Exploring Miami's Tropical Fruit Paradise

Miami & South Florida is one of the only places in the continental United States where you can enjoy locally grown mango, avocado, mamey, guava, papaya, banana, breadfruit, soursop and endless coconuts. Enjoy international flavors while experiencing them in an array of colors. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots in Miami to sample exotic tropical fruit.

The Tropics Welcomes Your Tastebuds

Enjoy the weather and ambience that has welcomed visitors from around the world for countless decades. The Greater Miami area has evolved into a cultural mosaic, the “Gateway to the Americas.”

There’s much to explore in South Dade by getting to know Homestead and the Redland Agricultural Area of Miami-Dade County. Land and towns that were once known as the Redland district still boast agricultural production of various tropical fruits, herbs, vegetables and ornamental plants that are supplied to chefs and restaurants in the area.

U.S. Highway 1, the "Highway That Goes to Sea," has been traveled by many visitors on the way to the lovely Florida Keys. One of the most consumed locally grown fruits is the mamey sapote, which is generally blended into a shake found ubiquitously around town.

Azucar Ice Cream Company Defines Fresh

Located on US-1 and also in Little Havana is the beloved Azucar Ice Cream Company, which uses fresh fruit such as mamey, mango and guava in many of their creations. Sweet mangos with their memorable scent and their yellow, red and golden hues in the summertime are a true testament of Florida’s unique fruit growing powers.  

Get Tropical At Redland Market Village

This open-air farmers market in Homestead hosts produce and fruit vendors with a variety of fruits, including the eye-catching cactus known as dragon fruit. Many rare and exotic tropical fruits are found here at Redland Market Village as they come into season from the surrounding Redland and Homestead areas of South Dade.

This market is undoubtedly one of Miami’s culinary toolbox treasures for Caribbean, Asian and Latin American-inspired ingredients. Operating since 1987, this 27-acre property is open year-round, including a food court and a thrifty weekend flea market.

Fallen Fruit At Fruit & Spice Park

Nearby towards the west on Coconut Palm Drive, SW 248 Street is the Fruit & Spice Park, an ethnobotanical jewel located in Redland. Their plant collection is beautifully laid out on 37 acres in a botanical garden setting, featuring different regions of the world. Operating since 1944, it’s historically designated and is one of the oldest parks in the Miami-Dade County park system.

With over 500 species of fruit, vegetables, spices, herbs and curious plants, the experience here won’t be complete without sampling the fallen fruit (though no picking from the trees is permitted).

The germplasm hosts over 180 varieties of mangos, 40 varieties of bananas and a plethora of other fruits that grow in the region. There’s always something happening at the park, such as their Summer Fruit Festival. In addition, the park hosts events, workshops, and year-round programming. A great time to visit is during peak tropical fruit season.

From Smoothies To Petting Zoos – Robert is Here Fruit Stand And Farm

Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and Farm has served the community since 1959. This longstanding family fruit stand showcases tropical fruit harvests and agriculture heritage for the South Dade area via their renowned shakes, smoothies and market products. Enjoy a vast selection of tropical fruit, honey, hot sauces and fruit preserves. The farm even features a petting zoo.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth At Knaus Berry Farm

Since the 1950s, Knaus Berry Farm has been a curious place to enjoy a cherished South Dade classic: some Knaus Berry cinnamon rolls straight out of the oven. Traditional pies, jellies and other local treats are also available at the farm stand.

Conveniently located on Krome Avenue SW 177, this gem is not far from other interesting attractions on this list and in the area. Credit cards are accepted, and they welcome guests from November through mid-April for the Redland farming season.

Fruit And Brews At Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery

A tropical fruit winery and brewery in one? Yes, please. Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery in Homestead has certainly emerged as an interesting attraction in the area. Enjoy their variety of fruit wines, line dancing on the weekends and tropical-inspired beers. While you’re there, delight in colorful displays of the harvests and seasons indicative of South Dade’s rich agriculture.

Want to sit down and enjoy a meal? Head to The Redlander Restaurant at Schnebly Winery, open Friday through Sunday for brunch, lunch and dinner services. Make sure to sample their farm-to-table fare, including Citrus Tuna Salad, Miami Steak, Smokey Guava Ribs and Rigatoni Cajun Cream Pasta.

Homegrown At LNB Grovestand

The Ellenby’s organic family farm utilizes homegrown ingredients for their healthy creations at the LNB Grovestand.

Visitors love The Rainbow Smoothie, layered with a variety of fruits and vegetables for tropical bliss in a cup. Their turmeric tonic and turmeric bagels are menu items often in the spotlight. Fresh honey, guacamole and special turmeric chocolate chip cookies are among the unique rotating offerings at the LNB Grovestand.

Throughout the year, you’re guaranteed to find their locally grown sapodilla, mamey, avocado, bananas, starfruit, longan, lychee, jackfruit, canistel, papaya and even jaboticaba. Stop by the stand for a prime example of South Dade’s fruit farming heritage in Miami.

Meet The Butchers Behind Babe’s Meat & Counter

Located in Palmetto Bay, Babe’s Meat & Counter, a family-owned butcher shop, sources many local ingredients and products from South Dade’s farmers and artisans. Fresh greens and vegetables grace their menu creations, including their heralded Cuban Sandwich and Maple Rosemary Sausage Sandwich.

Make sure to peruse their mini market after your meal, where you’ll find a variety of local beers and kombuchas featuring Redland-raised tropical fruit. 

Botanical Gardens Thrive At The Kampong

Featuring a premiere vintage mango collection in Miami, The Kampong in Coconut Grove, now a botanical garden, is the former home of the famed plant explorer, Dr. David Fairchild.

Discreetly nestled on Biscayne Bay with jungle vibes and scenic water views, this destination houses one of the most interesting collections of plants and fruit trees in Miami. Explore old specimen trees dating back to the early 1900s, which are scattered throughout the lush 11-acre property.

Calling All Nature Enthusiasts To Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

The botanical collection at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will impress naturalists of all kinds. Birds, butterflies and native landscapes span across 83 acres. Behold an impressive palmetum, a butterfly garden, a rainforest, fruit trees and the Whitman Tropical Fruit Pavilion, featuring rare durian species.

The site’s annual Mango Festival has become the place to learn about the hundreds of delicious mango varieties grown in South Florida’s landscape. The garden is connected to Matheson Hammock Park, which hosts 630 acres of mangrove forests, trails of native plants, beaches and a marina with a restaurant.