CLUBS
20 Port St. Lucie Magazine
TREASURE COAST RARE FRUIT CLUB
Club members Hein O'Grady and Lynn Marino prepare fruits for tasting at
the club's annual Taste of the Tropics.
palum dulcificum, a member of the Sapotaceae family. When
eaten, the berry of the miracle fruit will magically cause any
subsequently consumed sour foods to taste sweet.
Spencer says that, though there are many exquisitely
beautiful fruits and plants in Florida, it’s important to be an
educated consumer.
“Know your fruit rather than hoping something is edible,”
she says. “There are surprises you do not want to encounter,
like the akee. It’s a wonderful fruit, but if it is not properly
prepared, it is poisonous. You must know what is edible and
what to leave for the animals who know.”
For more information about the exotic and rare fruits that
Florida has to offer, stop by for one of the club’s monthly
meetings. Other information is also available at sites like the
Rare Fruit Society of Florida www.rarefruitsociety.org and
from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricul-
Spencer shares
her knowledge
with others during
a monthly meeting
at the Port St.
Lucie Botanical
Gardens.
ANTHONY INSWASTY
When very ripe, the pulp of this tropical persimmon can taste just like your
favorite childhood dessert, chocolate pudding.
tural Sciences Cooperative Extension office in Fort Pierce.
Master Gardeners and experts also can offer advice on
how to find, grow and enjoy all the rare fruits in the area and
which ones to avoid, too. Or attend a club meeting at the Port
St. Lucie Botanical Gardens where visitors can learn about
various fruits and trees and enjoy educational trainings and
tasting events. E
ANTHONY INSWASTY