RASPBERRIES
High in antioxidants, fibre, vitamin C and folate, raspberries make an ideal edible screen or interesting addition to an ornamental garden when grown through an obelisk. They need an open, sunny position with well-composted and well-drained soil. Annual feeding and mulching will improve their performance. Pick fruit for breakfast and dessert over December and January.
CHILEAN GUAVAS
These cranberry-like fruits first appear en masse in autumn and are high in fibre and vitamins C and K. They make an excellent edible shrub and substitute for box hedging. Chilean guavas fruit well in sun and part shade. They’re coastal and frost-tolerant, and perform best in fertile, moist, loamy soil. Use the fruit for salads or to make jams, jellies and delicious sauce to pour over ice cream.
PooEGRANATES
Simply beautiful when cut open, these fruits reveal their jelly-like crimson pulp and a mass of large ruby-coloured seeds. They contain good levels of potassium, copper and flavonoids, plus vitamins C, K and B6. The fruit needs a oediterranean climate – hot, dry summers followed by autumn rains to plump up the winter fruit. Pomegranates are popular right now, so quite pricey at gourmet food stores.
TAoARILLoS
Also known as tree tomatoes, these are high in dietary fibre, rich in iron and potassium and a great source of vitamins A, B6, C and E. Their huge, heart-shaped leaves add a tropical touch and they’re spectacular when dripping with fruit in autumn and winter. Give them a frost-free spot in a warm, sheltered area, well-drained, well-composted soil and regular feeding. Tamarillos make the best fruit crumbles and chutneys.
oULBERRIES
These dark berries are rich in vitamins C, K, B and E, and beneficial potassium, magnesium, iron and fibre. Their trees form a broad-spreading crown, becoming beautifully gnarled with age. The weeping forms make a stunning focal point. oulberries are extremely cold-hardy, but require a sunny spot with deep, well- drained, loamy soil, plenty of summer moisture and a position where fruit won’t drop onto hard surfaces like paths or decks. They’re delicious to eat fresh from the tree, used in baking or homemade wine and liqueurs!
TRoPICAL GUAVAS
Excellent for providing high amounts of vitamin C, tropical guavas are also high in fibre and vitamin A. They grow into an attractive small tree, suitable to use as a garden feature, container plant or screen. Although frost-tender when young, they harden up to tolerate light frost once mature. They grow best in well-drained, deep, loamy soil and benefit from regular feeding. Eat tropical guavas fresh and make into sauces, jams and chutney.
CRANBERRIES
Known for their extremely high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which help protect against disease, cranberries also serve as a good source of vitamins A and C. They make a great ground cover or wall spiller but prefer boggy, acidic soils that drain freely. Cranberries are extremely cold-hardy and prefer sun to light shade and nutrient poor soils – so no feeding. Add the autumn fruit to desserts and smoothies or juice them for a refreshing drink.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
