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Why Elmas?

At Your Service

There is ever-growing demand for fresh produce in multiple world markets. But even then, only a small percentage of these products are being produced, and even a smaller percentage is being produced right. While this is so, producers’ opportunities to venture into new markets are now heavily tied to ethics, innovation and compliance to a vast and growing number of certifications, besides governments and regulators’ involvement in ensuring that as many of these requirements are complied with, albeit to protect the reputation of their (producing) countries and the safety of the citizenry (target market countries).

At Elmas, in realization of this need, we have and continue to position ourselves to offer an ever growing variety of fresh products, all coming from a verifiable and ever improving system.

We have set ourselves apart by these core values:-

  • Diamond Experience: – Because we take time to understand the uniqueness and dynamics of each individual customer, we have made it a culture to put together customer – specific products; everything from what we supply to how we supply.
  • Value for Food: – It matters that we are handling food. That’s why we do more than take caution and get certifications. We make the motives behind food safety regulations to be our values. That way, we do everything possible to deliver safe food, simple as that.
  • Price Advantage:-We understand how noncompetitive, prices in the market can be. So we worked out a solution that would ultimately enhance our customers’ competitiveness. Tired of price instability in the market? Talk to us.
  • Innovative Solutions: – It’s never enough; better is always possible, so we do not have a simple pack and supply loop. Behind the scenes, we are always busy rethinking the process, considering new and better ways to deliver.

It is our belief that with these and the close collaboration with our customer and partners, we will continue to grow in reliability and relevance.

 

Talk to us today.

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Horticulture farming in Kenya

Horticulture farming in Kenya refers to an intensive cultivation of vegetables, fruits and flowers for sale. At times the term has been confused with market gardening which is an intensive cultivation of vegetables and fruits for sale in the nearest urban centers. Horticulture has continued to be one of the fastest growing sub sectors in Kenya’s export sector, growing at over 7% annually. This continued growth is attributed to the dynamic private sector and the effective facilitation role provided by the relevant public and private sector institutions. This has been brought about by intensive market promotion programs implemented by the sector stakeholders.

Characterized by highly capital intensive methods of production, horticulture is mainly practiced close to urban areas because of the highly perishable nature of the produce. The activity is mainly export-oriented, with advanced methods being employed to increase productivity.

Kenya has a long history of growing horticultural crops for both domestic and export markets. Kenya’s ideal tropical and temperate climatic condition makes it favorable for horticulture production and development.

About two million are employed in the sub-sector, most of them small-scale growers who constitute 80 per cent of producers.  This alleviates poverty and provides higher incomes to small scale farmers.

This are Conditions that favor horticultural farming in Kenya:

  • Climate: The hot and wet climate favors the growth of tropical crops, while the cool and wet conditions prevailing in Kenya Highlands especially in areas like Limuru favors the growth of temperate crops like plums, pears, apples and grapes.
  • Soil:The fertile soils of volcanic origin favor growth of a variety of crops. This fertility is sustained by the liberal application of fertilizers.
  • Market: The high demand for the products both locally and internationally has led to the rapid development of the industry. The sprawling and mushrooming of old and new urban centers provide ready markets for horticultural products locally. Capital: Investment by large companies has led to the development of horticulture especially growing of fruits and vegetables. For instance, the Del Monte Company of Thika has large farms and exports most of canned products to Europe and Middle East.
  • Research: Available technical and financial assistance from friendly countries. Kenya Government engaged the German Agricultural Team (GAT) to assist in the promotion of agricultural development with effect from 1965.
  • Government policy: The Government through its export promotion drive is encouraging the diversification of export crops with a view to broadening the country’s export base.

Some of these technologies used by small and large scale farmers include: – drip irrigation, fertigation systems, greenhouse ventilation systems, net shading, pre-cooling, cold storage facilities, grading, banqueting, fertilizer recycling systems to prevent wastage, wetlands for waste water treatment, artificial lighting to increase day length, grading/packaging sheds, and refrigerated trucks while Most of the products are consumed locally, especially by the urban population. Only a small percentage is exported. From the farm gate, the products are carried by people, donkeys and pick-ups to the concentration centers (grading sheds) located by the roadside. They are then graded and collected by the exporters and middlemen, who transport them in Lorries or pick-ups to the airport for exportation.

 

 

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Chives and its benefits

Chives is the common name of Allium schoenoprasum, an edible species of the Allium genus. It hence belongs to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic.  They are a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial growing to about 10-12 inches tall. They grow in clumps from underground bulbs and produce round, hollow leaves that are much finer than onion. Chives are cool-season, cold-tolerant perennials that are planted in early spring. Be mindful when planting this herb, as it will take over your garden if the flowers are left to ripen (the flowers scatter the seeds). However, this plant is easy to dig up and moved if it overwhelms your garden. Chives prefer full sun. Soil needs to be moist, fertile, rich, and well-draining. It is important to give chives consistent watering throughout the growing season for high yields. Moisten the soil thoroughly when watering

Health benefits of chives includes:

  • Treats digestive issues: – The allyl sulfides and other unique organic compounds found in chives deliver similar benefits to the body as garlic, and as such, can effectively ease digestive discomfort. Furthermore, chives have natural antibacterial qualities that can eliminate a wide range of bacteria, particularly those in the salmonella family, which can wreak havoc on your gastrointestinal system.
  • Improves Heart health: – One of the most important organic compounds found in chives is allicin, which has recently been linked to reduced levels of “bad” cholesterol in the body and improved heart health. Allicin is also connected to lowering blood pressure; when combined with the vasodilatory effects of the potassium found in chives, this unassuming herb can have a major impact on reducing cardiovascular strain. Furthermore, another organic compound found in chives, quercetin, has been directly connected to lowering cholesterol levels and plaque in the arteries, effectively preventing atherosclerosis and lowering your risk for stroke and heart attacks.
  • Bone health: Vitamin K is related to bone health, as it helps to maintain bone integrity and density. Chives contain vitamin K, so they may contribute to bone strength. Vitamin K is very important in the maintenance of bone mineral density and bone integrity. As we age, our bone mineral density begins to drop, leading to conditions like osteoporosis and exacerbating inflammatory conditions like arthritis. High levels of vitamin K, like those found in chives, can help to produce osteocalcin, which is a key part of maintaining mineral density in the bones.
  • Cancer Prevention: – One of the most exciting areas of research for all members of the Allium genus is the role of quercetin in preventing certain types of cancers. Although research is still ongoing, early results show that quercetin can effectively prevent a wide range of cancers, including breast, prostate, colon, lungs, and ovaries. The antioxidant activities of vitamin C and vitamin K contribute to this prevention as well, helping to reduce levels of free radicals in the body that can hasten the spread or appearance of cancerous cells. Zeaxanthin and lutein, two other antioxidant compounds found in chives, have been linked to lower chances of oral cancers.

Chives are not typically considered to be an allergenic substance and very few reports of negative reactions exist. However, an excessive amount of chives, with a high concentration of powerful organic compounds, can cause stomach discomfort. If you are allergic to onions or other members of the Allium genus, consult a medical professional before adding chives to your regular diet.

 

 

 

 

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The sugar snap

Snap peas also known as sugar snap peas, are a cultivar group of edible-podded peas that differ from snow peas in that their pods are round as opposed to flat. It has been grown by humankind since the 19th century in Europe. They can be seen as a cross between snap peas and snow peas. Snap peas can be eaten raw or cooked first without removing the seeds from the pod. Snap peas, like all other peas, are pod fruits. An edible-podded pea is similar to a garden, or English, pea, but the pod is less fibrous, and edible when young. Usually served as salads or snacks, these peas have a unique sweet taste with a crisp texture. Underneath the savory sweetness of snap peas lies a staggering amount of nutrients and vitamins. This bushy plant is known to boast many useful benefits to your health, and it might be a good idea to add them to your daily diets.

Like most veggies, sugar snap peas are low in calories. At just 41 calories per cup, they’ll fit into virtually any diet, including low-carb diets or low-calorie diets for weight loss. Sugar snap peas also offer lots of nutritional value, and they’ll help you reach your recommended daily intake of a few key nutrients.

  • Iron: – Each cup of chopped sugar snap peas boasts 2 milligrams of iron, enough to cover one-quarter of the daily iron needs for men and 11 percent of the daily needs for women. That iron helps you produce energy, activates enzymes your immune system needs to fight off infections, and nourishes your red blood cells to fight energy-zapping anemia.
  • Vitamin C: – Most veggies offer at least some vitamin C, but sugar snap peas are an especially great source of this vitamin. A cup of chopped sugar snap peas supplies 59 milligrams of vitamin C, which is nearly 80 percent of the vitamin C needs for women and about two-thirds of the daily needs for men. Due to the low fat contained in snap peas, they can lower your cholesterol if you switch your diet to it.
  • Fiber: – Sugar snap peas belong to the plant family of legume, which is known for its high amount of fiber. Fiber helps your digestive system by smoothing the flow of your bodily wastes through your body. As sugar snap peas contain a high amount of fiber, they are suitable to become a side dish for your normal diet. Fiber aids your bowels in breaking down anything you eat into absorbable food components which in turn processed into useful nutrients and vitamins. The fiber also helps against constipation and bloating.

Sugar snap peas are an, um, snap to add to your diet and Since they’re naturally sweet and tasty, including more sugar snap peas in your diet can be as easy as grabbing a bowl full to eat on their own. They will fit into any of your tasty recipes, and you can experiment with a near limitless option when cooking this delicacy leaving you healthy and full of nutrients.

 

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The Passion fruit

Its name is exotic and invokes a bit of mystery, but what exactly is a passion fruit? It’s thought that Christian missionaries gave the vine its name when they observed that parts of the flowers resembled Christian teachings about the resurrection of Christ. The color of passion fruit is purple or golden yellow.

The purple passion fruit is native from southern Brazil through Paraguay to northern Argentina. It is subtropical and prefers a frost-free climate. The passion fruit is a vigorous, climbing vine that clings by tendrils to almost any support. It can grow 15 to 20 ft. per year once established and must have strong support. It is generally short-lived (5 to 7 years).

It hence is an intriguing and mysterious fruit that has a surprising number of health and medicinal benefits for those fruit lovers who add it to their diet. Some of these benefits include

  • Passion fruit’s ability to prevent cancerous growth – Passion fruit contains a high amount of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, both are strong anti-oxidants. They neutralize these free radicals and protect from cancer
  • Enhance digestion power – Passion fruits are a very strong source of fiber, and a single serving provides the human body with approximately 98% of its daily requirement. Fiber is an essential component of a healthy diet since it is the substance that facilitates healthy digestion of food and the regulation of bowel movements.
  • Boost immune function – contains Vitamin C stimulates the activity of white blood cells and the rest of the immune defense system, thereby protecting you from common illnesses and serious diseases at the same time.
  • Improve eyesight and skin health – It is a phytonutrient and a precursor to Vitamin A. So it is beneficial to protect eyes from vision loss and improve eyesight.
  • Regulate fluid balance in the body, lower blood pressure, and boost circulation – When combined with the vasodilation properties of potassium, the high iron and copper content of passion fruit can really make an impact. Iron and copper are both essential components of red blood cell production.
  • Improve bone mineral density -it is a very important fruit for increasing mineral bone density and bone strength. Some of these minerals are integral parts in creating additional bone matter, strengthening existing bone matter, and speeding up repair

Furthermore, it reduces signs of premature aging, lessens inflammation, improves sleeping habits, and eliminates asthma. The long list of health benefits commonly attributed to passion fruit is due to the nutrient, mineral, and vitamin content of the fruit, which includes antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, fiber, and protein. The percentages of many of the vitamins and minerals are shockingly high, and passion fruit is a great addition to the diet that can result in a number of amazing health benefits.