Fruit of Our Desires

Comments (0) By Greg Baker Thursday, Jul 13 2006

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Oranges. Limes. Grapefruit. Carambola. South Florida is a pretty fruity place, the kind of place you just want to, um, squeeze into juice. Something like that. More exotic tree-grown treats (key lime, litchi, mango, avocado) will likely steal the stage -- nothing is forbidden at this fruit fest, including the new subtropical blueberry. The Tropical Fruit Fiesta will include advice by experts from the University of Florida and Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden about how to purchase the highest-quality potted tropical fruit trees, how to grow a primo crop, and how to overcome problems (the plant clinic is bilingual). Amateurs are encouraged to bring tropical fruit to compete in the homegrown contest; there will also be an auction. Organic veggies, fruit-flavored ice cream, jams, jellies, chutneys, and, naturally, plenty of fresh specimens of the area’s diverse selection will be on display and, in some cases, sold by vendors. The fiesta blossoms at 9:00 a.m. and runs through 2:00 at Key Largo Community Park, Atlantic Boulevard and St. Croix Place (Mile Marker 99.5). Admission is free. Call 305-292-4501, or visit monroe.ifas.ufl.edu.
Sat., July 15