Can you imagine enjoying breakfast with strawberries grown right in your own garden in Cuba? According to videos shared by Idelis García on social media, this is a lifestyle she claims to enjoy, despite the severe shortages and widespread hardships in Cuba, not to mention the tropical climate that makes strawberry cultivation challenging.
With over 40,000 followers on Instagram and partnerships with international brands, this young Cuban woman has ventured into the influencer sphere. Her content, reminiscent of a scene from "Alice in Wonderland," has stirred a flurry of criticism and skepticism among Cuban internet users.
In one of her videos, Idelis begins by saying, "This is what I eat in a day living in Cuba. For breakfast, I made myself cocoa and oat pancakes with matcha and strawberries picked from my own garden," showcasing her meal choices for the day. However, it was her mention of strawberries from her garden that set off a wave of reactions.
Comments flooded in, questioning the authenticity of her claim. "I'd like to know where in Cuba she lives to pick strawberries from her garden"; "You don't make me envious, it's just me and my Zuko against the world"; "She's a premium Cuban"; "Strawberries... in Cuba? IN CUBA? Fresh strawberries? Girl, don't explode biologically speaking, Cuba's climate makes it impossible to grow berries like strawberries"; "Everything was fine until the strawberry part"; "Is she the minister's daughter or related to the president?"; "I wish someone would show what eating in Cuba really looks like"; "Come on, girl, where in Cuba do you live because strawberries grow in intermediate climates, here in the garden maybe fried eggs"; "Anyone who sees that would think living in Cuba is easy"; "Is there another country called Cuba besides ours? Or are you Díaz-Canel's daughter?" were some of the remarks.
In response to the disbelief surrounding her garden-grown strawberries, Idelis commented, "Strawberries have been planted in Cuba for nearly 70 years, but they don't grow where there's no microclimate. I live in the countryside, so they're healthy." While it's true that strawberries have been cultivated in some areas of Cuba under very specific conditions and care, the fruit is not easily accessible or affordable for most Cubans, nor is it common to grow them in home gardens.
Cuban Homegrown Strawberries: Reality or Myth?
Is it possible to grow strawberries in Cuba?
Yes, strawberries can be grown in Cuba, but only in specific areas with suitable microclimates. It's not a common practice due to the country's tropical climate.
Why did Idelis García's video receive criticism?
The video was criticized because many Cubans find it unlikely to grow strawberries given the current economic and climatic conditions. Her portrayal of an abundant lifestyle contrasts sharply with the reality most face in Cuba.
What challenges do Cubans face in growing strawberries?
Cubans face challenges such as the tropical climate, lack of suitable growing conditions, and economic constraints, which make cultivating strawberries difficult.