Nestled in the gully near the historic Blue Hole is Earth Family Village. Located upon 100 acres of majestic forestry sits a small village where people from all over the world come to fellowship and reset.

For those who enjoy hiking, Earth Family offers a 15 to 20-minute guided hike through the beautiful Collier Gully to a hidden river where the 8 heads of Ochos Rios’ rivers meet. This area is full of the rich history of Jamaica, so be sure to ask your guide about the wooden pipe that provides drinking water to the entire area.

There are hundreds of various species of trees, vegetation, herbs, and more than 300 coconut trees. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may be able to experience some exotic fruits that grow here on the land.

Take the black sapote (Diospyros nigra) for example. This fruit is also known as chocolate pudding fruit, is native to Mexico and Central America. It belongs to the Ebenaceae family, which includes persimmons (genus Diospyros). Despite its name, it is not related to sapodilla (genus Manilkara, family Sapotaceae). The fruit has been cultivated for centuries in its native regions and is now grown in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, including the Philippines, Australia, Hawaii, and Earth Family Village.

While there are a host of benefits to eating the black saporte, here are some of the major ones:

1. Rich in Vitamin C: Contains significantly more vitamin C than oranges, supporting immune function and skin health.
2. Dietary Fibre: Aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
3. Antioxidants: Contains carotenoids and flavonoids, which combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
4. Mineral Content: Provides potassium (supports heart health), calcium, and phosphorus (essential for bone strength).
5. Low-Calorie Dessert Alternative: Its creamy, chocolate-like texture when ripe makes it a healthier substitute for high-sugar desserts, with only about 80-120 calories per 100g.
6. Low Fat: Naturally low in fat, making it suitable for weight-conscious diets.

Again, depending on the time of year, you may be able to experience some of our culinary treats.
Ripe black sapote, governor’s plums, mangos, bananas, mulberries, soursop, and other fruits are often blended into smoothies, used in desserts, or eaten fresh.

In addition to the fruit, the land is replete with herbs, leaves, and other flowers that have vast health benefits. For example, we harvest wild duck flower and dehydrate them. They are available for purchase. For those that are unaware of the power of duck flower, here is a quick synopsis:
The term “duck flower” commonly refers to plants in the Aristolochia genus (e.g., Aristolochia grandiflora), known for their unique, duck-shaped flowers.

Here are some traditional uses

1. Detoxification/Cleansing: Some cultures use it for “detox” regimens, claiming it purges toxins (via severe vomiting or diarrhea).