Established in 1970, we are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and furthering the cultivation and use of tropical and rare fruit in South Florida and throughout the world.

President's Message

Hello!

A Big Shout Out to Everyone who took the time out of their Busy Schedules to Volunteer for the South Florida Fair Booth. It was a Challenge at times. . . nevertheless, we made it!

This new season has started off with a bang! Mother Nature seems to re-acclimate every few days with warm weather, cold to colder weather, lots of rainy days and now cool again. I was in the kitchen looking out of the sliding glass door to see my Lychee tree shoots coming out! I guess I am just going to have to have a talk with HER!

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Perhaps, some of you have noticed positive things going on at your Farm or in the Garden. We would love to hear and see some evidence! February is the month for Lovers!

Here are a few of the fruit ready to devour during the month of February and the benefits of why it maybe a great to try.

1. Ambarella - Also known as June Plum, Golden Apple, Great Hog Plum and Tahitian Quince amongst other names.

It helps Treat Cough, believed to Slowdown Aging Process, Improves Vision and Skin Health, Boosts the Immune System, Controlling Cholesterol Levels, Addresses Anemia, Increase endurance, Assists with Weight Loss and Digestion.

The fruit can be dried and made into spicy chutney or eaten fresh added to stews, juiced, used as jams and flavorings. Young leaves are many times used as seasonings or cooked as a vegetable. Mature leaves are mixed in salads.

2. BlackBerry Jam Fruit  - Referred to as Raspberry Bush and Jasmin de Rosa.

It's impressive health values include reduction in cholesterol points, promotes bowel regularity, slows sugar absorption and encourages healthy gut bacteria.

This fruit is consumed fresh or used to make delicious jams, jellies and preserves for you and loved ones to savor.

3. Caimito or Cainito - Commonly called Star Apple, Haitian Star, Tar Apple,  African Star Apple, Golden Leaf Tree, Abiaba, Aguay and Blanco Star amidst others.

Its amazing health properties enhance digestion, controls blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, prevents anemia, antioxidants,

improves vision, claims to cure wounds, cuts, burns and skin issues.

Fruit is usually eaten raw. However when ripe, it contains 6 - 11 seeds, surrounded by its white, milky, soft pulp. Its fibrous juice has a sweetly, mild pleasant taste.

Above are the ABC's of gratifying, heartwarming fruit to share with the one your Love Bird or Sparrow!

The Upcoming Speakers for the next several months are as follows:

February  - Mr. Delroy Lowe long time RFC Member, "All about the 'Loving Care, Preparation & Enjoyment of Ackee!

March - Mr. Chris Miller,  Palm County County (PBC) Cooperative Extension Agent instructs us on South Florida Pest Identification & Management for Backyard Gardens & Small Farms

April - Mr. Kevin Alexander,  PBC Property Appraiser Agriculture Manager informs us on "What Constitutes an Agricultural Exemption on Various Types of Properties!" 

In early Summer we have a presentation on The Mango 2020 Updates

***Note: Upcoming Bus and Zip Trips in the Spring & Grafting Class in late Summer.

Monday February 10th is the last day to sign up AND pay for the Bus Trip to Kampong Fairchild Residence, Richard Lyon Nursery and Lara Farms on Saturday, February 15, 2020 6:30 AM • Coconut Grove

For more information check out our Events Coordinator 2020 Schedule at our next RFC Club Meeting scheduled for Friday, 2/14 at 7:30 PM, Mounts Botanical Gardens Auditorium, West Palm Beach. Or on the RFC Website in the Upcoming Public Events Section.

Looking Forward to Seeing You Soon!

Debra Marcelle Coney-Gary, Ph.D 

RFC President