The Tropical Heat

siya organic basket

The Tropical Heat

This group of herbs- rosemary, chilli, and lemon in one is important because they complement each other both culinarily and nutritionally: rosemary provides earthy aroma, chilli adds heat, and lemon brings tangy freshness, creating balanced, flavorful dishes. From a planting perspective, grouping them allows for efficient cultivation, as all three thrive in sunny, well-draining soil and require moderate watering, making it easier to manage their growth, harvest, and care while maximizing their combined health benefits such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory effects, digestive support, and immune-boosting properties

ROSEMARY CARE GUIDE

Rosemary is a hardy, aromatic herb perfect for cooking and home remedies. With the right sunlight and minimal watering, it grows beautifully in pots or outdoor gardens. Here’s how to keep your rosemary strong and flavorful.

– Rosemary needs 6–8 hours of strong, direct sunlight every day.
– Grows best outdoors but can stay indoors near a bright window.

– Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
Avoid heavy or waterlogged soil. .
– Best pH: 6.0–7.5.

– Water only when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry.
– Do not overwater—rosemary is drought tolerant and too much water causes root rot.
– Ensure the pot has good drainage holes.

– Prune lightly to keep the plant bushy and healthy.
– Remove dry or weak stems.
– Rosemary thrives when slightly stressed—less water + more sun.

Mint

Rosemary Lemon Chicken

Great for lunch or supper

  1. 4 chicken thighs or breasts
  2. 2 tbsp olive oil
  3. 1 lemon (juice + zest)
  4. 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
  5. 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  6. Salt & pepper
  1. Mix oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
  2. Coat the chicken and let marinate 20–30 minutes.
  3. Pan-fry or grill for 6–8 minutes each side (depending on thickness).
  4. Serve with rice, ugali, or vegetables.

Rosemary Tea (Simple & Healthy)

Good for digestion and relaxation

  • 1 fresh rosemary sprig
  • 1–2 cups hot water
  • Honey or lemon (optional)
  1. Boil water and add a rosemary sprig.
  2. Let it steep for 5–7 minutes.
  3. Add honey or lemon if you want.
  4. Drink warm.

LEMONGRASS CARE GUIDE

Lemongrass is a fragrant tropical herb with a lemon-like scent used for cooking, tea, and natural healing.

  • Climate: Warm, tropical to subtropical (perfect for Kenya).
  • Location: Full sun (6–8 hours of direct light).
  • Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter.
  • Propagation:
    • Easiest method: plant fresh lemongrass stalks with the bulb attached.
    • Place stalks in water until roots form (3–7 days), then transfer to soil.
  • Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Water 3–4 times per week during hot seasons.
  • Reduce watering slightly during colder months.
  • Or use organic compost around the base of the plant.
  • Mulch to conserve moisture.
  • Remove dry leaves regularly.
  • Divide clumps every 6–12 months to maintain healthy growth.
  • Harvest when stalks are 1–2 cm thick.
  • Cut close to the base.
  • Outer leaves may be tough—peel to reach the tender core.

Lemongrass

LEMONGRASS TEA RECIPE (Simple & Fresh)

  • 2–3 fresh lemongrass stalks
  • 3 cups water
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey (optional)
  • 2–3 slices of fresh ginger (optional)
  • A squeeze of lemon (optional)
  • Prepare the stalks:
    • Trim the roots.
    • Remove tough outer leaves.
    • Smash the stalks with the back of a knife to release flavor.
    • Cut into 2–3 inch pieces.
  • Boil:
    • Bring water to a boil.
    • Add lemongrass (and ginger if using).
    • Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Serve:
    • Strain the tea.
    • Add honey or lemon to taste.
    • Serve hot — or refrigerate for iced lemongrass tea.

LEMONGRASS CHICKEN MARINADE

  • 2 stalks lemongrass (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 small piece ginger
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • Blend or pound all ingredients into a paste.
  • Rub on chicken (drumsticks, wings, breasts).
  • Marinate for 1–3 hours.
  • Grill, pan-fry, or bake.

CHILLI GROWING GUIDE

Chilli is a spicy fruit of the Capsicum plant, used fresh or dried to add heat and flavor to dishes.

  • Climate: Warm to hot. Chilli loves sun.
  • Location: Full sun (6–8 hours).
  • Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
  • Propagation: Seeds (directly in soil or in seed trays).
  • Water regularly but don’t flood.
  • Soil should stay moist—not soggy.
  • Reduce watering as fruits mature for stronger flavour.
  • Mulch to retain moisture.
  • Remove weak or yellow leaves.
  • Stake tall varieties to avoid bending.
  • Mulch to conserve moisture.
  • Remove dry leaves regularly.
  • Divide clumps every 6–12 months to maintain healthy growth.
  • Pick when fruits turn red, yellow, or orange depending on variety.
  • The longer they stay on the plant, the hotter they become.

Chilli

SIMPLE CHILLI GARLIC SAUCE

  1. Blend chillies, garlic, vinegar/lemon, sugar, and salt.
  2. Heat oil in a pan.
  3. Add the blended mixture and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
  4. Let cool and store in a jar.

Perfect for chips, nyama, chicken, or samosas.

  • Prepare the stalks:
    • Trim the roots.
    • Remove tough outer leaves.
    • Smash the stalks with the back of a knife to release flavor.
    • Cut into 2–3 inch pieces.
  • Boil:
    • Bring water to a boil.
    • Add lemongrass (and ginger if using).
    • Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Serve:
    • Strain the tea.
    • Add honey or lemon to taste.
    • Serve hot — or refrigerate for iced lemongrass tea.

SPICY CHILLI CHICKEN

  1. 1 kg chicken pieces
  2. 3 chopped chillies
  3. 1 onion (chopped)
  4. 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  5. 2 tomatoes (blended)
  6. 1 tsp paprika
  7. 1 tsp black pepper
  8. Salt
  9. 2 tbsp cooking oil
  1. Heat oil and sauté onions, garlic, and chillies.
  2. Add chicken pieces and brown them.
  3. Add tomatoes, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
  4. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes until tender.
  5. Reduce sauce to your liking.

Hot, flavourful, and goes well with rice or ugali.