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>TOUR HIGHLIGHTS</td> <td> <table class="table table-bordered" style="height: 62px;" width="300"> <tbody> <tr> <td>[icon_tick state="on"]Breathtaking sightseeing</td> <td>[icon_tick state="on"]Drive through the Communities outside Ocho Rios</td> </tr> <tr> <td>[icon_tick state="on"]A visit to a Farm and Herbal Garden – Visitors will be taken to a working farm for viewing of some of Jamaica’s Medicinal Herbs and agricultural produce.</td> <td>[icon_tick state="on"]Fruit Tasting Session – Visitor will taste a wide variety of our fruits while viewing some of the trees on location.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>[icon_tick state="on"]Introduction to our Medicinal Herbs: Jamaica is known for its various Medicinal and healing herbs. Visitors will be given first hand knowledge of some of our herbs and spices on display.</td> <td>[icon_tick state="on"]Cookout where guests can be the chef  and learn how to make the Jamaican Jerk Chicken.They will also sample, Blue Mountain Coffee, Rum Punch & Red Stripe Beer.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>[icon_tick state="on"]Cool off with Rum Punch, Coconut Water or a refreshing Red Stripe Beer.</td> <td>[icon_tick state="on"]Our National dish, Ackee and codfish will be served with steam Callaloo, Yams, sweet potatoes and Jerk Chicken for lunch.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>[icon_tick state="on"]Cultural music such as Mento and Reggae will be played, guests will enjoy the picnic style atmosphere on the Farm.</td> <td>[icon_tick state="on"]All-Inclusive Food & Drinks</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <a href="https://goo.gl/GQgy2B" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-1526 " src="http://tasteofjamaicatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/excel.png" alt=""></a> <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147312-d11706753-Reviews-Taste_of_Jamaica_Authentic_Tour-Ocho_Rios_Saint_Ann_Parish_Jamaica.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1620 aligncenter" src="http://tasteofjamaicatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2019-Certificate-of-Excellence-300x194.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="194"></a>