Illustration, Cannabis sativa, 1800s. Permission granted to use under GFDL by Kurt Stueber.

The Ultimate Guide to Hybrid Strains of Cannabis

Even if you’re new to the world of marijuana, you’ve probably heard names like Skunk #1, NYC Diesel and White Widow. These are just some popular examples of hybrid strains of cannabis.

Thanks to hybrids, you don’t have to choose between marijuana that is strictly indica or sativa. Today, most of the cannabis strains you encounter are of the hybrid variety.

What is a Hybrid Strain?

There are two basic types of cannabis plants: indica and sativa.

Sativa strains are notorious for making users feel energetic and happy. Cannabis indica, on the other hand, is generally considered relaxing and mellow.

The vast majority of cannabis strains are hybrids, which means they combine the best properties of both kinds of cannabis. They are deliberately crossed by cannabis breeders to include properties of both indica and sativa strains.

A Question of Dominance

Some hybrids are balanced evenly, with a 50/50 split on both the indica and sativa side. These are called balanced hybrids. Not very many hybrid strains of cannabis are evenly divided.

Most hybrid strains of marijuana are indica dominant or sativa dominant. These types favor one side over the other and you can choose based on your personal preferences.

If you want more of an energetic, cerebral high, but with some of the added benefits of an indica to relax your body, then you would choose a sativa dominant. Those who would prefer more of a physically relaxing experience but a milder buzz would enjoy an indica dominant.

This is not only an interesting challenge for cannabis breeders, but creates a myriad of choices for consumers with varying preferences..

By My 420 Tours – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69349115

The Science and the Effects of Hybrid Cannabis

The idea behind creating hybrid strains is more than just combining two different types of weed. Anyone can put a seed in the dirt for fun. Professional breeders use complex knowledge about genetics and Mendel’s laws of inheritance to create plants that win awards and become internally renowned.

Sometimes hybrids are created to make a cannabis plant more hardy, increase production or control their size.

Cross a tall sativa with a shorter indica so the plant can grow indoors. Indica genetics will take the cerebral edge off a powerful sativa and give it a more mellow effect, or thicken the resin and make the plant more suitable for making cannabis products such as hash or budder.

There are literally thousands of different combinations and possibilities.

Canadian growers like Jordan of the Islands have a reputation for crossing tall sativas with shorter indicas. This gives the plants a tougher edge to grow outdoors in the northern rain forest or shorter height so the plants can stay indoors. The practice has resulted in some stellar hybrid marijuana strains like God Bud and Blue Shiva.

The Roots of the Hybrid Strains

photo: http://trimready.com

Cannabis indica and cannabis sativa trace their origins back to two major regions; modern day India and Central Asia. Marijuana aficionados from around the world have worked with these two basic elements to create thousands of modified final products.

Modern travel and tourism have also been a big contributor to the many new hybrid cannabis strains. Cannabis tourism and global seed sales are now mainstream industries and are a subculture onto themselves.

These are a few international locations that have been the most influential to the creation of the vast majority of today’s hybrid cannabis strains.

India

The medical use of cannabis has always remained legal in India and several states recreational use used to be permitted, but the authoritarian government of Modi has restricted the practise.

The history of the cannabis plant traces some of its earliest origins to India where it was (and continues to be) celebrated in festivals, used in food, and forms an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine. Plants that originated in India are indica dominant.

Thailand

We’re not sure what drew the tourist trade here first, the breathtaking landmarks or legendary stories about the Thai Stick strain. Either way, this south Asian paradise has given the world some of the most impressive hybrids with an emphasis on sativa strains. Until a brutal crackdown that started in 2003 (courtesy of Prime Minister Thaksin) Thailand was a safe and tolerant haven for cannabis users. Today, even more so, thanks to legalization.

Hawaii

A mix of rich, volcanic soil and a humid tropical climate means an ideal growing area for potent sativa strains. Maui Wowi and Kona Gold are just two of many famous plants that trace their ancestry back to Hawaii and the surrounding islands. Many of the oldest strains that have been historically cultivated on these islands have been lost or gone extinct. Others have simply been pushed out by foreign imports.

Mexico

“I got the plug on Oaxaca.”

The lyrics in Childish Gambino’s song, “This is America” contain a reference to the state of Oaxaca in Mexico’s southernmost region in regards to drug trafficking. Mexico’s association with marijuana is deeply ingrained in North American pop culture. The sunny slopes of Mexico are ideal for sativa dominant hybrid strains, and plants from south of the border include famous names like Acapulco Gold and Mexican Sativa. Mexico is ahead of the curve when it comes to legalizing medicinal marijuana and CBD, but the cartels still use cannabis as a cash cow.

Afghanistan

The indica side of the marijuana hybrid strain has its earliest origins in Afghanistan. The Kush family of marijuana strains, a group of hybrids with an indica dominant lineage, traces its history here. Legend has it this is also where the first varieties of hashish were developed, which is likely given these varieties are heavy in resin.

Consuming Hybrid Strains of Marijuana

Yet another great thing about hybrids is their versatility. You don’t have to choose based on effects alone. Modern breeders have created varieties that taste, smell, smoke, vaporize or cook exactly the way you want.

Whatever your preference, from advanced vaporizers to that classic hand-rolled joint, there’s a type of cannabis hybrid for you. Other forms of cannabis that are currently available include extracts and oils along with a wide variety of edible products.

Medical users that need to be discreet but also require frequent use and quick results can use their hybrid of choice with a small portable vaporizer. Those who are handy in the kitchen can either buy cannabis-infused cooking oil or follow a handy recipe to make their own.

The Most Popular Hybrid Strains of Cannabis

Some of the most notorious hybrid strains of cannabis are associated with interesting urban legends. Many notable hybrids are attributed to the work of modern breeding companies and have won global awards. They are famous as ancestors of other types of marijuana, leading to a whole new generation of strains.

Occasionally the names of the original breeders and exact genetic background have been lost to the ages. Some strains of hybrid cannabis become so popular and prevalent that their genetics essentially become part of the public domain.

Here are a few interesting stories that you might hear or share at the local Compassion Club. The following strains are famous for their notable pedigree, appearances in popular culture and their contribution to other modern strains.

White Widow

An indica-dominant strain from India’s cannabis cradle was crossed with a potent Brazilian sativa, and the result was the iconic White Widow. This hybrid strain was bred in the Netherlands more than 20 years ago with from plants had origins in the Kerala Mountains of southern India.

The other “whites” like White Rhino, for example, have a similar lineage. The White Widow shines with a thick layer of frosty, sticky trichomes, hence its name. The high is energetic and sustaining but also has a pleasant relaxing effect, with a 60/40 balance that’s heavy on the indica.

Skunk #1

Skunk #1 could be one of the first strains to be bred and grown on a professional level, the genesis of what would become a billion dollar industry. It was so well-known and widely consumed that virtually all types of cannabis were simply referred to as “skunk” back in the 1970s and early 1980s. The strain itself was often known only as #1, which was specific enough given its massive popularity and notorious aroma.

A hybrid originally bred by the Dutch company Soma Seeds the 1970s, Skunk #1 hovers in the neighborhood of 65/35 indica dominant. Skunk mixes the best of several strains from all over the world, including Thai, Afghani and Mexican, but it’s exact origins and family tree are unknown.

Jack Herer

This is a name you’ve heard spoken with reverence in any community that consumes and uses the cannabis plant. Jack Herer is a hybrid named after the author of a book called The Emperor Wears No Clothes which is a comprehensive collection of myths, history and facts about cannabis. Like the book, the strain is an ideal choice for those that are not yet familiar with cannabis but would like to learn more.

Jack Herer is another creation from across the pond, this time from renowned breeder Sensi Seeds based in the United Kingdom. It’s one of the few truly balanced hybrid strains of cannabis with an even 50/50 in terms of sativa versus indica effects. The Dutch authorities have acknowledged its medical uses and the strain has won several awards and competitions.

OG Kush

A lasting testament to the brilliant growers and breeders of California, the myriad of choices with “Kush” in the name can be traced back to this famous strain. Many in the current industry compare its modern influence to the vintage Skunk #1 of the bygone hippie days, especially in the sense that it lent its name to so many other strains and even grew to be another word for weed itself.

Legend has it that the original breeders were based out of Florida, then moved their operations to Los Angeles in the 1990s. OG Kush appeared on the market in 1995 before taking the cannabis world by storm at the turn of the century. Other famous Kush names include Bubba and Lemon. Virtually all varieties of Kush are known for being close to balanced, with a slight favoritism towards the sativa side at about 60/40.

Pineapple Express

Made famous by the film of the same name, Pineapple Express was already one of the more popular hybrid strains in Holland before it appeared on the silver screen. The name itself is a clever callback to the famous parent plants, with Hawaiian on the sativa side and Trainwreck on the indica side.

The original breeders are unknown, but the folks at Barney’s Farm in Amsterdam currently offer an auto-flowering variety. Although the combination is not far from a balanced hybrid at 60/40, this strain is recognized for its energetic and long lasting high which which is often associated with stronger sativas. It has a distinctively fruity taste and smell.

Juicy Fruit

Another significant contribution to cannabis culture from Sensi Seeds, Juicy Fruit, a.k.a. Fruity Juice, is the product of two heavy hitters. This hybrid strain is the product of a classic Thai sativa and an old-school Afghani indica. It’s very close to a balanced hybrid like its compatriot Jack Herer, but leans slightly more to the sativa side with a 55/45 split.

The story of how Sensi Seeds perfected this particular plant is an adventure that literally took decades. The plants were difficult to isolate and finally breed into a plant that could grow under almost any conditions and present such a typical example of both parents. The exotic taste and smell recall this hybrid strain’s exotic heritage.

Himalayan Gold

The Kashmiri Mountains of Nepal and Northern India are home to some of the oldest cannabis genetics in the world. India is home to the indica variety and Nepal has contributed to the sativa side. It makes logical sense that this geographical area would be the first to combine the two.

Sonmarg Valley in Kashmir, By Biswarup Bhattacharjee – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49795885

Nobody is sure who succeeded first, but we do know that a strain called Himalayan Gold was making headway into cannabis culture as early as the 1960s. Various companies have bred different versions that include some feminized varieties.

The indica side of Himalayan Gold is the dominant influence at 60/40, but it can grow to sativa size, about five feet, if it’s grown outdoors.

NYC Diesel

This hybrid strain is also known as Soma Sour Diesel, a reference to the breeder that created the strain. Amsterdam based Soma Sacred Seeds currently sells the classic version of this now-famous strain. It has won nine Cannabis Cup awards, two of which have been first-place showings.

NYC Diesel is a what happens when modern cannabis breeding goes truly international. It was originally developed in New York, a cross between a classic Mexican sativa and an Afghani indica, touched by every corner of the planet. The strain is on the sativa-dominant side at 60/40 and is known for a distinctive fruity smell.

God Bud

God Bud distinguished the breeders of Canada’s West Coast as some of the best in the world when the practice was still fairly new north of the border. It was the flagship strain of the original developer, BC Bud Depot, which also developed strains like Blue Dream and Girl Scout Cookies.

God Bud is hard to find in its pure form today, but is the basis for several of their other notable hybrid cannabis strains. The genetics are a mix of Hawaiian sativas and some of South Asia’s most powerful indicas, making this an indica dominant hybrid. This is one of the less-balanced entries on our list, with a 75/25 division.

Thai Lights

You’ve also heard this cannabis variety referred to as Thai Stick, another famous classic that dates from the hippie days. This sativa dominant hybrid strain is only available through certain Canadian seed banks.

The exact genetics come from the mountains of northeastern Thailand, an area known for its sativas, and the notorious indica-dominant hybrid strain Northern Lights.

The plant is close to balanced at 60/40 favoring the indica side. Like most plants that come from Canadian companies, the plant is designed to grow indoors and does well in smaller spaces.

Are Marijuana Hybrids Right for You?

Browsing the many different types of cannabis strains and finding the right one for you can feel overwhelming.

Do you need to stay focused while medicating? Choose a hybrid that’s indica dominant but with a strong sativa pedigree.

Are you using cannabis to relax after work but still want to stay active? A hybrid strain of marijuana that favors the sativa side is an ideal choice.

Are you looking for something can combines a benefit like pain relief with a happy, social feeling? Try a balanced hybrid strain that combines both recreational and medical effects.

Consider discretion, safety and security when choosing both your ingestion method and your preferred hybrid strain of cannabis. Take your time and enjoy everything hybrids can offer.

Exploring Vancouver:

Posted by Kristy Ambrose

Places To Visit In South Granville

A recent visit to Vancouver reveals how much the city has changed…and how much it hasn’t

It’s part of a neighborhood called South Granville, a few blocks that represents just a section of one Vancouver’s major streets. Granville is one of the city’s major arteries and stretches several kilometers south, from the dense core of downtown to the Arthur Liang Bridge, which leads to the airport.

Some of Vancouver looks different, but a lot of it still looks the same. This part of town always smelled like freshly cut grass and old money, so compared to places like the West End, not a lot has changed on South Granville. I didn’t spend a lot of time in this neighborhood when I lived in Vancouver, so it was interesting to explore a new (well, new to me, anyway) part of town. It’s walking distance from Granville Island and on several convenient bus routes, so not only is it pedestrian friendly, it’s easy to hop on a bus and explore other Vancouver neighborhoods.

I discovered that Vancouver transit is a lot less annoying when you have no schedule and have nowhere to be. Just goes to show, like we always used to say, that the system is built for tourists and always has been.

Muse Cannabis

Canada is one of the few countries that has legalized cannabis use, and the industry that has popped up in the last tens years is impressive. Some might say the commercialization has gone too far, and they’re right, but this beats the holy shit out of dodging the RCMP. Given that I have to do the old-school dealer bullshit back in Mexico (not exactly illegal here but that’s another post), I appreciated this.

Muse has three locations throughout the city, and all of them are upscale cannabis retail sales, the very pinnacle of Canadian legalization. In keeping with the aesthetic of this particular neighborhood, Muse on Granville resembles a restored 19th century library. The wooden shelves are lined with various cannabis products and there’s a cozy sitting area in front of a fireplace near the front door. This is where my partner chills out while I spend a silly amount of time browsing the wares, which range from edibles to flower to pre-rolls.

Yes, the prices are rather high, but holy mother of god, of course you’re going to pay top dollar for weed that’s 35% THC, and that’s not even close to the maximum number. I highly recommend you splurge on a few pre-rolls and chill out in a nearby plaza to enjoy some Vancouver weather.

Sushi Umi

Located at the lower end of this stretch, a block away from the stately class of Muse, Sushi Umi also has a quaint little patio in addition to a glowing wood dining room. There are only three tables out there so it’s kind of a secret. The weather was so damn nice this week that we ate outside on both visits.

There’s a great selection of all the rolls – Dynamite, California, and BC, just to name a few. There are also the usual fun ones, like Rainbow and Caterpillar. My personal favorite is the Dragon Roll, which is basically a Dynamite Roll with grilled unagi on top. The menu includes raw oysters, when they’re in season, in addition to all of the best Japanese appetizers. I love the seaweed salad.

Meinhart’s Fine Foods

They aren’t kidding. The main entrance opens up to the deli. Good luck getting past that shiny stretch of mouth-watering goodies. This is an upscale location, just like the sign says, and it shows in the products. This whole store could be just the deli and they’d do just fine, but there’s a whole store of upscale edibles to discover.

When people talk about Vancouver being for the wealthy and pretentious, this is what they mean. Even the junk food is represented by designer name brands. They do a lot of gift boxes and catering, and it feels like the grocery store is an extension of the bigger operation in the background. Those gift baskets aren’t cheap either, you can check on the website. But for now, it’s just damn fun to browse the fancy snacks and fresh flowers.

Small Victory Bakery

The heigh ceilings and low-hanging light give Small Victory Bakery the feel of a rustic warehouse. The interior design of this place is as impressive as the rows of bread, pastries, and gigantic ovens. It has a rustic tone of brick and metal that reminds me of a place you might see in Gastown.

We’re in line for bread, and there’s a whole selection of succulent loaves. It seems like the kind of place where you’d by chunks of hearty products, so the variety of small, delicate pastries might take you by surprise. There’s seating inside and out, and coffee is also on the menu, which includes food items for brunch and lunch. So much avocado toast, it makes us laugh.

The Breakfast Table

I’m a fucking pig for eggs benny in any form, so I’m focused on that part of the menu. They’ve got six different varieties, in addition to the Asian-inspired Classics section that includes Japanese, Korean, and Thai dishes. Thanks to my partner, I get to experience the sweet side of the menu that includes fresh fruit and quinoa.

Nobody is sure why this space is so noisy, but it’s always crowded, which might have something to do with it. It’s no wonder from the menu, which is fun, creative, and from what I experienced, delicious. You’ll probably be too busy filling your face to talk anyway.

Williams Sonoma

There are several classy gift shops along this stretch of Granville Street, and this is one of the swanky ones that focuses on the kitchen. It’s huge, and they’ve got everything. Plenty of food items, too, but stuff in jars and cans you often put in a gift basket. This is the kind of place people get registered for weddings and showers and such.

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We look a bit scruffy but nobody gives us the side-eye. There were a few nice things inspired by Mexican art that were amazingly beautiful. Great for uncommon stuff like garlic peelers and tea cozies. Lots of souvenir type stuff too, if you’re looking for a new mug or magnet.

Ian Tan Art Gallery

It’s only two rooms, and there aren’t any tours or a gift shop, but if you’re thinking of making an investment in local art this is one of the best places to look. The artists are from Vancouver and some of my personal favorites included local subjects and the city skyline.

The style of art is contemporary, but the subjects can range from still life to abstract. Exhibits include paintings along with sculptures and unique media like glass art.

Fire & Flower Cannabis Co.

A similar design to Muse up the street, with the glass cases and elaborate displays, this store has a more utilitarian feel. It’s located on a busier and less expensive part of Granville, and caters to commuters and tourists as much as neighborhood folks.

This might be why it feels more modern. It’s only a few blocks down from Muse but the vibe is entirely different. Just as friendly, but with less glowing wood and plush seating. There are no places to sit and commiserate or enjoy the atmosphere. Time is marijuana these days.

Sushivan

Combine your cannabis shopping with a bite to eat at Sushivan, which seems to do most of its business during the busy lunch hours with local office workers or folks taking a break between bus transfers. It looks like a small place, but it’s a big kitchen with an equally expansive menu.

You’ve got all the roles and nigiri sushi, as usual, along with bowls of noodles and rice, but there are also a few Korean dishes on the menu like the ramen and soup. I had a side of kimchi every time we came here.

Mazahr Lebanese Kitchen

To be fair, Mazahr Lebanese Kitchen is on West 11th Avenue, just off Granville. This could be some of the best tea I’ve ever had, but that’s often my experience when it comes to Middle Eastern cuisine. The tea is just as good as the food. I had the house tea, Mint with Mazahr, and it was exceptional.

I get falafel because I love chickpeas in all their forms. The atmosphere is busy but also serene, which is a nice combination for a quiet dinner and decent conversation. There’s an outdoor patio but it’s more popular during lunchtime, when it’s still light out.

Honorable Mentions

Shopper’s Drug Mart

A much a Canadian icon as Tim Horton’s or Bombardier, Shopper’s might have started out as a pharmacy but is now a grocery store, department store, and post office. This one has a decent snack section, complete with all the crazy chip flavours I know and love from back in the day. Despite rumors of certain brands going enshittified, so I’m pleasantly surprised that Lay’s Salt & Vinegar still has the same old bite.

Granville Park

There’s a whole city block of green space here if you count the adjacent Lawn Bowling Club and the Vancouver Tennis Club. This part is designed for kids and dogs, with playgrounds for each group, plus a big open field with a couple of picnic tables. The dog park is off-leash and has a variety of seating, greenery, and features to keep Fido busy. It’s a lot of fun to watch the mix of rescue mutt and expensive purebred pets cavort together over wood chips and underneath lush saplings.

Cheladas

Posted by Kristy Ambrose

It’s that time of year again. The frost is on the ground, the Thanksgiving turkey is picked clean, and the winter holidays are approaching. If you’re heading to Mexico for some hot steamy fun, cool off with one of the many beer cocktails that are making waves south of the border. Bring a few recipes home and use them with your favorite local craft beer to remember your sunny vacation.

Before we swim over to the poolside bar, it helps to know a few things about Mexican mixed drinks, especially ones that include “chela”, a nickname that Mexicans have given to everyone’s favorite frosty beverage.

If you’re heading to Mexico for some hot steamy fun in the sun, make sure to try one of the many beer cocktails that are making waves south of the border. Bring a few recipes home and use your favorite local craft beer to remember your vacation.

Before we head to the bar, it helps to know a few things about Mexican mixed drinks, in particular ones that include beer.

Let’s start with some of the more surprising and exotic ingredients with this handy glossary.

Salsa. This is not the chunky variety that you use as a dip back home. In Mexico, salsa just means “sauce” and it can be any number of dips or toppings. Ketchup, Worchester sauce, salsa maggy, and Valentina are all examples of “salsa.”

La Ramona

A distinctive drink that’s often served in a large, bowl-like glass with the open beer bottle used as a garnish. Tequila, beer, clamato, salsa inglesa, salsa maggy, (petroleo) limone, tahini, orange juice.

La Ramona is a distinctive drink that’s often served in a large, bowl-like glass with an open beer bottle used as a garnish. It includes tequila and beer, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lime, and tahini.

Gummi Chela

Candy is dandy, liquor is quicker, and together they’re better. Limone, clamato, sal, mango gummies with red sauce, preferably dark beer. If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, try a Gummi Chela.

We’re not sure who had to the idea to combine dark beer, Clamato juice, and gummy bears with spicy red sauce and a rim of tangy salt, but kudos to that creative mind.

West Coast Michaleda

This one is more popular on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, where tourists from the northwestern US and Canada’s Lower Mainland tend to congregate. Coasties from the north like their seafood and beer, so why not combine them into one big happy glass? This drink that eats like a meal includes fried or peeled shrimp, pan drippings, other “chela” fixens. Dark beer is recommended but it’s not a requirement.

The West Coast Michelada was invented on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, where tourists from the northwestern US and Canada’s Lower Mainland tend to congregate. Visitors from the north like their seafood and beer, so why not combine them into one big happy glass? This drink that eats like a meal starts with a dark beer and includes fried or peeled shrimp, pan drippings, and other typical “chela” garnishes like lime, spicy red sauce, and salt.

Michelada de Sabores

Boilermakers. That means you get a shot glass either on the side of actually dropped into an oversized mug of beer. A frosty beverage with lemon, salt, and almost any flavor of alcohol but in particular tequila or mescal.

Pina Colada Chelada

Take away the sweet coconut milk and rum and replace it with beer, and you have this creative take on an old favorite. It might need a different name at that point, but there has yet to be a Beer Cocktail Committee ruling on what exactly this dink might be.

Hot and White

Posted by Kristy Ambrose

Enjoying Mexican food means eating and cooking with peppers.

It’s common to see the chipotle and jalapeno varieties these days in some Canadian cities. I wouldn’t be surprised to see one in a specialty store in Vancouver. Even the bigger chains like Safeway would have the trendy chipotle version.

The habanero-mayo is one I’ve only seen once anywhere in Mexico. This was the only size I saw them in, and that’s all you need.

First, I like these jars. They make excellent shot glasses and are great for storing smaller things like tacks, paper clips, and loose beads.

If you find this and want to add some spice to your egg salad or chicken sandwich, be careful. I tasted a bit just as a test and the level of picante made my tongue painfully numb for several minutes. In case you didn’t already know, this happy looking pepper is notoriously hot. The cheerful red, orange, yellow, or even pink habanero pepper hides a brutally high measurement on the Scoville index. This volcanic, molten magma lump of spiciness pretending to be a pepper makes the humble jalapeno cry in shame.

Capsaicin, the chemical that makes peppers hot, has some interesting medicinal and recreational uses. The endorphin rush that goes along with the painful spicy flavor is used for pain relief for some and just for crazy fun by others.

This chemical is so badass that it attacks cancer cells and clears the phlegm from your sinuses. Your metabolism will speed up just to get away from it.

Use the same precautions with habanero mayo as you would with the actual pepper in its raw form. Anyone who has suffered the pain of “jalapeno hands” will tell you that those rubber gloves are worth it no matter how stupid you feel at the time.

Just for the record, I tried all of those home remedies at that link during our Christmas Chili Cook-off. None of them worked. That was just serrano and jalapeno peppers, so imagine how painful habaneros would have been. I wasted a lot of decent rum and yogurt, too.

If you happen to be in Puerto, check out the 6-17 Minisuper next to the gym. his little bodega has been here for years and has all kinds of crazy crap.

This store looks the same as other neighborhood bodegas, but it seems to carry a wider variety of condiments and preserved food in jars and tins. A worthy place to visit in case you’re looking for capers, pickles, olives or other such goodies in Puerto Escondido.

Updating this post to include another discovery, habenero salad dressing. I saw this at a quaint cafe on Rinconada today called Latte Chocolate. Awesome sammies and amazing loose-leaf tea, by the way.

I said I hardly ever saw this. Now, it’s haunting me.

References:

“All the Reasons Your Hot Sauce Obsession is Good for You.” By Nicholas Knock. July 1st, 2016. Taken from https://www.thrillist.com/health/nation/health-benefits-of-hot-sauce-why-capsaicin-and-peppers-are-good-for-you

“Capaisin: Risks and Benefits.” By Manouchehr Saljoughian, PharmD, PhD, Department of Pharmacy, Alta Bates Medical Center Berkeley, California. July 20, 2009. Taken from https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/capsaicin-risks-and-benefits

Luminous Photina

Posted by Kristy Ambrose

My Easter Season started a few weeks ago. On March 9th, I came to school for class and was pleasantly surprised to find that the regular schedule was suspended to celebrate the Festival of Saint Photina. The students had mixed a few big batches of “flavoured water” (also called “aguas frescas” in other parts of Mexico) which they were serving to the teachers and younger students from the Primary and Kindergarten side.

There were some really nice varieties, including classic favorites like pepino-limon and jamaica along with several creative horchatas. I think it was still the usual rice base but it included papaya and walnut, too. After the teachers and younger students had been served, the students moved the large tubs to the entrance of the school and served free refreshments to passers-by.

Eventually I asked another teacher if there was any deeper meaning behind all this sitting in the shade and enjoying cool drinks when we should be working. It turns out there is.

jan_joest_von_kalkar_-_christus_und_die_samariterin_am_jakobsbrunnen — The original aqua fresca.

Every Friday that is part of Lent has a special meaning, especially in Oaxaca. This Friday March 9th we were celebrating Saint Photina. This festival is unique to the state and not commonly observed in other parts of Mexico. She met Jesus at a well during his journey to Jerusalem, and according to the Gospel of John, the two had an honest and intellectual discussion about spirituality and thirst after she helped him draw some cool drinking water from the dangerously deep well.

Then she converted to Christianity. Not only that, she converted her sons and the whole family went on to travel the world as evangelists before being martyred in Carthage. Legend has it they threw her into a well, a great example of an ending that would never work if you tried to include it in a fictional story, which leads me to believe it might have actually happened. And Christianity is all about how many people you convert and how painfully you die, so she’s pretty important.

Aside from being the inspiration for our school party, Photina is an important figure in Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Asian feminist theology. If you’ve ever met a “Svetlana” you’ve met someone who was named for this saint.

Our students were essentially recreating the meeting of Jesus and Photina. Some of the lessons learned during these non-class hours include welcoming strangers, sharing what you have, and being hospitable and friendly in general.

References:

Barbezat, S. (2008, March 6). How to Celebrate the Season of Lent in Mexico [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://www.tripsavvy.com/lent-in-mexico-1588773

Easter in Mexico – Planeta.com [Web log post]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://planeta.com/mexico-easter/

Water of Life (Christianity). (2017, July 2). In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved April 8, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_of_Life_(Christianity)