Tara Lodge Produce in Mangawhai Heads, Kaipara District, New Zealand | Food

Tara Lodge Produce, Mangawhai Heads, New Zealand, is a working tamarillo orchard, and produces tamarillos and tamarillo chutney. We are totally in love with the beautiful ruby red fruit that brightens our winter days. Tamarillos are a vastly under-rated fruit! They are high in Vitamin C and E, carotene, fibre, iron and antioxidants and add variety and colour to the dull days of winter, when most other fruit is in short supply. Buy tamarillos that are firm and smooth skinned. The tamarillos from Tara Lodge Produce, Mangawhai Heads, New Zealand, will keep 10 days or more if stored in a cool place.
Some tips for using Tamarillos: Tamarillos mix well with red meats - try grilled and barbequed tamarillo halves with steak. Add a thick slice or two to a kebab stick. Add small whole tamarillos to a casserole or stir fried meat dish. Tamarillos are a great meat tenderiser.
Pizzas - chopped tamarillos combine well with mushrooms, bacon, ham, olives, pineapple, aubergine, onions and garlic. Add sour cream and off you go! Use tamarillo chutney on the base.
Decorate trifles, pavlovas and salads with rings of gold or red tamarillos.
Substitute tamarillos for the cherries usually found in a Black Forest Gateau.
Macerate tamarillos by covering peeled tamarillos with several spoonfuls of brown sugar. Leave for 5 - 6 hours or overnight covered. They will "stew' in their own juice and taste delicious. You can even add a slurp of liqueur such as Marsala or brandy. Yum!!
Make an awesome sandwich with fresh wholemeal bread, cottage cheese and slices of peeled tamarillo.
Add wedges of red & golden tamarillo to a cheeseboard.