To avoid offending anyone out there, Mans’ is just a guy originally from Rotorua, New Zealand and is married to Womans’… yes these are our pet names and much to the horror of many people in public we use these names everywhere!
When Mans’ setup his first garden there were the typical vegetables and herbs, along with just a couple of Habanero chili bushes. Come the end of the first season we were still collecting chilies well into winter. It seems that parts of Auckland are home to some of the most perfect conditions to grow chilies.
Every season since the number of chili plants and the variation of chilies have increased exponentially, to the point now that Mans’ grows a full range of Jalapenos, Serrano, Habanero, Birds Eye, Asian Fire, Scotch Bonnet, Apricot Ghost, Chocolate Reapers, Carolina Reapers and many more.
Where ever possible Mans’ sources his ingredients from his own garden or other local gardens in the wider Auckland region, to date only Mango’s have eluded his local sourcing ability, so for those the Man-goes to the wholesaler.
Look out for the sauces that are marked as Womans’ Approved for the more everyday sauce.
The Nursery
Where all the magic starts, that’s right they all start off tiny and once the plants are semi mature they are moved to the main garden for the duration of spring and summer to mature and fruit. A simple greenhouse kicks off the process to give the plants the best start possible and has the added benefit of keeping the Pukeko’s away.
All of Mans’ plants are chemical spray free, only 100% organic spray’s and natural fertilizers are used throughout the season, ensuring the best possible quality of fruit.