Hawaii Four 0 Seasons

Hawaii Four-0 Seasons

In Hawaii when we talk seasons we often identify Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall in a way that is localized to the micro climate where we live. We use indicators like surf conditions (South Swell- Summer, Winter Swell - North Shore), wet or dry (no make salt, make salt), flower blooms for leis (pakalana, pikaki, plumaria perfumes the air…) and fruits in season (can you say mango season!)

Lucky we live Hawaii!

If you have traveled to Hawaii you know that each major island is unique in size and land conditions. All the islands are built upon volcanic terra firma – with rainy sides and dry sides and mountains in the middle. This natural ecology allows for a year round growing season and make for some delicious local eating.

Visiting Hawaii this summer? - Plan to buy LOCAL seasonal fruit…if you can. Shopping in HI supermarkets you might be tempted to pick up a peach but be forewarned; mainland imported produce has spent weeks in transit and just aren’t flavorful by the time they arrive here in the islands.

Living in Hawaii we are always looking for the best local seasonal produce, whether from our yard, fruit stands, farmer’s markets or the grocery stores. The islands are full of farmers markets, some sell ONLY organic produce; others have farmers with specialty items like goat cheese and honey. Don’t be surprised if you see fruit stand along the road with a “honor system” for payment. That’s local style…still.

If you're not local, be aware that farmers markets in Hawaii have serious start-times. Shoppers line up and wait for the opening horn at which point folks run to claim the freshest lettuce and most fragrant pineapple… and this time of year mangos. The “aloha” seems a bit lacking in the “rush for the best” but if you lay back and let the crazy pass you will find a plethora of farm fresh fruits, veggies and local products that will make your experience worth the price.

This year the island of Kauai seems to have had a lot of rain, particularly on the Westside of Kauai where our best mangos grow. Locals say the mango and lychee crops, if any, will be small. Folks start eating mangos green with shoyu and continue on thru the Summer when the ripe, juicy and fragrant fruit is usually abundant.

Along with mango and lychee, breadfruit, starfruit (pictured above), Meyer lemons, seedless limes and logan are the fruits of Summer in the Islands. They are showing up at markets but it’s get em when you can. Some years we have so many mangos that folks can’t give them away…not this year.

Producing more of our own food in Hawaii is a trend that is really taking hold.

Producing more of our own food in Hawaii is a trend that is really taking hold.

Since the economic tsunami of 2008 folks all over are growing more fruits and veggies to sell at farmers markets or at a home fruit stand or just for their own table.

NKO supports this movement and the positive long tern benefits that individuals and communities can harvest from local growing efforts. Local agriculture projects in backyard gardens, boutique farms and commercial enterprises all have a part in increasing our local food sustainability.

Growing food on island keeps money in the local economy, protects important green space, support thriving ag communities, helps reduce the risk of invasive species, and make us more secure against disruptions to our food supply lines from human or natural disasters.

At NKO we often get asked “What kind of fruit trees are the best to plant in my back yard?” Here are Abby’s suggestions:

Avocado http://www.hawaiifruit.net/AvoQuery5.2010.htm

Apple Banana http://www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/docs/hibananas.html

Breadfruit http://ntbg.org/breadfruit/

Citrus (Limes, Oranges, Tangerine) http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/F_N-14.pdf

Mango http://www.hawaiifruit.net/mangodraft6tp.pdf

Want to be part of a larger network, connecting with people who share this interest check out The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation ( FTPF) a nonprofit charity dedicated to planting edible, fruitful trees and plants to benefit the environment and all its inhabitants. FTPF primary mission is to plant and help others plant a collective total of 18 billion fruit trees across the world (approximately 3 for every person alive) and encourage their growth under organic standards. http://www.ftpf.org/mission.htm

Fruit Tree Planting Tips: http://www.plantithawaii.com/