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Given the climate, this is too far north for much wine-making, but apple trees grow in abundance, so alcoholic cider is the local drink. And it is renowned throughout Spain, now gaining popularity abroad as well. The cider is thin and vinegary, best for clearing the digestion, though there is also a sweet version, without alcohol. I like it after a nice run through the hills, which brings us back to the paths. When one goes out ‘trekking’ it will soon be noticed that there are many many trees, including the apple. Chestnut, oak, sycamore, ash, beech, walnut, hazel, willow, firs, and eucalyptus…which is an import that took root in the last century. There are also some palms, especially closer to the coast (another import of course). In orchards or standing alone there are cherry, pear, apple, plum, fig, peach, besides a multitude of berry bushes- blackberry, currant, raspberry, european blueberry. A favorite pastime when out and about is stopping to enjoy some of nature’s gifts, a welcome refreshment on a long hike. |
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It bears repeating that although this is a Northern clime, Asturias is far enough south to support a variety of flora; in addition to the trees named above there are oranges and lemons that do quite well, as long as they are in a good spot, and kiwis (must have come with the eucalyptus). As with real estate, everything is ‘location, location’. A protected hill-side facing south is perfect for flora that need the heat. Which is also a good spot for tomatoes, peppers, or melons. There many gardens here, both floral and vegetable. Sometimes they pop up in surprising places, far from any house, along side some path with stone walls and thick hedges. Rows of corn, with beans climbing the stalks; potatoes and varied greens; different vegetables and herbs; produce and plenty in season. A careful eye will spot wild herbs when moving about the land: mint, thyme, parsley, marjoram, rosemary…some of these have been planted, and grown wild, others happen on their own. Watch out for stinging nettles, but at least there is no poison ivy!
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I have learned something about grazing animals from all this. Even regular milk cows have a natural environment (outside of feed-lots and stalls). Sometimes during a walk a clearing in the woods will appear, and behold! Cows grazing among the trees and in the meadows. They actually like wandering about, feeding off the land, winding in and out among the trees, clambering up hill-sides, getting a cool drink from the creek, relaxing in the shade…just like humans! Deer are also found, and it is quite common to encounter these.
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