Log in

View Full Version : Hi


KirstyJ
10-08-2015, 10:18 AM
Hi , I'm new to this forum and to growing bananas. My OH was left on his own for a few weeks and he bought an orchard , mostly bananas but also Mangoes. We are living on the tropical island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Currently we only have Cavendish variety but would like to try growing other varieties. Looking forward to learning about growing, storing and recipes. Have just tried my first green banana chips ( I'm guessing most of you will call them fries... I'm Scottish!)

Cheers Kirsty

JP
10-09-2015, 11:35 AM
Hi. I lived in Mauritius a while back... You definetely have to find yourself this varity: Banane Zinzeli. It's the best banana in Mauritius. I had Banane Carrée on my land but the taste is not that great. For mangoes, you need to get Maison Rouge. It's the best for eating fresh and ripe. Where are you located on the island? Is the orchard at the same place?

KirstyJ
10-09-2015, 01:26 PM
Hi JP
Thanks for the info re varieties... Banane Zinezli was already top of my list as I also love those. The mangoes I know less about ... but I will keep variety in mind.

We live in Pointe aux Cannoniers , but the orchard is in Triolet. It needs quite a bit of tidying up as the previous owner had let it go a bit, but it is established and we already have more bananas than we know what to do with. We have the "freckle" problem but apparently the trick is to put a plastic sleeve over the maturing bananas and then they are protected from the disease.

I note you are in Quebec, I wouldn't have guessed you could grow bananas there ... do you need to use a hot house of some kind?
Kirsty

JP
10-09-2015, 01:57 PM
Greenhouse is coming, eventually... Let's say that the climate is awful here... Trust me for the mango, it's great! But not for salads... They have a great coffee variety proper to mauritius. The Victoria pineapples are incredible too! I miss that pumpkin they call giraumon. OH ? Sorry, don't know that one, I'm french. But I speak kreol too!

cincinnana
10-09-2015, 07:17 PM
Welcome to the Jungle!!!:woohoonaner:

KirstyJ
10-12-2015, 01:33 PM
Hi JP

Yes I like giraumon too .

OH is shorthand for other half... ie husband.

regards

K

JP
10-12-2015, 03:13 PM
Well I learned something. I recuperated my other half. I divorced! I'm complete again! Lol! I'm going te get some fresh giraumon seeds soon from Mauritius. That and other stuff too. I'm almost done with the importation papers. I'll get my Zinzeli! Finally!

KirstyJ
10-12-2015, 03:36 PM
Good luck with growing Zinzeli and giraumon...

I'm off to an organic growing initiative in Pamplemousse Gardens tomorrow. It is slowly taking off here.
K

JP
10-13-2015, 04:00 PM
Last time I passed next to Pamplemousse garden, I was looking for steel rods to build the house. There was a penury and we drove by so fast I don't even know what it looks like. Have fun!

Snarkie
11-14-2015, 08:12 AM
Hi Kirsty. Welcome to the Banana Express! :nanerwaveytrain: