BRIDGETOWN orchardist Charlie Williams has decided to save his best tree ripened fruit for locals, rather than sending it to Perth.
Every second week at the Sunday markets, Mr Williams has some fantastic fruit to sell at cheap prices and the locals are loving it.
Mr Williams lives in Bridgetown on his family heritage farm, Astley Park Orchard, and is proud of the fruit that he delivers from the property.
The property was originally purchased by his grandfather, Charles Williams, and handed down via his parents John and Iris Williams.
"My parents planted lots of fruit trees in the house orchard, about 55 years ago now, and these trees are still producing fruit," Mr Williams said. "The flavour of this fruit is completely different."
Fruit that is tree ripened has more flavour and more vitamin content, according to Faye Savage, who works for Mr Williams and is supporting him as he moves his business into online marketing.
"Tree ripened fruit tastes so much better," Mrs Savage said. "Rather than the fruit that you get from the big supermarkets, where the fruit is picked green and stored in cold storage for too long. They just don't have the flavour of tree ripened fruit.
"Each fortnight when Charlie brings his truck load of fruit in, he is getting busier and busier. And on the long weekends, lots of people from Perth are returning to buy fruit from us, as they are appreciating the awesome flavour of tree ripened fruit,” she said.
"The tree ripened fruit is not really suitable to send to Perth as it doesn't travel well when it is ready to eat," Mr Williams said.
"I still send fruit to Perth, but I think it is best to look after the local market as well. I like to keep the tastiest fruit for the locals and offer it at the best price."
You can find Mr Williams at the Bridgetown Markets this weekend, or check out his new facebook page.
