This continues even in summer, when very few other producers can supply the market.
“ We are at a fairly high altitude – about 1 600 m above sea level – and because of that unique cool climate, which is roughly 2 ° C lower than Mooi River itself, our coriander is available all year round.”
“ The microclimate here, where we don’ t get so much heat, allows us to grow vegetables in summer that are normally winter crops, like cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, coriander and lettuce. Because we can produce coriander when there is almost none left in the market, we can push the price up from about R80 per box to more than R800 in the lean season.”
Through the past few years, coriander has become a major part of the Hillandale enterprise. When it is ready, it is picked, shaken clean and packed immediately. They plant in September
4. The microclimate allows Roy to produce vegetables, such as this healthy lettuce, in summer when most other producers experience challenging climatic conditions.