3 Unusual And Exotic Fruit Trees To Consider For Your Rural Orchard

Posted on: 22 March 2018

One of the most appealing aspects of owning a large, rural property is having the space to grow your own food. Along with a healthy and productive vegetable garden, you might also be planning to plant some fruit trees to create your own orchard. While these may take a little longer to provide you with a regular crop than your vegetable garden, they're a great long-term investment in self-sufficiency.

You can fast-track the process somewhat by buying well-established trees from a wholesale nursery. Although they may be a little more costly than smaller, less established trees, they'll put you closer to being able to pick your own fruit when it's in season. Buying wholesale is a great way to get better value for your money than you'd find at a regular garden store.

As well as the common fruit trees that are staple elements in an orchard, such as apples, lemons and oranges, you can also consider some less well known but delicious fruit varieties. Here are three unusual and exotic fruit trees that will add diversity, colour and flavour to your future fruit harvest.

1. Chocolate pudding fruit tree

This fruit tree, also known as a Black Sapote tree, is known for its incredible fruit that tastes exactly like chocolate pudding. Unlike chocolate, the fruit of this tree is nutritious, low-fat and packed with vitamin C. It makes a healthy alternative for dessert and can also be used to make milkshakes, ice cream, cakes and puddings for a guilt-free treat.

Chocolate pudding fruit trees are natives of Central and South America but they're well suited to the Australian climate. They're an evergreen tree which means you'll enjoy its vibrant, glossy green foliage all year round.

2. Feijoa tree

Many people associate the feijoa with New Zealand, where it's a hugely popular and much-consumed fruit. In actual fact, it was originally from South America but has become an almost ubiquitous feature in backyards across the Tasman Sea. It's also being more widely grown in Australia, both commercially and for personal use.

Feijoas are a delicious fruit that has a jelly-like centre with a zesty, tropical flavour. The tree is evergreen, produces beautiful and colourful flowers and will bare an abundant amount of fruit during the autumn and winter months.

3. Jaboticaba

Another import from South America, the jaboticaba is a native of Brazil that is being grown increasingly in Australia. This unusual plant produces small, round fruit which grows over the trunk of the tree instead of from the branches. The fruit is rich and sweet and comes in several different colours which all taste a little different.

As an orchard tree, the jaboticaba is an ideal addition. It requires very little space, very little care and is resistant to pest infestation and disease. As an added bonus, the tree matures very quickly and will produce fruit early in its lifespan as well as fruiting up to three times a year in the right conditions.

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