Chinampa

Chinampa are a form of aquaponics that the Aztec people made used of extensively. A chinampa is a floating garden built on a freshwater lake, made by making a raft of woven reeds, with stakes to keep it in place. Soil was placed down until it was above the waters surface.

“The earliest fields that have been securely dated are from the Middle Postclassic period, 1150 – 1350 CE.” Wikipedia

This system eliminates the need for watering, and was successful in growing maize, fruit, tomatoes, amaranth, beans, chile, and flowers.

While some are still used today, they are lowering in number as lakes are drained or dried out.

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Himalayan Foothills

A raad is a floating farm found in Dal Lake in Kashmir.

When a location is chosen, a plant called “piyach” is added. The farmers tend to its growth for the next 2-3 years, ensuring it stays the proper length and width as the roots grow deep into the lake bed. 1

“A raad liven, that looks like a gigantic pincer consisting of two planks – each three feet in width – is lowered by two people in two boats into the soft sediment of the lake bed. A two feet thick slab of soil, held together by the weeds, is manually severed from the bottom of the lake with the help of the planks which are fitted with steel edges. The planks then float to the surface bearing a portion of the lake bed with them. More soil is added to the surface of the raad. The weed decomposes to become a natural fertilizer for the vegetables to be grown.” DownToEarth 2

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#aquaponics #food #farming #gardening

Two open kangina full of red grapes in Afghanistan. Image Source

What Kangina Are:

Kangina is an ancient preservation technique still used in Afganastan today that makes use of clay. Produce is sealed within two clay bowls, and stored somewhere cool.

It is thanks to Kangina that even people in remote communities can still enjoy fresh produce in winter months. [1]

If stored somewhere cool, they will remain fresh for up to 6 months. This is because the vessels are a form passive controlled-atmosphere storage. Due to restricting the airflow and moisture, is is harder for microbes to thrive, but at the same time, the clay still supplies enough oxygen to keep the grapes alive. 2

How They are Made

After making bowls out of clay, they are left in the sun to bake. Once they are completely dried, they are ready to use. [3]

The produce (often grapes) are placed inside a bowl, and another bowl is placed on top and the seams are sealed with mud. [4]

#preserves #food #greenliving