The Grand Cayman Island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands. I had the opportunity to
visit the island during a port stop on my Mediterranean cruise. A trolley tour of the island allowed
me to see the numerous farms and vegetation on this beautiful island.

The availability of locally grown produce on the Island has increased exponentially, over the
past several years, although the vast majority of the food is still imported to meet the needs of
Cayman’s growing population. But with local agribusiness expanding, one can see a remarkable
variety of locally grown produce… from the exotic dragon fruit to homegrown butternut squash.
Produce that is grown locally includes mixed lettuce, herbs, tamarinds, root vegetables,
Swiss and rainbow chard , spinach, tomatoes, pumpkin, eggplants , cucumbers, plantains,
callaloo, sweetsop, mangoes , melon (watermelon and honeydew), limes, plums , guineps,
and breadfruit. The ideal growing season is November-April when it is cooler and drier.

Mango trees are numerous on the island. There are 14 types of mango. Mango jelly is
popular. Bread fruit has the consistency of a potato and can be as heavy as 9 pounds.
Pudding is made from this fruit and can be stored for a year.
Fruits and vegetables contain many antioxidants. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants
may be good for your heart health and may also help to lower your risk of infections and
some forms of cancer.

The tour guide reported that coconut is grown on the island as well. He recommended
drinking coconut water with lemon and lime for blood pressure benefits. Moringa trees
are prevalent on the island. Put in capsules it can can be beneficial to maintain safe
blood pressure levels and improve immune function. He also explained that the island
makes their own wine from sea grapes. The resveratrol in wine boosts the immune
system, increases bone density and reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease.

We also had the opportunity to see almond trees. The almonds from the tree were the
size of lemons. Almond tea is made from its leaves. Almonds are beneficial for blood
pressure , cholesterol and blood sugar balance. Almonds contain lots of healthy fats,
fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E.

Those who enjoy a healthy lifestyle with numerous choices of fruits and vegetables to eat
should consider visiting the Grand Cayman Island.