The History of Cuba, vol. 5Johnson, Willis Fletcher
History
The History of Cuba, vol. 5
Johnson, Willis Fletcher
Cuba -- Economic conditions; Cuba -- History
Eggplants as a rule are successfully grown on all rich mellow soils. The
methods of cultivation are almost identical with those employed in
growing tomatoes. A small pear shaped variety is grown for the local
markets in Havana and other cities, but for export purposes it would be
unsatisfactory. The finest varieties known in the States are all found
here. The yield under favorable conditions is large and the crop stands
shipment for long distances without injury.
As a rule the prices obtained in the north have rendered the growing of
egg plants very profitable. From $3 to $7 per crate are the usual
limitations in price. The uncertainty of this price, however, in
different seasons, has rendered the production of the eggplant rather an
interesting gamble. This is true regardless of the quality of the fruit,
in nearly all products sold in distant markets.
Okra, or quimbombo, as the vegetable is called in Cuba, while not as a
rule commanding fancy prices, nevertheless brings satisfactory returns,
both abroad and in the local market, where the demand is more or less
steady. Like all others mentioned, it is strictly a late fall or winter
vegetable, and its cultivation is identical with methods employed in the
United States. Prices usually obtained are from two to three dollars a
half bushel crate.
The growing of lima beans in Cuba has proved a gilt-edge undertaking for
those who have been careful in the selection of seed and proper
cultivation after planting. The price obtained in the United States has
varied between $2 and $8 per hamper, or bean basket, with an average of
perhaps $5. The crop is quickly grown and with sufficient labor to
gather the beans at the proper time the grower is relieved of his only
cause for worry. The labor problem can usually be overcome if the farm
is located near any one of the small towns where help of women and
children is available.
String beans, while readily grown in Cuba, do not always find a demand
in the northern markets sufficient to justify the fancy prices
frequently obtained for other vegetables. The local demand in Havana,
while not large, is nevertheless satisfactory to the small farmer living
within a short distance of the city, where he can deliver his crop
without the expense of railroad transportation.
The summer squash, too, succeeds very well in Cuba, and if the crop does
not encounter the competition of the growers in the Gulf States, it is,
as a rule, fairly profitable. A variety of the native squash known as
the Calabaza, always finds a ready sale in the local markets. This
prolific Criolla production is almost always planted with corn by the
native farmers, since its yield never fails and its market is constant
and satisfactory.
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