Achachairú or Achacha Garcinia humilis, native to the Bolivian Amazon, has a sweet and tangy sorbet-like flavour. Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY GAIL BRUCE
Long-term member of the Sub-tropical Fruit Society, George Allen, will share his knowledge on exotic fruit growing at Redland Organic Growers Inc.’s (ROGI) April meeting.
George has, for decades, enjoyed growing and experimenting with hundreds of fruit varieties on his Capalaba quarter-acre. He said a lot of people want to grow more edible plants in their gardens but are only familiar with the fruit trees they grew up with.
“We are conditioned by our culture to grow what is familiar, but we live in a Goldilocks zone as far as growing food crops. What we can grow really well and easily is quite extensive but often not well known. Productive plants from warm temperate to mild tropical climates can grow here; such a range of fruit that most gardeners can only dream about.
“If you’re considering planting a fruit tree in your backyard, it might be worth tasting some of the more exotic fruits. There are so many great tasting fruits available if you’re willing to try something different. Most are extremely hardy and manageable and will grow to be very productive with minimal care. There’s a tree for every situation, you just have to search for them.
“It’s a matter of taste,” George says. “In a small garden, you need to grow what you and your family will enjoy eating. If you have the typical taste of people from temperate places, then you may like the sweet-sour taste in fruit.”
Learn about and taste a few of George’s exotic fruits when ROGI meets on April 9 at 6:45 pm, Bayside Community Church, MacArthur Street, Alexandra Hills. Come at 6:15 pm to browse the library, shop for seeds, plants and local organic produce. Entry for members is $2; visitors $5. To join or renew memberships, visit https://www.rogi.com.au/membership.php
