Michael Stathos’ mission at Smadimi Estate in Terara is to grow everything. If someone tells him, “You can’t grow that here!” – he will. He has one or two examples of almost every edible plant you can think of, enough grapes to make wine (don’t ask to taste it though!), and enough veggies to feed the biggest family, and still sell leftovers to Green Box.

When visiting the other day, he picked a dragon fruit and sliced it up to give us a taste.  The colour knocks you out first, but the flavour is subtle – slightly sweet and a little bit floury – think watermelon?

Michael is one of my favourite characters. He always has some advice – not only on growing luscious white figs and crunchy beans, but practical business advice. Sensible stuff, like making sure you keep the other half happy!