About ten years ago, a group of growers from Laos, led by Chue Lor, travelled to Suriname. They intended to train Surinamese farmers in cultivating dragon fruit. However, when they discovered that Suriname offered excellent opportunities for growing fruits common in their homeland, given the similar climate to Laos, they decided to stay. The family relocated, and today they cultivate limes, mandarins, pomelos, and oranges, all varieties originating from Laos or Thailand, alongside dragon fruit, in the tropical South American climate.
© Pieter Boekhout | FreshPlaza.com
Besides Chue Lor, there are a number of dragon fruit growers operating in Suriname
At present, the family farms an area of 30 hectares, including 25 hectares of citrus and 5 hectares of dragon fruit. There are plans to expand the operation to 300 hectares. The harvest periods of the different crops align well, ensuring year-round work.
© Pieter Boekhout | FreshPlaza.com
The harvest is unloaded. Red dragon fruit (with red or white flesh) is doing well in the Surinamese fields. Yellow is having a harder time: size is lagging behind
© Pieter Boekhout | FreshPlaza.com Corline Boekhout checks the quality
© Pieter Boekhout | FreshPlaza.com Dragon fruit is sold on the local market and in neighbouring countries
© Pieter Boekhout | FreshPlaza.com
Dragon fruit can be harvested for seven months
© Pieter Boekhout | FreshPlaza.com The mandarins grown by Chue Lor are sourced from Thailand. They are mainly sold to the Chinese community in Suriname
© Pieter Boekhout | FreshPlaza.com The tangerines remain green but are sweet. Due to a lack of temperature difference between day and night, they colour with difficulty. The mandarins are harvested twice a year
© Pieter Boekhout | FreshPlaza.com Also, soursop in Chue Lor's plots
