Category: Rosarie Salerno

Have you ever asked yourself what was the opportunistic motivation for Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, in 1492 CE, to fund Christopher Columbus’ ocean voyage to the west? In one word “spices”; the most valuable...

Besides pepper and cloves there was a third spice that helped usher in the discovery of the Americas and an alternate route to the East that previously had only been accessible by a long overland journey on the Silk Road;...

The ancient Maya and Aztecs chewed gum, made from the natural latex of Chicle, which comes from the Sapodilla tree.  The latex was harvested by cutting Xs and zigzags in the bark, capturing the liquid that comes out and...

Black pepper is said to have changed the course of history. For thousands of years, Old World traders traveled to India, China and Southeast Asia for it; creating great fortunes for the countries who controlled the trade routes;...

Most of us are familiar with the prickly pear cactus. You know, the roundish flat green pads that have lots of spines, tiny fine stickers and produce a round red fruit, which also has stickers. This humble cactus was cultivated...

Geothermal water is created through the action of the internal heat of the earth. These pools of water are known as Mineral and/or Hot Springs. Their temperatures differ from spring to spring; from tepid to very hot. Geothermal...

According to the oral tradition of the Yaqui Indians the Creator gave life to the animals of the ocean. Some of these sea creatures emerged onto the land and were called the Surem. The Surem were of short stature. They were a...

The people of pre-Colombian Mesoamerica, that we call the Aztecs, called themselves the Mexicas (the Nahuatl word: Mexihcah). They feasted on a rich and varied diet. Thanks to Bernal Diaz del Castillo, who was with Cortez and...

Based upon evidence derived from chemical analysis of the residues found in pottery vessels of Mesoamericans, the drinking of chocolate beverages dates back to at least 3,500 years ago. The Olmecs were the first to cultivate...

Most of us are familiar with the prickly pear cactus. You know, the roundish flat green pads that have lots of spines, tiny fine stickers and produce a round red fruit, that also has stickers. This humble cactus was cultivated...