By NORMAN BEZONA | SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY Competing with the rest of the world in the production and marketing of tea, coffee or cocoa is often a losing battle. In Hawaii, we have been able to build on
By NORMAN BEZONA | SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY
Competing with the rest of the world in the production and marketing of tea, coffee or cocoa is often a losing battle. In Hawaii, we have been able to build on the Hawaiian name to promote a boutique or specialty product for a unique market. The key is to present a product of the highest quality. Kona coffees are quite expensive because of promotion and quality.
In Hawaii, we have delicious, high-quality local fruits. Local growers here have joined together to do a better job promoting local fruit and thus are getting a better price for their product by selling through small stores catering to health and natural organic food enthusiasts.
Keeping this in mind, Voltaire Moise and I are now in the Dominican Republic working with farmers growing and marketing avocados and mangoes, both locally and abroad. The sponsoring nongovernmental organization is the Florida Association for Volunteer Action in the Caribbean and the Americas. FAVACA has projects in Colombia, Haiti, Dominica, Guyana and Grenada, as well. We hope to share some of our successes and also learn from the farmers of the Dominican Republic.
We have had success in Hawaii mostly because of the visitor industry. The Dominican Republic is a beautiful country with an expanding tourist market, so there exists some major opportunities to promote their agricultural products through visitors.
Many years ago, before Hawaii became a major tourist designation, cocoa and tea were considered commercial crops along with coffee. They grew well and produced good quality, but could not compete on the world market. High labor costs were probably the limiting factor.
However, as we look at new and interesting ways to garden, we sometimes find a new look at old crops gives us a different perspective and opportunities. Farmers markets and specialty stores are now selling Hawaiian coffee, tea and chocolate at premium prices to visitors and residents who don’t mind paying the price for unique, high-quality products. The promotion is based on buying things that are local and organically grown.
Cocoa, or Theobroma cacao as it is known scientifically, is ornamental as well as useful. The health benefits of chocolate are now being recognized and organic local cocoa products can be found in many local markets for a price much higher than imported ones.
Cocoa and tea both grow well on the Big Island. Even though cocoa is thought to be a native to the Amazon area just north of the Equator, it may have been grown in Mexico for thousands of years. In Borneo, I saw thousands of acres in production where the climate was steamy and wet like East Hawaii, but it is also found in many gardens growing well in Kona. However, cocoa plants do not like drying winds or beach locations.
Tea plants may also be found in Big Island gardens. Most folks believe tea is a crop grown in and confined to equatorial countries. This however is a misconception. Tea grows in a wide range of climates and may be grown in areas extending from equatorial to temperate zones. For example, it grows in southern Russia near the Caucasian mountains on the latitude of 40 degrees north, and in Argentina near the latitude 30 degrees south. It grows well up to 5,000 feet in Kaloko mauka.
Tea belongs to the camellia family. Its correct botanical name is Camellia sinensis, and is closely related to horticultural varieties, which bloom magnificently in many home gardens and public parks.
The tea plant is an attractive evergreen shrub native to Assam. There are about 1,000 varieties known that differ in flower and shade of green leaves, as well as flavor when brewed.
The stimulating drink was originally used medicinally but since the fifth century has been the chief beverage in China. It became popular in Europe in the 17th century and was America’s chief beverage until the Boston Tea Party.
An alkaloid, like caffeine, and a volatile oil give tea its flavor. Long brewing extracts tannin, which is bitter and not considered beneficial.
Locating plants is not easy, but once planted and established, maintenance is no trouble. Some nurseries do carry tea and cocoa. These crops are usually grown where labor costs are low. But tea and cocoa are worth considering for a more interesting garden.
We now have farmers who have formed organizations to promote tea and cocoa production. The best way to connect with them is at local farmers markets and health food stores.
Many other unusual crops are now being sold at these markets, so if you want to have fun and learn more about tropical gardening check them out. You are likely to find fruits with which you are familiar like avocado, banana, vanilla beans, figs and lychee, but you will have the opportunity to see and taste others like rambutan, monstera fruit, dragon fruit, jaboticaba, sapote and others. Folks at the markets are friendly and helpful. Before you know it, you will make a whole new network of gardening friends.
Another way to learn more about tropical gardening is to get involved with the Outdoor Circle. In Kona, it has a study facility, library and gardens. For more information, call 329-7286. Visit the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources website at ctahr.hawaii.edu for information.
