Aore Island’s tropical climate and rich soils support an amazing variety of fruit, vegetables, root crops and herbs.
As you explore the island, you'll see gardens ranging from small family plots to larger areas growing traditional staples and tropical produce. What’s available changes throughout the year, so there’s often something different growing or ripening.
๐ด Visiting Aore Gardens
Local gardens aren't just beautiful places to explore — they're an important source of food and income for island families.
Please don't pick fruit, vegetables or other produce from gardens unless you've been invited to do so. Even when something appears plentiful, it may belong to a family or be intended for sale.
If you'd like some fresh local produce during your stay, ask your host or Netty. When available, the local team can help source produce for you. Standard service charges may apply.
๐ Tropical Fruit
Bananas, pawpaw, watermelon and coconuts are among the fruits commonly grown around Aore.
Depending on the season, you may also find mangoes, pineapples, passionfruit, guava, starfruit and soursop.
One of the pleasures of island life is discovering what's ripe right now, so ask the local team what's in season during your stay.
๐ Traditional Root Crops
Root crops are an important part of everyday cooking throughout Vanuatu.
Around the island you'll see crops such as taro, yam, sweet potato (kumala) and cassava growing in local gardens.
These traditional staples feature in many local dishes and are an important part of the island's food culture.
๐ฅฌ Fresh Vegetables
Aore gardens can produce an impressive range of fresh vegetables, including island cabbage, bok choy, lettuce, capsicum, tomatoes, cucumber, spring onions and eggplant.
Availability varies with the weather and growing season — part of the charm of eating locally is working with whatever the garden is producing.
๐ฟ Herbs, Spices & More
Look a little closer and you'll find plenty of other interesting plants growing around the island.
Lemongrass, ginger, turmeric and chillies are commonly used in cooking, while hibiscus and other tropical plants add plenty of colour to the gardens.
Aore is also home to growers producing crops such as vanilla, cocoa, pepper, coffee and nangai nuts.
๐งบ Want Some Fresh Island Produce?
If you'd like to try locally grown fruit or vegetables, don't pick directly from the gardens — just ask.
Your host or local team can let you know what's available and help arrange fresh produce when possible. ASK YOUR HOST →
๐ฑ Enjoy the Gardens
Take your time, have a look around and enjoy seeing how much food can be grown on a tropical island.
Just remember that every garden has an owner and every crop has a purpose. Look, enjoy, ask questions — and always ask before picking.