At Blancaneaux Lodge the produce is truly local. Our gardening staff grows all the organic vegetables and many of the fruits used at the lodge. Despite the challenges presented by gardening in the jungle, Francis and Eleanor Coppola feel that fresh, flavorful produce is worth the effort. “We want to offer our guests the best there is, and by growing it ourselves we can guarantee the quality,” says Francis. “Besides, what’s a good brick oven pizza without fresh basil?”

Guests who visit the garden will see familiar backyard varieties growing next to exotic fruits and vegetables. Blancaneaux’s elevation and cool evening temperatures make it possible to grow a myriad of leaf lettuces, radishes, beans, carrots, and beets as well as fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, cilantro, and dill.

Our gardener and chef consult daily on what is available for the day’s menu and what will soon be ready to make an appearance. The year-round growing season and careful crop rotation means there are always fresh tomatoes for salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and pastas.