Expanding Your Edible Garden: Incorporate Nutrient-Rich Plants for a Healthier Harvest
Swap Your Backyard for a Tropical Paradise: Top Exotic Fruits to Grow in Hawaii
In these tough economic times, it's smart to bank on your garden for keeping those food bills low and savoring locally-grown products. For centuries, humans have left their mark on the world's ecosystems — some areas thriving in harmony with various mammals have fundamentally changed landscapes over thousands of years. Even primitive humans discovered edible fruits deep within forests and spread the seeds far and wide.
As early settlers arrived in Hawaii, nutritious food sources were scarce. They brought with them a few staple plants like coconut palms, mountain apples, breadfruit, bananas, and kukui. Over the years, human activities have given rise to an astonishing diversity of fruit trees native to Hawaii, transforming the islands into lush, fruit-laden landscapes in a matter of centuries.
A Glimpse into the Star Fruit and Barbados Cherry
If you're on the hunt for an exotic, easy-to-maintain tropical fruit tree ideally suited for your small yard, look no further than the star fruit, or carambola (Averrhoa carambola). Originating from Malaysia, this fruit should be more prevalent in Hawaii. Sadly, its popularity is limited due to variability in seedling populations; many fruits are sour, yet nurseries are increasingly offering grafted plants for their superior quality.
Star fruit trees grow small, reaching about 20 feet at maturity, and can be easily shaped to fit your preferences. They're remarkably wind-resistant, surviving hurricane-force winds with minimal damage. To ensure optimal growth, plant carambola trees in well-drained soil in a location with ample sunlight. Watering is minimal since the tree can tolerate dry conditions, but growth and fruiting may be compromised during extended droughts.
For an intriguing addition to your garden, consider the West Indian Barbados cherry, or Malpighia berries. The fruit is high in vitamin C, with 4,000 units per 100 grams compared to 49 milligrams in a typical orange. The fruit's tart flavor makes it a delight when used in jellies or preserves.
Growing Barbados cherries requires minimal effort, as the trees usually reach a maximum height of 12 feet. Their dark green, curled leaves offer striking contrast, while delicate pink-tinted flowers add to their allure. Young seedlings produce fruit in as little as three years, with grafted trees bearing fruit even earlier.
Vitamins Galore: Tropical Fruits Taking Center Stage
In addition to star fruit and Barbados cherries, there's a host of other tropical fruits thriving in Hawaii, each offering a unique combination of vitamins and antioxidants. For instance, mangos are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like potassium. Some other nutrient powerhouses include papayas, Japanese persimmons, avocados, bananas, oranges, tangerines, and Suriname cherries.
Whether you fancy grapefruit, guava, mangosteen, soursop, sapote, cherimoya, lychee, longan, breadfruit, jakfruit, or passion fruit, there's a luscious treasure trove to delight your taste buds while nourishing your body. For an authentic durian experience, you can find this aromatic fruit at local nurseries and farmers markets, though it may come with a hefty price tag of $45 or more.
Nurture Your Garden, Feed Your Soul
With these exotic fruit options and expert advice from local nurseries like Frankie's Nursery or Natureworks Nursery, transform your small Hawaiian yard into a thriving fruit oasis. As Norman Bezona, professor emeritus at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, once said, "A few other dooryard fruits that are high in this vitamin A are papayas, Japanese persimmons, avocados, bananas, oranges, tangerines, and Suriname cherry." Embrace the world of tropical fruit trees and nourish your body with their bounty!
- Incorporating tropical fruits like Star fruit (carambola) and West Indian Barbados cherry into your home garden can offer a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, such as the high vitamin C content in Barbados cherries.
- By growing these exotic fruits alongside other nutrient-dense options like mangoes, papayas, avocados, and bananas, you can ensure a vibrant and health-conscious lifestyle, feeding both your soul and your body.
- Home and garden enthusiasts in Hawaii can explore niche fruits like the exotic Durian, providing an aromatic and flavorful addition to their tropical fruit oasis while enjoying the lush, fruit-laden landscapes that human activities have created over centuries.
