Perth Mango Farm Welcomes Visitors Despite Heatwave Devastating Crop
Perth Mango Farm in Nowergup has opened its gates to West Australians eager to pick fresh, sweet mangoes straight from the tree, offering a unique paddock-to-plate experience. However, this year's season is marked by significant challenges, as a severe December heatwave decimated much of the crop, leading to a reduced harvest and higher prices.
Heatwave Slashes Harvest by Half, Boosts Quality
Veteran grower Brian Middleton, who operates Perth Mango Farm, predicts his haul will be only about half of the normal 15 tonnes, dropping to around seven tonnes this season. The scorching temperatures that threatened to ruin Christmas wreaked havoc on Perth's mango orchards, affecting early fruit development. Despite the smaller quantity, Middleton emphasizes that the quality remains exceptional, with tree-ripened mangoes offering superior flavor compared to those picked green for storage and transport.
"Tree-ripened fruit just has that extra flavor," Middleton said. "It's always better than fruit picked green for storage and transport. But we are in massively short supply this season."
Price Increases to Manage Demand and Break Even
To cope with the reduced supply, the price per kilogram of mangoes has risen to $15, up from previous rates, while picking fees remain at $10 per person. Middleton explains that this adjustment is necessary to slow demand and ensure the farm can break even financially. He expects the farm to sell out within four to five weeks, with up to 300 visitors per day anticipated during the peak season.
"People might be a bit annoyed but we've had to put the price up... it's to slow demand, and will allow us to break even," Mr Middleton said.
Family-Friendly Experience in Metropolitan Region
Perth Mango Farm grows the popular Kensington Pride variety, also known as bowen, and offers a fun, interactive activity for families and children. Middleton highlights the appeal of picking fresh, tree-ripened mangoes directly from the orchard, noting that the farm is technically within the metropolitan region, making it accessible for urban dwellers.
"There's not many places where you can pick fresh, tree-ripened mangoes straight from the tree," he said. "Young kids and families love it too... and we are technically in the metropolitan region now."
Timing and Recommendations for Visitors
Middleton advises mango enthusiasts not to rush, as early pickings are still mainly green and best suited for making mango pickle. The juiciest stonefruit should be ripe and ready by the end of March, with trees likely stripped bare by mid-April. This timing allows visitors to plan their trips for the optimal tasting experience, ensuring they enjoy the peak of the season's flavor.
Despite the challenges, the farm's opening on Friday has generated much anticipation, showcasing resilience in the face of environmental setbacks while continuing to provide a beloved local activity.
