The typical modern perspective seems to be that everything takes too long. Waiting at the red light to change, for your order to arrive, or the dreaded download! It is easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget that nature moves at her own pace, and her timing is perfect.
I was reminded of this as I toured the park looking for inspiration for this article. What I found was, for the most part, our trees, are shrugging off the effects of last year’s bad weather, and using the good weather to their advantage. The bad came with Hurricane Irma, and the good was some well-timed cold snaps. The stress caused by hurricane winds stimulate trees to try and reproduce causing to produce an extra vigorous bloom. The cold snaps that we enjoyed around the New Year also stimulated both Mango and Lychee to flower. The combination of the good and bad conditions will result in something delicious!
The Mango (Mangifera indica) is arguably the most popular fruit in the world. Originating in South Asia, it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Trade and exploration have spread this fruit around the tropical world. Many are surprised to learn that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of named varieties grown around the world and the varieties cultivated reflect the local tastes and cuisine. The Fruit & Spice Park grows about 175 of these varieties, and for us the peak season usually runs from May through August.
The Lychee (Litchi chinensis) originates in Southern China, and has been cultivated there since at least 2000 BC. The bumpy skin of the fruit is red when ripe, and the crisp translucent flesh is sweet, tart, and has an incredible perfume. Best eaten fresh, some prefer them chilled. A truly ripe Lychee fruit (or ten, thanks very much!) is a most amazing sensory experience. Peak Lychee season overlaps Mango from June through August.
It is no coincidence that we host our Summer Fruit Festival right in the midst of the Mango and Lychee season. This year, on June 23 and 24 visitors will see the Fruit & Spice Park’s collection on full display, with tastings, classes and other related fruit fun.
We hope you will visit us and immerse yourself in all that this beautiful place has to offer. Let us all remember that sometimes even bad things like hurricanes can have good results, and let’s try out best to be patient as nature will sort herself out, in her own time.
Delicious Mango and Lychee Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
1½ cup Pineapple, cut
1½ cup Mango, cut
4 Lychee Fruits, cut
1 cup Coconut Milk
Directions:
Place the pineapple, mango, lychee, coconut milk, and in the blender. Puree until the texture is smooth. Then pour in a glass and serve!
