Rosellas are causing a stir at the Slow Food Earth Market in The Levee

These red buds are called rosellas – a popular fruit that is normally grown in the northern part of the country.

But in a surprise twist the bush is thriving in the fertile plains of Oakhampton and now shoppers at the Slow Food Earth Market in central Maitland are relishing in the delight.

“Some people make them into a syrup and they put it in champagne, that’s a very popular thing to do,” Mr Breiner said. 

“You can also make a jam out of it – my wife Laurel does that and it tastes very nice. She also made a tea out of it which tastes better if you put a bit of sugar in it.

“I know you can also make a cordial out of it and that is very sweet and it looks good too – they have a beautiful bright red colour.” 

The fruit, which is native to West Africa, can also be used in salads, jelly and even a stir-fry. The tea version, which is made from the dried red calyx, is high in Vitamin C and tastes like rosehips. 

Mr Breiner came across the plants when he was visiting his son in Queensland.

”We went to the local market and there was a bloke there selling them so I bought a few and came home and grew them,” he said.

“When they seemed to grow really well last year I saved some of the seed and grew some more this year. 

“If I see anything new I will try to start growing it and see if it does well at my place.”

The bush – and its name – has caused quite a stir at the city’s twice-monthly earth market, with shoppers eager to learn more about the fruit. 

When he mentions the name rosella most people think he is referring to the native bird. 

“They come up and ask what it is, a lot of people have never seen them before,” he said. 

Mr Breiner plants the crop in the spring and its fruit production peaks between late summer and early autumn. 

“The weather is not much different from Rockhampton – other than winter – so they do very well,” he said. 

“They seem to have a big push at the end of their season and then they die off very quickly.

“Don’t make the mistake of trying to eat them as they are, you won’t like the taste at all.”