– WELCOME TO –
Our Story
WHAT WE DO & WHY WE DO IT
Heartwood Farm, located just 1.5 hours south of Sydney, is set on 75 hectares of vibrant green hills in Rose Valley, Gerringong on the South Coast of NSW. The property dates back to 1878, when its predominant original use was for dairy farming.
Today, Heartwood Farm focuses on creating a sustainable farming environment.
We love planting trees and natives and returning the land to its previous natural beauty.
We believe healthy soil creates healthy trees and we employ conscious and biodynamic farming methods.
Working with Landcare Australia, we have planted over 4000 native seedlings to restore Ooaree Creek which runs through the property and valley.
In 2010, we started our long term sustainable Forestry project, planting 5500 native Australian hardwood timbers including Red Cedar, which were native to the region and had been logged heavily in the 1800’s to support dairy farming and development in Sydney. The trees have been lovingly nurtured and are now standing over 3 metres tall.
In 2013, we planted our first 500 native finger lime trees and we are now harvesting our plump, organic and flavour-packed finger limes.
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Our focus is to grow appropriate species to the land, inspire people to be involved in agriculture, and for the farm to sustain itself, both commercially and environmentally.
What is a finger lime?
( WE'RE GLAD YOU ASKED )
The Finger Lime (Citrus Australasica) is an Australian native rainforest plant.
Inside the finger lime are hundreds of juice filled vessels, similar to caviar, that burst in the mouth with a refreshing citrus explosion of flavour. They are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants and add an amazing flavour and texture to an array of different dishes.
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Their unique flavour, colour and texture has made them in demand in restaurants around the world.
Our Selection
Our finger limes are biodynamic. We do not use any chemical sprays, giving you finger limes as nature intended. We have planted six different species of finger limes:
Champagne
Deep red skin with golden champagne coloured citrus caviar
Pink Ice
Pink and green skin with blush pink citrus caviar
Crystal
Yellow/green skin with clear/crystal coloured citrus caviar
Rose Valley Sunset
Green/black skin with deep pink to red citrus caviar
Pearl
Deep red and green textured skin with opaque citrus caviar
Emerald
Deep green skin with bright lime green citrus caviar
Each of the species, offers a small variation in flavour. From tart and fresh flavours in Crystal, Pearl and Emerald species to sweeter notes of grapefruit and orange found in the Champagne, Pink Ice and Rose Valley Sunset finger limes.
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Our season runs from January to May and we pick fresh to order. Different species ripen at different times so we are able to provide a variety throughout the season. From June we can supply frozen fruit.
Finger limes should be stored in a cool, dry environment or in the fridge. They have a shelf life of 2-3 weeks.
What can you do with a finger lime?
CLICK BELOW FOR FINGER LIME–INSPIRED FOOD AND DRINKS
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Markets
We also visit Farmers and Growers markets in Sydney and on the NSW South Coast. Please check our Instagram and Facebook pages for the latest markets.
The Forestry Project
Our 5.5ha native cabinet timber forestry plot is home to over 5,500 trees, set to produce short-term yields of high quality, high value timber to satisfy both the domestic and export markets.
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Our Approach
Planting sustainable forests is key to our approach. By using selective harvesting techniques (NO clearfelling), we're able to maintain the forest structure and help regenerate the land. Our work is authorised by the NSW Department of Industry and Investment, and is carried out with the support of our regeneration and biodiversity project partners, including Landcare Illawarra, Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and Conservation Volunteers Australia.
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Ecological benefits
Over time, our sustainable practices will lead to the creation of new fauna habitats, improved soil conservation, and the regeneration and protection of waterways in the Ooaree Creek catchment. Already we're seeing big improvements in biodiversity and stabilisation through our project areas, something we're very proud to be part of.
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Species
Our forests are planted using species native to Australia – an easy choice since Australia is home to some of the finest timbers in the world.
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• Silver Quandong. • Silver Ash. • White Beach. • White Cedar
• Yellow Ash. • Red Cedar. • Silky Oak. • Queensland Maple
- OUR FOCUS IS TO -
Grow
APPROPRIATE SPECIES TO THE LAND
Inspire
PEOPLE TO BE INVOLVED IN AGRICULTURE, AND FOR THE FARM TO
Sustain
ITSELF, BOTH COMMERCIALLY & ENVIRONMENTALLY
Contact Us
We supply wholesale to restaurants, cafes, breweries and distilleries.
We pick fresh to order so you will always receive the freshest of finger limes.