Jorge Zaldivar

PG Tropicals

Jorge Julian Zaldivar is a tropical fruit farmer in Homestead’s Redland. He is not a chef, he considers himself a cook. One of his specialties is tropical fruit preserves through the influence of his family, which have continued cooking their traditional recipes from Cuba’s Oriente province, ever since they left the Caribbean island.

PG Tropicals partners with Guavonia Guava Grove...

PG Tropicals partners with Guavonia Guava Grove in Homestead’s historic Redland Agricultural Area. The current goal for PG Tropicals & Guavonia, is to reduce the carbon footprint of both operations, while increasing composting, upcycling, and recycling initiatives. A small plant nursery, Tropication Rare Plants is also in the works. TropicationPlants.com

Jorge supports various clubs & horticultural societies such as the South Florida Palm Society (SFPS) as a Director, member of the Tropical Fruit & Vegetable Society of Redland (TFVSR), serves on the board of (NAFEX) North American Fruit Explorers, Miami Pioneers & Natives of Dade (MPND), a local historical society, and Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste Southeast Committee.

He is currently drafting a few pieces, one for HistoryMiami Museum’s Tequesta journal, titled “The History of Guava & Seed Introduction in Florida”. A showcase of interesting discoveries and connections featuring the ubiquitous guava fruit, (Psidium guajava), in Florida’s agricultural & culinary history. A manuscript titled “Alex D. Hawkes Genie of The Tropics: Biography of a Botanist Chef” is also being drafted, alongside two hopeful cookbooks, one on Cuban food, and another featuring “Hawkes’ Recipes Lost” showcasing vintage South Florida and International recipes, cuisine, and history.

Come join Jorge at his food history & recipe blog, where you’ll explore the kingdom of fruits & vegetables, featuring recipes from Florida’s past. Discover a taste of “The Tropics” at Sub Tropic Cookery & @RecipesLost.