At the Fruit & Spice Park, your eyes will be pleased with the myriad of colors, your nose will thank you for the smells it is about to encounter, and your taste buds will witness some of the strangest (and best) fruit you will probably ever get to sample. Home to more than 500 fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and nuts, this 37-acre piece of land belonging to Miami-Dade County is a park that is unique to South Florida. You cannot find the diverse produce anywhere that you do here, and that is partly because of the region’s climate.
Walking in, you will have access to samples of the season’s fruit. Don’t be surprised to find an exotic fruit you’ve never heard of waiting for you at the front desk. Don’t be shy and take the plunge to taste what South Florida has to offer. Once you begin to walk around, you are advised that you can taste the fruit, spices, and vegetables, but it is only those that have fallen off the trees.
You can roam the area after you’ve paid admission, but you’d be wise to take the guided tour. Included with the price of admission, the tour takes place everyday at three various times throughout the afternoon, giving you a chance to experience the park like it should be experienced. It’s educational, surprisingly funny, and if you’re lucky, your guide will let you pick some things right off the trees for the freshest treat you can possibly get your hands on.
There are an assortment of events held throughout the year, including workshops of different produce and various festivals such as Redland Summer Fruit Festival. Events such as these showcase local agriculture and feature vendors offering local wines and delectable treats for you to buy. In fact, there are even cooking classes offered, teaching you how to use the produce available to become the top chef in your house.
Park admission is $8.00 per adult, $2.00 per child 6- 11, and children under 6 are free. It is open 7 days a week and hours are from 9am to 5pm.
Where to find it: Fruit & Spice Park. 24801 SW 187th Ave, Homestead, FL 33031. (305) 247-5727
fruitandspicepark.org
facebook.com/pages/Fruit-Spice-Park/123622247718441
