The Discovery apple is a well-regarded early-season variety in New Zealand. It originated in the United Kingdom, believed to be a cross between Worcester Pearmain and possibly Beauty of Bath. Its popularity in New Zealand lies in its vibrant colour, sweet-tart flavour, and early harvest.

Characteristics:

• Appearance: Small to medium-sized with a bright red blush over a yellow-green background. Occasionally, the red can dominate depending on growing conditions.
• Flesh: Crisp, white to pale cream-coloured, often tinged pink near the skin if exposed to sunlight.
• Taste: Sweet and tangy with a refreshing flavour, making it ideal for eating fresh. Its flavour can be more pronounced when freshly picked.
• Seasonality: As one of the earliest apples to ripen, it is typically available in mid to late summer in New Zealand.
• Uses: Best enjoyed as a fresh eating apple but can also be used in salads or light cooking.

The Discovery apple is appreciated for its vibrant appearance and refreshing taste, especially when consumed shortly after harvest. However, it has a relatively short shelf life compared to later-season varieties.

The Luisa plum (Prunus domestica or Prunus salicina) is a distinctive cultivar originating from New Zealand, known for its exceptional flavour and unique characteristics. This medium to large plum has an elongated, heart-shaped or mango-like form with a smooth, glossy yellow skin often blushed with red or pink. Its vibrant yellow flesh is firm, juicy, and nearly freestone, offering a sweet, aromatic taste with a slight tartness, earning it descriptions like "sugar bomb" for its intense sweetness. The Luisa plum is highly versatile, ideal for fresh eating, baking, canning, or preserving, though its softness when fully ripe makes it less suitable for commercial shipping.

The Luisa plum tree is self-fertile, producing heavy, consistent crops without requiring a pollinator, though cross-pollination with varieties like ‘Billington’ can enhance fruit set. It ripens from late January to early February in New Zealand, with fruit maturing over several days, which benefits home gardeners but complicates commercial harvesting. The tree is hardy, disease-resistant, and adaptable to various soil types and climates, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. It grows to about 5 meters tall and 3 meters wide, requiring annual pruning to maintain size and promote fruiting. Popular in New Zealand and Australia, the Luisa plum is a favourite for home orchards due to its flavour, productivity, and ease of cultivation.