Seasons’ Feast: The Orchard’s Greatest Hits

Through each passing season, the orchard breathes life into its bounty, weaving together sunlight, rain, and time into a masterpiece of fruit and nut production. Nature’s meticulous cadence ensures that every variety flourishes in its moment, offering the freshest flavours and richest textures when the time is right.

Blossoms awaken in early Spring, heralding the arrival of fruit and nuts that will soon take shape. As the warmth of Summer deepens, ripening juices capture the essence of sun-drenched days. Autumn’s embrace matures the orchard’s treasures, from crisp and fragrant fruit to sturdy, protective shells guarding the richness within. Winter arrives with quiet patience, preparing the cycle to begin anew.

Acorn

Acorns mature and drop during Autumn, typically from March to May, with timing varying based on oak species and local climate. Acorns (with tannins removed) offer several health benefits; they are rich in fibre, aiding digestion, and contain antioxidants that support heart health. They also provide essential nutrients like potassium, iron, and vitamins A and E, contributing to overall well-being.

Acorn Anzac Biscuits – A twist on the classic Anzac biscuit, using acorn flour for a nutty flavour. You can find the recipe here.

Fruit & Nut Calendar ACORN
Fruit & Nut Calendar ALMOND

Almond

Almonds typically flower in late Winter to early Spring and produce nuts that are ready for harvest in early Autumn, around March to April. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, fibre, and protein, supporting heart health and digestion. They contain antioxidants and vitamin E, which help protect cells from damage. Additionally, almonds may aid in blood sugar regulation and promote brain function.

Ginger Crunch with Almonds – A chewy, spiced slice featuring almonds for extra texture. Check out the recipe here.

Apple

In New Zealand, apple trees typically bear fruit from January to June, with the peak harvest season occurring between March and May. Apples are packed with fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins, supporting heart health, digestion, and blood sugar regulation. They may help lower cholesterol, reduce diabetes risk, and promote gut health. Plus, their natural sweetness makes them a nutritious snack!

Easy Apple Crumble! This classic Kiwi dessert is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Here’s the link to a staple New Zealand apple recipe here.

Fruit & Nut Calendar APPLE
Fruit & Nut Calendar APRICOT

Apricot

Apricots in New Zealand ripen between late November and January, depending on variety and climate. Plenty of sunlight helps them thrive! Apricots are nutrient-rich fruits packed with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and fibre. They support eye health, improve digestion, boost skin hydration, and promote heart health by helping regulate blood pressure.

Apricot Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken – A Savory dish combining apricots, cream cheese, spinach, and bacon for a flavourful meal. See the recipe.

Chestnut

Sweet Chestnuts typically fruit in early Autumn, with the nuts maturing and falling from their spiky burrs around March. The chestnuts are rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting digestion, heart health, and immune function. They provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and manganese, helping regulate blood sugar and boost energy.

Chestnut Chocolate Cake! This rich, nutty cake uses sweet chestnuts for a unique flavour. You can find the recipe here.

Fruit & Nut Calendar CHESTNUT
Fruit & Nut Calendar CRABAPPLE

Crabapple

Crabapple trees bloom in Spring, covering themselves in white, pink, or red blossoms. By early Autumn, they produce small, colourful apples that often stay on the tree into Winter. Crabapples are packed with antioxidants, which help boost immunity and protect against cell damage. They also support heart health and digestion, much like regular apples.

Crabapple Jelly recipe from New Zealand! This jelly is perfect on toast or as a glaze for meats! You can find more details here.

Mulberry

Mulberry trees begin fruiting in late Spring or early Summer, producing sweet, juicy berries that ripen through mid to late Summer. The fruit starts off pale and gradually deepens to red, purple, or black as it matures. Mulberries are packed with antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and support overall health. They contain vitamin C for immunity, iron for blood health, and fibre for digestion. Additionally, they may help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.

Mulberry Powder Puffs – These light, fluffy treats are perfect for afternoon tea. You can find the full recipe here.

Fruit & Nut Calendar MULBERRY
Fruit & Nut Calendar NECTARINE

Nectarine

Nectarine bloom in early Spring, producing masses of rosy pink flowers. The fruit begins to develop soon after and ripens from January onwards, reaching peak harvest in Summer. Nectarines are packed with vitamin C, which supports immunity, and fibre, which aids digestion and gut health. Additionally, nectarines provide potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function.

Caramelised Nectarines with Homemade Yoghurt Curd! Roasting nectarines enhances their natural sweetness, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. You can find the full recipe here.

Olive

Olives bloom in Spring, producing tiny, fragrant, creamy-coloured flowers. The fruit begins to develop soon after and ripens from Autumn to Winter. Most olives start off green and gradually turn purplish-black as they mature. Olives are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol and support cardiovascular health. They are also rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E, which helps protect cells from damage. Additionally, olives provide fibre, aiding digestion, and may contribute to blood sugar regulation.

Marinated Olives with Herbs recipe from New Zealand! This simple yet flavourful dish is perfect for snacking or adding to platters. You can find the full recipe here.

Fruit & Nut Calendar OLIVE
Fruit & Nut Calendar PEAR

Pear

Pears usually fruit from late Summer to early Autumn, with the harvest season peaking around April to May. Pears offer essential vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients like vitamin C and potassium, supporting heart health, blood sugar balance, and digestion. Their high fibre content helps promote gut health and reduce inflammation.

Autumn Pear and Walnut Bread! This delicious loaf is a great alternative to banana bread, featuring pears and walnuts for a rich, nutty flavour. You can find the recipe here.

Plum

Plum trees burst into bloom in early Spring, covering their branches with fragrant white or pink blossoms. Japanese varieties flower first, followed by European varieties in mid-Spring. The fruit begins to ripen from December onwards, reaching peak harvest in late Summer. Plums are packed with antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and support overall health. They contain vitamin C for immunity, fibre for digestion, and potassium for heart health. Additionally, plums may aid in blood sugar regulation and promote bone health.

Summer Plum Shortcake – This easy shortcake is perfect for showcasing the rich flavour of Black Doris plums. You can find the full recipe here.

Fruit & Nut Calendar PLUM
Fruit & Nut Calendar QUINCE

Quince

Quinces in New Zealand typically fruit in Autumn to early Winter, around April to June. Quinces provide antioxidants, vitamin C, and essential nutrients that support digestion, heart health, and immune function. Their fibre content helps regulate blood sugar and promote gut health.

Quince Paste! This sweet, tangy preserve pairs beautifully with cheese or crusty bread. You can find the recipe here.

Walnut

Walnuts typically fruit and are harvested during Autumn, from April to June. Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fibre, supporting heart health, brain function, and digestion. They may help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being.

Coffee Maple Walnut Muffins! These muffins combine the rich flavours of coffee, maple syrup, and walnuts for a delicious treat. You can find the recipe here.

Fruit & Nut Calendar WALNUT

Every season is a testament to nature’s wisdom – an ode to patience, balance, and abundance. Those who honour these rhythms know that the harvest is not simply gathered; it is revealed in its perfect time, offering nourishment and beauty in return for the care it is given.

Steve, Wanaka, Testimonial 2025
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