Among the rainbow of luscious fruits discussed will be the Mangosteen and Durian. Both of these fruits are difficult to grow in Florida. Encased in a small round, purple fruit is the center of a Mangosteen that looks like a peeled tangerine made of mother of pearl. Its sweet melting pulp is considered by millions to be the best fresh fruit in the world. Equally adored in tropical Asia is the Durian, often referred to as the King of Fruit. This spiny, cantaloupe sized fruit tastes like almond-onion custard, but smells like garlic, sulfur, onions and cheese. The cultural importance of these and other fruits will be discussed.

The Fruit & Spice Park, operated by Miami-Dade Park & Recreation Department, grows more than 500 varieties of sub-tropical fruits, herbs, spices, vegetables and nuts from around the world on 39 lush acres in the agricultural Redland. The park offers daily botanical tours, fruit tasting and naturalist led workshops. For more information please visit Fruit and Spice Park

About the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award and winner of the 2009 Florida Governor's Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 263 parks and more than 12,848 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Ericsson Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.  For information about Miami-Dade Parks call 3-1-1, or visit Miami-Dade Parks.

To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call (305) 755-7848.