Alternative Fruit Orchard- Growing Zone 5

So by now I’ve gone on about the orchard planning a fair bit and decided to focus on trees, which have the longest time requirements to reach a productive age, with the first purchases going towards apple trees that seem to be the easiest to find and most versatile to use. While I do plan on eventually getting into some pears, plums, cherries etc there was one aspect of the orchard I didn’t expect, these ‘tropical’ varieties of fruit we’re actually able to grow here. My favourite so far is the ‘Pawpaw’, which is apparently a mix between a banana and a mango flavor, and hardy to zone 4, or -20 degrees.

Persimmons

Quinces

Hardy Orange

Figs

Pawpaws

There were a few others that I found that made quite the interesting list of alternative options to the typical fruits you would find in the store.

1. Persimmons
   Originally from East Asia these guys are technically a berry although they grow on a ‘tree’ and are often compared to tomatoes in their consistency with a honey-like taste. American persimmons are hardy in zones 4-9. $15-Little Tree Farm, NS

2. Quinces
   Native to Iran and Turkey, hardy in zones 4-9 and inedible until cooked, quinces are almost like a lumpy pear. Once cooked however they are supposed to be delicious and to give off a vanilla scent. $35- Silver Creek Nursery

3. Hardy Orange
   Native to Asia, and hardy to zones 5 to 9, this hardy orange grows moreso on a thorny hedge. It has a bitter/tangy taste, similar to mixing a lemon and a grapefruit. While I don’t believe I’d eat this one straight out, it would be interesting to keep as a flavoring when sweetened. $8 seeds- The Incredible Seed Company

4. Figs
   I had no idea figs could be hardy to Zone 6! While technically not my zone I am debating giving it a go just incase, perhaps in a greenhouse over the winter.
   $33- GrimoNut Nursery

5. PawPaw
   Leaving off where we started, I think the Pawpaw will be first on my list of alternative fruits to try out! It is actually native to North America and I think it’s a shame it’s not more popular!
   $54- Whiffletree Farm

I have to admit, this planning is definitely what’s getting me through the deep winter months this year. I’ve been so tired the past couple of weeks and I am just praying for sunshine and warmer months of gardening! Hope this helps get you there with me & inspires some experimentation!

-Anna R.