A British-grown hybrid fruit mixes the flavors of strawberry, blueberry, and kiwi, thriving considerably in the region.

In the heart of Devon, food writer, grower, and author Mark Diacono of Otter Farm (www.otterfarm.co.uk) has been championing an unsung hero of the berry world: the Chilean guava (Ugni molinae). This half-hardy evergreen shrub, native to Chile and its neighbours, is a delightful addition to any UK garden.

Despite being a favourite of Queen Victoria, the Chilean guava is not widely grown in the UK. However, its reliability in withstanding cold temperatures makes it suitable for most parts of the country. The plant can tolerate down to -10°C, rendering it unlikely to be worried by anything other than the coldest parts of our islands.

Chilean guava plants grow as small evergreen shrubs, reaching approximately 3ft in height and breadth. They produce beautiful pale-pink, bell-shaped flowers with a sweet strawberry and bubblegum scent in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by blueberry-sized, deliciously sweet and sharp berries that have a flavour somewhere between kiwi, strawberry, blueberry, and a gentle spicy sherbetiness.

The berries can be enjoyed fresh, used in muffins, breakfast with yoghurt, made into jam, or used as a variation on membrillo and a superb jelly that goes beautifully with cheese and pork. The timing of the fruit's peak is one of the pleasures of Chilean guava, coming after blueberries have passed and just as approaching winter could really do with a cheering berry harvest.

Young Chilean guava plants fruit sparingly but quickly get into their stride after a couple of years. The plant is pleasingly low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and limited pests and diseases. It thrives in containers and prefers well-watered soil, fortnightly fed.

Interestingly, Chilean guava is self-fertile, allowing for individual growth without pollination partner issues. Today, the choice of Chilean guava varieties is much wider, with named varieties such as 'Strawberries and Cream', 'Bigburning Pink', 'Bella Berry', and 'Flambeau'. The variegated form 'Flambeau' is slightly hardier than most.

Tim Smit, a name mentioned by Mark Diacono in relation to the cultivation of Chilean Guava, is likely a significant figure in its UK cultivation. The occasional blackbird may pose a threat at harvest time for Chilean guava, but with its numerous uses and easy care, this enchanting shrub is certainly worth the effort.