Stephen Reiffer, a South West WA farmer, has embarked on an endeavour to cultivate yuzu, a Japanese citrus known for its distinct flavour, on his 60-hectare property. Initially planting just over 100 trees, Reiffer aims to expand his orchard to more than 5,000 trees. Currently, over 2,500 trees are either planted or prepared for planting. Reiffer, seeking to stay active in retirement, has chosen yuzu cultivation as a labor-intensive project. He emphasizes the importance of mental and physical activity for longevity.
Reiffer's operation benefits from the region's fertile soil and ample water supply, allowing him to avoid herbicides and pesticides. His hands-on approach to farming has led to an increase in fruit size and a sold-out production. With an existing demand from Western Australian restaurants, Reiffer plans to significantly increase production. Despite the high cost of yuzu, at approximately $39 per kilo, its unique qualities justify the price. The entire fruit is usable, offering various benefits.
Local chefs, including Coby Cockburn of Blue Manna Bistro, have noted the rising popularity of yuzu, particularly for its compatibility with seafood. Cockburn's establishment sources its yuzu from Reiffer's company, Yuzu West, highlighting the growing demand for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Source: abc.net.au