Basil

BLACKMAIL SALAD. A few years ago, when RuRi started rescuing vegetables from Sagada, Mountain Province, we were subject to blackmail, the emotional kind. The farmers there had such blind faith in us that they would virtually smuggle their leafy vegetables and herbs in our vans. It happened 3 ~ 4 times. We threatened not pay for the items, but they said we don’t have to — and that we can donate them to whoever we like. What kind of system was this? Medyo unfair to us because then we start worrying about the condition of the leafies, and we still feel obliged to pay even if we give them away. We know the truth, that they would be unable to sell them if they do not get this. it was not trust, it was pragmatism. Like floating a baby in a cradle down the river in order to save it. We successfuly moved the leafies creatign salad packs and calling them “Blackmail Salad”. It worked.

One of those leafies that are in such abundance was SWEET BASIL. The farmer who is offering this to us now says he can gather 50 kilos. We are a little skeptical but yes, we said yes. It is putting blind faith in our farmers and we are not nervous, we are trusting our insticts. We are calling this effort “Basil Instinct”.

BASIL INSTINCT. We are seeking support for 50 kilos of Sweet Basil. Of you give P299, we shall give you one full kilo of freshly-harvested basil. Sweet deal.