Lychee Picking in Florida: Your Guide to Sunshine State’s Sweetest (and Most Secret!) Treat
Okay, picture this: it’s late spring, heading into summer in Florida. The air is thick with humidity, but something else is in the air too – a sweet, almost floral fragrance. That, my friends, is lychee season! These little gems are only around for a short time, usually from late May through July, so you gotta act fast if you want to get your hands on some. And trust me, you do.
So, what’s the deal with Florida lychees? Well, these guys aren’t native to the Sunshine State. They actually hail from China, where they’ve been grown for over 2,000 years! But they’ve found a happy home here, especially in the warmer parts of central and south Florida. Imagine a fruit with a bumpy, reddish-pink shell that peels away to reveal this glistening, white flesh. Bite into it, and BAM! Sweetness explodes in your mouth – a mix of strawberry, watermelon, and a hint of perfume. Seriously addictive. You’ll find different varieties grown here, like Brewster, Mauritius, and the ever-popular Sweetheart™. Some growers are even experimenting with cool hybrids, like the “Sweet Tsai” lychee at Ecogrove.
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks: where can you pick these delicious things yourself? U-pick farms can be a bit hit-or-miss, depending on the year, but here are a few spots worth checking out:
- Fellsmere Farms (Fellsmere, FL): This place is the real deal – a 15-acre organic farm bursting with tropical goodness, including lychees! They swear by their warm climate and fertile soil. Give them a ring at 954-444-9241 to see what’s ripe for the picking.
- O’Berry Lychee Grove (Jupiter Farms): These folks do U-pick by appointment only, so you’ll need to plan ahead. But it’s worth it! Call them at 561-262-8660 to book your spot.
- Lake Placid Fruit and Nut Grove (Lake Placid): Down in Southern Central Florida, this 20-acre grove is serious about their Sweetheart™, Brewster, and Emperor lychees.
- Robert is Here (Homestead): Okay, this isn’t technically a U-pick farm, but it’s a legendary fruit stand in Homestead. They always have a great selection of local fruits, including lychees, and they might be able to point you to nearby U-pick spots.
- Frank’s U-Pick Lychee Farm (Jupiter Farms): Frank’s offers U-Pick Star Fruit and Lychee when they’re in season. Give Frank a call at 561-743-5248.
Before you head out, a few words of wisdom:
- Call first! Seriously, this is the golden rule. U-pick availability can change on a dime.
- Organic or not? If that’s important to you, ask about their growing practices.
- Sun protection is your friend. Hat, sunscreen, comfy clothes – you know the drill.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Bring plenty of water.
- Know the price. Get the details before you start filling your basket.
Can’t find a U-pick farm? Don’t despair! You can often snag fresh lychees at:
- Farmers Markets and Roadside Stands: Especially in the Redland and Homestead areas.
- Specialty Fruit Stores: These guys are your best bet for finding unique and exotic fruits.
Now, a little reality check: lychee farming in Florida isn’t always a walk in the park. Climate change is throwing curveballs, with rising temperatures and wacky rainfall messing with the harvest. Some growers are even selling lychees before they’re fully ripe, which is a bummer.
So, you’ve got your lychees. Now what?
- Pick ’em ripe! They don’t get any riper after you pick them, so go for the ones with the brightest color.
- Keep ’em cool. Stash them in the fridge to make them last longer.
- Freeze for later! Throw whole, unpeeled lychees into a freezer bag for a taste of summer in the middle of winter.
- Eat and enjoy! Crack open the shell, squeeze out the juicy flesh, and watch out for that seed!
Bottom line? Picking your own lychees in Florida is a blast. It’s a chance to connect with nature, support local farmers, and score some seriously delicious fruit. So, get out there and get picking! Just remember to do your homework first, and be prepared for a sweet, sticky, and totally unforgettable experience.