In Tasmania, near Barrington, Olivia Rundle and Aaron Powell operate a farm that, while smaller in scale compared to industrial counterparts, boasts a collection of 14 berry varieties, many unfamiliar to the mainstream palate.
Among these are tayberries, jostaberries, and marionberries, intriguing customers with their novelty and culinary versatility. Rundle explains that certain crops are absent from larger operations due to their prickly nature or lower yields, emphasizing the farm's commitment to biodiversity, extending to the local flora surrounding the berry plants.
The berry season in this Tasmanian locale is succinct, spanning from December to February, with a peak period of four weeks where a multitude of varieties ripen simultaneously. This brief season offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore lesser-known berries, contrasting their experience with the common varieties available in supermarkets. Rundle highlights the educational aspect of farm tours, allowing guests to taste and learn about the diverse berry profiles firsthand, from silvanberries to thornless blackberries, noting their surprised reactions to the distinct flavors each variety presents.
Source: abc.net.au
