Grown with aroha
Subtropical fruits such as pineapple, papaya, and bananas abound on roadside stalls and stock the supermarkets on our neighbouring islands, providing a highlight and taste explosion for those travelling. So why not here, in New Zealand?
After observing the changes the world is going through and understanding how nutritiously dense tropical fruit is, Sara and Andrew from Waipu decided in 2012 to take an educated leap of faith and plant their first grove of banana plants. Ten years later, Aotearoa Grown is home to many subtropical fruits and New Zealand’s first and largest commercially-grown papaya orchard.
By focusing on the positives of climate change, such as the increase in both soil and weather temperatures, Sara and Andrew recognised that Waipu is home to many of the same weather attributes and, through trial and error, are learning what grows well in Aotearoa and together are bringing the taste of the tropics to Northland’s future.
The fruit is grown sustainably and as naturally as possible by utilising Mother Nature’s immense power to bring the full flavour of the plant to fruition – this means they are “sun-ripened, wind- kissed, hand-picked and delicious”. Sara explains that they “do not use sprays, and all the fruits are grown with aroha”, which only adds to the juicy goodness. Incorporating the power of syntropic principles in their orchards allows them to grow high-quality crops fruit taste the way they should, while at the same time improving the soil for future crops.
And why tropical fruits? Sara explains that the nutritional benefits of subtropical fruits “are so good for you”. This is especially true for papaya, which is second to none. The papaya is grown in tunnel houses, is picked at its peak and packed full of vitamins, especially Vitamin C. They also have a low GI, which makes them the perfect fruit for everyone – especially as a first food for babies – and not only are they good for you they taste delicious too. Currently, Aotearoa Grown grows 40 types of bananas, papayas, star fruit, jack fruit, passion fruit and chocolate sapote and works with other like-minded farmers to provide tropical fruit to their customers that they can’t get enough of. As these keen gardeners learn what flourishes in New Zealand, there will be many opportunities to diversify and add to their ever-growing tropical collection.
To taste these delicious morsels, you need to be quick as they fly off the shelves at the two available markets. The first is the Grey Lynn Farmers' Market, held weekly and located at Grey Lynn Community Centre. The second is the Roving Rural market, which take place monthly at various locations and provide a genuine farmgate-to-table experience. To find them at either market, look for the crowd waiting patiently, and be warned, the early bird gets the fruit as they are known to sell out in 45 minutes. Sara and Andrew both adore seeing familiar faces within the crowds of each market and are humbled by the gracious words and genuine excitement bestowed on them. Long-term, the dream is to produce enough delectable fruit to constantly provide tropical fruit boxes that can be couriered country-wide to ensure that even those in the deep south can enjoy the health benefits and flavours.