Precious Woods - Wood Forest

Nicaragua considers sustainable forestry as a priority for economic development.

Teak
In 2006, the Nicaragua Precious Woods Project was created, with, plans to turn former cattle ranches in southern Nicaragua into new-growth teak forests. The project is designed to absorb nearly 300,000 tons of CO2 emissions by the year 2017 and generate carbon credits for sale on international markets while conserving large extensions of secondary forests and mature trees.

In the span of a generation when the new teak trees mature, they will create a sustainable and commercially viable source of wood for sale in domestic and international markets, reducing logging in natural forests. This project is intended to increase carbon sequestration while providing a sustainable source of income for the community. Additional environmental benefits from reforestation include the prevention of erosion, groundwater protection, soil regeneration, and improving the microclimate and water balance.

Teak, though not indigenous to the region, is perfectly adapted to the environmental conditions in Nicaragua. This type of tree is also highly resistant to fire– after two to three years saplings are not susceptible to damage by fire, and while the dry season in Nicaragua disrupts growth for other tree species, teak flourishes in tropical regions with much longer dry spells. Further, teak is not susceptible to any devastating pests typical of the tropics.

Mahogany
The name mahogany refers to numerous varieties of dark-colored hardwood.

Three species of real mahogany have been identified in America: the almost extinct Cuba-mahogany, the internationally commercialized rainforest mahogany, and the Pacific mahogany. The latter is exclusive to the small area of dry forest with harsh conditions in Nicaragua and El Salvador.

Mahogany is characterized by a straight grain and absence of voids and pockets. It has a reddish-brown color which darkens over time, and displays a reddish sheen when polished. The wood has excellent workability and durability.

Most of the first-quality furniture made in the American colonies from the mid 18th century was made of mahogany, when the wood first became available to American craftsmen. Mahogany is still widely used for fine furniture. Mahogany is also resistant to wood rot, being suitable in boat construction. It is also often used for musical instruments, particularly the backs of acoustic guitars and drums shells, because of its ability to produce very deep, warm tones.

Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants. It has been measured surging skyward as fast as 100 cm (39 in) in a 24-hour period. It is typical to regions of warmer climates.

The Bamboo tree has found uses in numerous areas like medicine, construction, textiles, paper and construction.

FRUIT TREES

Lemon Tree

Lemon
The bitter taste of lemon is also often used to enrich the taste of drinks or to make lemonade.  Nicaraguan lemons are green at first, and they turn yellow when the fruit ripens.  There is also one lemon species that is much sweeter than regular lemons.  This variant, called sweet lemon or “limon dulce” is about the size of an orange and can be peeled and eaten by itself.

The lemon tree is a medium-sized tree with many branches that produces fruit almost year-round.

Orange
The orange is one of the best fruits for making a healthy, delicious fruit juice or to eat fresh. There are several varieties of orange and different hybrids produced in Nicaragua. The fruit is characterized by a round shape and a green to yellow color as it ripens, and orange pulp when ready for consumption. The medium-sized orange trees can produce 500-1500 fruits every season.

Sour Orange
Another type of orange that is consumed in Nicaragua is known as “naranja agria.” This variety is similar to its sweet relative, but it is characterized by a slightly wrinkled rind and a sour taste. Sour oranges are primarily used to enhance the taste of other foods and drinks.

Mandarin Orange
This citrus fruit is similar to the orange. Mandarin oranges are round but characterized by a flattened top and bottom. The rind changes from green to orange and yellow, and it is easy to peel off. Mandarins can be easily taken apart into individual segments. The fruit is juicy and sweet. Numerous mandarin varieties are grown in Nicaragua.

Tamarind
The tamarind tree is a large tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. After the tree was introduced from Africa into Latin America, it became popular for its durable wood and the shade that it can provide. It is also used for consumption in the form of tamarind juice.

Tamarind trees start producing seed pods after about 6 years. They flower from May until June, which can extend until August. The pods finish growing between December and March.

Mamon
Spanish lime is a small round fruit that grows in bunches. The fruit is locally known as “mamoncillo” and can be eaten as hand fruit, easily sucking the pulp out of the rind, or to make juice.

The tree of this fruit reaches heights of 20 to 30 meters, and it grows throughout most of Nicaragua in patios and at farms. The fruit is mostly harvested from June to August.

Avocados
In Nicaragua there are several commercial varieties of avocados, plus some other local varieties. They can be found throughout the country and almost year-round as the different varieties ripen at different times of the year.

Sapote
Sapote is family of the sapodilla fruit, characterized by a larger oval shape that can measure up to 18 cm in diameter. The rind is thick and has a reddish coffee color. The pulp, which is red or orange, is very soft and sweet, and the fruit contains two long, black seeds at its center. The fruit can be eaten by itself, right out of the rind, and the inner part of the seed can also be used for confectionery called “cajeta de zapoyol.”

The medium to large sapote tree originates in Central America, and different varieties can be found throughout the country. It produces fruit year-round, with a peak season from April to August.