How to grow them: Or 3-year-old "Tango" tamarillo has had red fruit on it for weeks. This variety is bred to be slightly sweeter than its tart cousins.
Our garden has a canopy of slightly taller open trees to protect the tender subtropicals, and still let light through.
Tamarillo's are suited to rich soil and mulch. These trees are relatively short lived; our "Ted's Ted" and "Bold Gold" trees lasted seven years.
How to cook them: Try making tamarillo chutney (tamarillos are from the same family as tomatoes and capsicum).
For dessert, cook the fruit with orange zest, sweeten to taste and serve with custard and cream.
