MA‘O Fruits and Vegetables
As we were researching what to grow, many agri-business professionals told us that Wai`anae’s arid climate was not well suited for growing crops other than the few that were highly adapted to hot conditions.
We didn’t want to be pigeonholed as a grower of one or two products. Instead, we wanted to grow a little bit of everything, including orchard trees, so that we not only ate well but we could supply a variety of items at farmer’s markets. There was an added bonus: the creation of a bio-diverse environment that helped us to manage pests. The trees and perennial crops provided a suitable habitat for beneficial insects which predate on the insects that would damage our field crops. For example, lady bugs would feast on the aphids.
Following many experiments, some horrible failures, as well as many pleasant surprises, MA’O found a rhythm of growing over three dozen different crops – leafy and bitter greens, herbs, root vegetables, citrus trees, bananas, and more. As our organic system matures MA’O will continue to add new crops and varieties of fruits and veggies.
Certified MA’O organic fruits and vegetables available includes:
• Arugula
• Baby Romaine and Oakleaf Lettuces
• Mizuna and Mustard Greens
• Tat Soi and Pak Choy
• Basil, Cilantro and Parsley
• Green Onion
• Collard Greens
• Kale - Red Russian, Lacinato (Toscano), Blue Curly
• Swiss Chard - Rainbow, Fordhook, Ruby
• Root vegetables—Beets, Daikon, Radish, Turnips
• Eggplants - Italian, Japanese
• Haden and Kiett Mangos
• Meyer Lemons
• Tahitian Limes
• Clementine Tangerines
MA‘O’s signature salad mix is “Sassy”, a combination of all our premium quality baby greens.
Keep checking our site for updates. In 2008, MA’O will be working to purchase an additional 11-acres which we will use to grow an even greater diversity of organic fruits and veggies. Items ‘growing’ in the near future will include: beans, peas, fennel, cucumber, tomato, pumpkin, sweet potato, corn, and bananas. We will also be raising chickens for eggs.
Baby lettuces, ready for harvest.
Hakurei Japanese turnip, just cleaned.
Red chard, ready for harvest.
Italian parsley and friendly predator.
