The Martin County Public Information Office suggests we eat more fruit and vegetables in September. So why not go big…and go exotic?

Exotic Fruits of South Florida

Jaboticaba

One of the most unusual fruit trees that have adapted to south Florida is the Brazilian Jaboticaba tree. It’s exotic grape-like fruit grows along the tree trunk and branches making it quite the conversation piece when guests come to visit. The red variety tastes like blueberry yogurt; the purple like grape candy. It’s also grown for jams, wines, and liqueurs.

Loquat

Over 1,000 years ago Chinese cultivated the loquat and often mentioned it in their early literature. Somewhere at the end of the 19th century, this tree with the fragrant flowers and fuzzy yellow fruit found its way to south Florida. Loquats taste like a blend of apricot, peaches and plums, and like most fruit, the riper the fruit, sweeter the taste.

Black Sapote

Known popularly as the Chocolate Pudding Fruit, this tropical version of the persimmon is full of black, sweet, creamy pulp that tastes like, well… chocolate pudding! Try this apple-sized fruit when it’s extremely ripe, when the outside is very dark green and the fruit appears well past its peak.

Jackfruit

Fruity and pungent and the size of a watermelon! Some say the fleshy fruit of a ripe jackfruit tastes like Juicy Fruit gum or bubble gum. Unripened jackfruit has a meat-like musky taste and is used to flavor curry dishes for centuries. You can juice it, freeze it, and even make ice cream with it.

At a time when we are craving togetherness and ways to improve our health, check out some inspiration and creative food hacks from Have a Plant Nation.

Do you have one of these fruit tree exotics? Take a photo and share it with our Facebook fans.