A delightful variety of fruit. Between the Karwendel and the Tux Alps
Where you can now get cherries, plums and more, straight from the farm or in the countryside
When the sun kisses the slopes of the Karwendel and the meadows glow a lush green, the fruit harvest is in full swing. Whether sweet strawberries, juicy cherries or the first summer apples – now is the perfect time to enjoy local fruit fresh from the field. Some can be picked yourself, whilst others can be bought directly from the farm shop.
The benefits of regional food and local produce in general are obvious: short supply chains, sustainable and, in some cases, even biodynamic farming, little to no packaging waste, and added value that stays within the region. What more could you want?
Which fruits grow over the course of the summer?
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Cherries
- Redcurrants
- blackcurrant
- Apricots
- Plums
- Watermelons
- Blueberries
- Rosehip
Many people are now aware that the region, which includes the village of Thaur, is home to the largest vegetable garden in Tyrol, is now common knowledge. Less well known, however, are the numerous varieties of fruit that grow between Thaur and Wattens.
At the moment, strawberries and raspberries, dark red, sweet cherries and juicy redcurrants are ripening in the region’s gardens, orchard meadows and small fruit orchards. Slightly tart and refreshing early apple varieties are ideal for compote or cakes, whilst the other types of fruit are often used to make jam. Our farmers love to make juice from small, round berries such as redcurrants or blackcurrants, which tastes wonderfully refreshing whether diluted or enjoyed neat.
And already waiting in the wings are juicy apricots and, later on, plums, although here they are commonly known simply as Zwetschke. In Austria, a plum becomes a ‘Zwetschke’: not just at the fruit stall, but also in everyday speech. This is because Tyroleans sometimes use the word ‘Pflaume’ as a rather unflattering term of abuse for their fellow human beings.
Watermelons from Tyrol? Seriously...
Hard to believe but true: watermelons are now even growing in Hall. Thomas Posch from the Urbanhof in Heiligkreuz has specialised in this and found a niche market. However, it will be a while yet before this refreshing treat can be harvested.
And anyone who’d like to pick their own fruit can let off steam here in the strawberry fields or, for a change, go off on a discovery tour of their own. Nature offers countless foods that are great for cooking with. Elderflowers, for example, are currently growing everywhere. The umbels can be turned into syrup, elderflower sparkling drink, jam, liqueur or jelly. Dried elderflowers are a great remedy for fevers and colds and soothe a dry cough.
And a very special insider tip from me is baked elderflowers. A delicious dessert...
If you fancy heading higher up, you can enjoy wild blueberries in the mountains. A trip to the Glungezer is particularly well suited for this! You’re sure to find some there!
And whilst we’re thinking ahead to autumn (which, of course, we’re absolutely not doing yet – we’re enjoying the summer to the full!!) we can find rose hips in the countryside. My colleague Matthias has summarised how you can use these little wonder berries in a blog post.
Find local fruit at the touch of a button
The Hall-Wattens Tourism Association has set itself the aim of supporting local agriculture as much as possible, whether through promotion or the sourcing of regional food produce.
An important tool for this is the so-called Product Finder. Here, with a simple click, you can search for farm shops, direct sellers or specific products. Contact details, product ranges and opening hours are displayed at a glance.
Here, I’d like to give you an overview of the farm shops that stock fruit:
- Hiandlhof Kirchmair in Tulfes: Cherries & plums – by phone or directly at the farmers’ market in Hall
- Sturmhof organic farm in Tulfes: Apples, pears, quinces, plums
- Lechner Fruit Farm in Hall: apples, pears, plums, blueberries, redcurrants, cherries
- Heiligkreuz Urban Farm in Hall/Heiligkreuz: Sugar melons and watermelons
- Gartenfeld Farm Shop in Hall: Apples, plums, apricots, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, Ringlo
- Nahtur and Nackig organic shops in Hall: seasonal fruit, depending on the supplier
- Lumperer organic farm in Fritzens: berries, melons
- Zimmermann Josef in Fritzens: Apples, pears, cherries, apricots, plums, peaches
- Surerhof in Thaur: Cherries, sour cherries, blackberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, plums, apricots, mirabelle plums, pears, apples
Farmers’ markets in the region
As well as direct sellers and farm shops, you’ll find what you’re looking for at farmers’ markets. The well-known and popular Haller Farmers’ Market has been attracting people to the town every Saturday for decades to shop locally and sustainably. People meet up at the Oberer Stadtplatz for a nice natter and can take the opportunity to learn first-hand about how the food is grown and processed. This builds trust, protects the environment and is simply sustainable!
Another meeting place for young and old, for families and friends, for foodies and connoisseurs is the Wattens Community Market . It takes place on the first Saturday of every month and always features a theme, such as cycling or similar.
Delights on two wheels: A culinary cycle tour
Starting this year, we’re offering a very special activity: a guided culinary cycle tour through the region. On three different dates, you can cycle to a total of 6 stops and gain a wonderful insight into the work of local farmers. My colleague or I will accompany you on a cargo bike, where you can conveniently stow your purchases. A light lunch is planned at the Lumperer organic farm in Fritzens. You can find all the details about the tour itinerary via the link below! We look forward to seeing you there.
