Snowberries, Gaultheria sp. Or tawiniwini is a native shrub . We are fortunate enough to have it growing wild on our block and therefore eco sourced seeds for cultivation. There are different types, ours has a more upright growth habit where’s alpine versions are more creeping.

The berries are beautiful and to us reminiscent of a cross between a melon and subtle blueberry taste. They have a shelf life similar to blueberries holding there shape and taste .

What we like about it is its ability to grow in rubbish soil. It likes marginal areas with slight acidic soil. It grows on our eroded banks and produces prolifically . We’ve even read that otago early settlers used it for making pies.