The Mullumbimby Farmers Market are welcoming their newest stallholders, Philippe and James from Tutti Frutti Farm. Their 124-acre food forest, nestled within the rich volcanic soil of the Caldera belt, is cultivated with permaculture and organic principles inspired by Robyn Francis and David Forrest. It is currently overflowing with jackfruit, though it yields a diverse range of exotic fruits year-round.
Philippe, a French raw food advocate, and James, with a background in medieval clothing and piano repair, met 25 years ago at a Kings Beach rally. Their shared commitment to sustainable living brought them to Nimbin, where James played a key role in the early development of the Blue Knob Farmers Market.
With his infectious enthusiasm, James guides market-goers through the jackfruit’s secrets. ‘If it smells ripe, it is,’ he advises. ‘Otherwise, a dull thud when tapped means it’s ready.’ Ripe jackfruit’s tropical sweetness is versatile: eaten fresh, dried into chewy snacks, or blended into ice cream and cakes. Even the seeds, boiled and shelled, offer a nutty treat. A customer shared a tip: cook the seeds for 20 minutes, shell them, and use them to make hummus.
Green, unripe jackfruit offers a different culinary experience. Its fibrous texture makes it an ideal vegan pulled-pork substitute, perfect for tacos, stews, and sandwiches. ‘It’s a culinary chameleon,’ Philippe explains. ‘Jackfruit is a sweet superfood, packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and protein.’
Although the jackfruit season is brief, Tutti Frutti Farm will provide a continuous flow of tropical fruits. Expect a dozen or more unique varieties, including cherimoya, feijoa, dragon fruit, persimmons, citrus, rollinia, sapote, mulberries, mangoes, and kiwis. They’ll also introduce a selection of raw food crackers and bliss balls crafted from their farm’s fresh produce.
Philippe and James, with their varied backgrounds and unwavering commitment to sustainable agriculture, bring more than produce to the market. They share a story of passion and dedication, deeply rooted in Nimbin’s fertile soil. Their jackfruit, with its sweet and savory potential, is just the beginning of their year-round offering. Experience the unique flavours of their volcanic food forest.
Find Tutti Frutti every Friday at Mullumbimby Farmers Market at the Mullumbimby Showground from 7am to 11am.
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