Edible Landscaping With Tropical Fruit Trees

Tropical fruit trees make wonderful additions to any South Florida landscape. Combine plants with lush green foliage, brightly colored flowers of all shapes and sizes to create an low maintenance, attractive outdoor design. Get creative and intersperse your fruit trees with other native tropicals and add a water feature or secluded seating area. The choices are endless, but the best part comes with the harvesting of this edible landscape.

Here is a list of some of the tropical fruit trees you're most likely to have success with in the South Florida climate. In an effort to inspire you, we've, also included some of the more exotic varieties you may never have heard of.

Avocado: Introduced to the area in 1833, the South Florida climate is ideal for growing this nutritious fruit. There are over 56 different varieties with summer, fall and winter growing seasons. The thick skin is green, and can be smooth or rough textured, and teardrop, round or football shape, depending on the species. Avocados have more fat than most fruits, but they are an excellent source of potassium and Vitamin A, and are used in salads, guacamole, and taste great scooped right out of the shell.

Trees are 40-60 feet in height and produce large quantities of fruit that do not ripen until they are picked or fall to the ground.

Growing Conditions: Sunny location with well-drained soil. Season: January-June.

Caimito - Star Apple: This is an ornamental evergreen tree with sweet purple or green fruit and shiny green leaves with a brown underside. The fruit is sweet and gelatinous.The trees range from 25 to 100 ft in height.

Growing Conditions: Well-drained soil with no chance of flooding.. Season: Late May-March.

Carambola - Star Fruit: Plant produces a large fleshy berry, 2-6 inches in length, with a waxy, yellow skin. A cross-section slices produces a perfect star shape - hence the name. The trees are considered small to medium in height (35 feet max), with dark green leaves and flowers.

Star fruit is great served in salads or as an iced juice drink, canned, dried or preserved. Not advised for people with kidney disease due to high concentration of oxalic acid.

Growing Conditions: Sunny location with protection from the wind. Season: July-September, November-February.

Mango: Native to Asia and India, mango trees have been growing in Florida for at least 100 years. These medium to large trees (up to 100 feet) have a number of varieties and produce a hearty crop of tasty fruit. When first picked, mangoes are light green, but are best eaten when the fruit softens slightly and and skin takes on a yellow, red, or orange color. The fruit is a good source of vitamins A and C and tastes great in salads, breads, or pureed.

Growing Conditions: These trees are tough and easy to grow. Season: May-October.

Passion Fruit: This vine produces purple, yellow or reddish colored fruit surrounded by an sweet, orange pulp. The juice makes a wonderful punch.

Growing Conditions: Passion Fruit vines should be planted in an area where they can be supported by a fence or trellis in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Season: June-December.

Tamarind: This is a large tree (up to 80 feet), with rough bark, twisting branches and evergreen foliage. Flowers are a pale yellow with red veins that appear in early summer. The fruit is hidden in brown pods and contain large seeds in a sticky, brown edible pulp. The "molasses like" pulp can be used to flavor sauces and steak sauce. Season: April-June.

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Mangosteen - Queen Of Tropical Fruit

Mangosteen Fruit (Garcinia mangostana)

Garcinia is a Genus of 400 species with seven being indigenous to Australia but plants that produce edible fruits are few. The most well known in commerce is the delicious Mangosteen from Malaya and SE. Asia with peach like flowers and purplish fruits, known as "Queen of Tropical Fruit".

Mangosteen is a small and slow-growing tropical evergreen tree growing to a maximum of about 20m. The tree is a broad leafed evergreen with short columnar or pyramidal form. The large green/yellow flowers are tinged with red - about 20-30 mm in diameter occurring singly or in pairs on older branchlets. Male or hermaphrodite flowers can be found on the same tree.

Purple Mangosteen is a common fruit native to South East Asia and found in Thailand, India, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines requiring very humid, equatorial climate. The flavour is sweet and melting. It has a reputation for being the most delicious tropical fruit in existence! The tree takes from 12-20 years to reach full fruiting maturity. The seeds are edible and eaten boiled or roasted.

The accumulated knowledge of centuries of ancient Asian medicine has been passed down from generation to generation and also to early European explorers and settlers. It is no wonder that recent modern scientific research seeks to verify the traditional claims of the beneficial properties of the fruit and rind when research already indicates properties in the fruit that can inhibit several types of cancer including breast cancer, liver cancer and leukemia.

Mangosteen also has anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. The whole fruit has been used traditionally, as a medicinal treatment for diarrhoea, skin infection and wounds throughout South East Asia.

One of the most powerful antioxidants in nature, called xanthone, is found in the Mangosteen pericarp and also in the whole fruit. Xanthones are recognized for their medicinal potential, and proven benefit in certain diseases as well as providing a general health benefit, particularly on the cardiovascular system. They are also naturally antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. Mangosteen has an inhibitory action against the bacterial organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus. It has also gained a reputation for effective strengthening the immune system.

Its cultivation outside S.E. Asia generally has little success because of the trees' need of heat and water. In spite of that, many people have tried to plant Mangosteen in other places, such as California, Florida, North Queensland with a degree of success. Mature trees of about 10 years of age begin to yield from 500-1500 fruits. Fruit quality is destroyed with refrigeration and this presents problems with marketing and transport.

The Mangosteen fruit consist of 3 major parts.

The Pericarp - is the rind or peel and contains the highest level of xanthones.

The fruit pulp - is considered as one of the tastiest fruits in the world - commercially offered as a juice

The seeds - found within the white pulp

The other known species of the genus also produce fruits that may have potentially similar properties but scientific tests have so far focused upon the popular "Queen of Fruits" or Purple Mangosteen to which the above information relates. Although other species offer fruits that are reported as edible, none deserve as much attention and appreciation as the one that is popularly known as the Mangosteen.

Other species however, may promise further rewards for those who persist in seeking to demonstrate the validity of traditional therapeutic claims such as the recent findings of the Purple Mangosteen in successful treatment of a wide range of difficult conditions such as autism and neurological diseases. Others offer avenues for possible discovery of other interesting properties-

1. gibbsiae Mountain Mangosteen of Australia from Atherton region is a tree with simple leaves and twigs that exude yellow latex. The fruits are to 60 mm with green flesh and are not edible. They contain clearly segmented 8 or 9 cells each containing a single seed has yellow waxy perfumed flowers and purple berries. It is attracting some attention by plant researchers.

2. hanburyii Gutta gamba, Gamboge from Thailand and Sri Lanka provides the official Gamboge, a bright yellow pigment esteemed by artists because it imparted a wonderful orange colour to their paintings. Also used as dye for yellow robes of Buddhist priests. Still mentioned in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia for use in dropsical conditions and to lower blood pressure where there is cerebral congestion but now greater caution is advised.It has a reputation as a drastic and sometimes dangerous cathartic.

3. indica Goa Butter, Kokam butters, produce an edible oil from seeds. The dried fruit rind is used in curries.

4. intermedia Lemon Drop Mangosteen has pleasant melting flesh and wrinkled skin. All species of mangosteen rind is used as a spice.

5. mestonii Native Mangosteen, Meston's Mangosteen from Queensland rainforests growing to 15m. Flowers are pink in terminal clusters. Large reddish purple large, edible fruits to 7 cm. It is related but cannot compare to the exotic mangosteen. It has not been developed in cultivation.

6. sessilis has an ornamental deep pink/red flower is adopted as the national flower of Tonga.

7. subellipticad Fukugi from Japan is held as the floral symbol of Mobuto and Tarama on Okinawa.

8. tinctoria - related to the mangosteen - and is reported to have a delicious fruit.

9. warrenii Native Mangosteen White, beautifully fragrant flowers followed by round purple fruit with sweet orange/brown edible flesh. Slow growing to 13m. It has been recommended for cultivation. Branches and leaves when bruised exude yellow latex. It is a large fruit to 60 mm occurring singly or in clusters and contains either 2-3 seeds. Found from Babinda to Cape York.

Most species in Garcinia are known for their resins or yellowish gums used as purgatives but recent research claims to have found hydroxycitric acid in the rind. Although toxic it suggests an appetite suppressant could be developed as medication in over indulged wealthy countries. There is considerable interest in the successful results of the whole fruit juice in treatment of autism and many other symptoms so evident now in our chemically toxic environment.

Aromatherapy or the science of Osmics is proving immensely popular when applied in self help or in professional healing. It is a delightful way to employ natural perfumes to assist mood and mind states and is particularly helpful as an adjunct to relaxation techniques and stress relief. Sally Wilson is an expert in aromatics and author of one of the earliest publications on the subject, directing its use in incense and in healing and has utilized the subtle benefits in her naturopathic practice over many years.

More details at associated sites....
http://www.essence-of-yoga.net
http://www.breathing-fragrance.com

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Mangosteen - Queen Of Tropical Fruit

Mangosteen Fruit (Garcinia mangostana)

Garcinia is a Genus of 400 species with seven being indigenous to Australia but plants that produce edible fruits are few. The most well known in commerce is the delicious Mangosteen from Malaya and SE. Asia with peach like flowers and purplish fruits, known as "Queen of Tropical Fruit".

Dried Fruit

Mangosteen is a small and slow-growing tropical evergreen tree growing to a maximum of about 20m. The tree is a broad leafed evergreen with short columnar or pyramidal form. The large green/yellow flowers are tinged with red - about 20-30 mm in diameter occurring singly or in pairs on older branchlets. Male or hermaphrodite flowers can be found on the same tree.

Purple Mangosteen is a common fruit native to South East Asia and found in Thailand, India, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines requiring very humid, equatorial climate. The flavour is sweet and melting. It has a reputation for being the most delicious tropical fruit in existence! The tree takes from 12-20 years to reach full fruiting maturity. The seeds are edible and eaten boiled or roasted.

The accumulated knowledge of centuries of ancient Asian medicine has been passed down from generation to generation and also to early European explorers and settlers. It is no wonder that recent modern scientific research seeks to verify the traditional claims of the beneficial properties of the fruit and rind when research already indicates properties in the fruit that can inhibit several types of cancer including breast cancer, liver cancer and leukemia.

Mangosteen also has anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties. The whole fruit has been used traditionally, as a medicinal treatment for diarrhoea, skin infection and wounds throughout South East Asia.

One of the most powerful antioxidants in nature, called xanthone, is found in the Mangosteen pericarp and also in the whole fruit. Xanthones are recognized for their medicinal potential, and proven benefit in certain diseases as well as providing a general health benefit, particularly on the cardiovascular system. They are also naturally antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. Mangosteen has an inhibitory action against the bacterial organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus. It has also gained a reputation for effective strengthening the immune system.

Its cultivation outside S.E. Asia generally has little success because of the trees' need of heat and water. In spite of that, many people have tried to plant Mangosteen in other places, such as California, Florida, North Queensland with a degree of success. Mature trees of about 10 years of age begin to yield from 500-1500 fruits. Fruit quality is destroyed with refrigeration and this presents problems with marketing and transport.

The Mangosteen fruit consist of 3 major parts.

The Pericarp - is the rind or peel and contains the highest level of xanthones.

The fruit pulp - is considered as one of the tastiest fruits in the world - commercially offered as a juice

The seeds - found within the white pulp

The other known species of the genus also produce fruits that may have potentially similar properties but scientific tests have so far focused upon the popular "Queen of Fruits" or Purple Mangosteen to which the above information relates. Although other species offer fruits that are reported as edible, none deserve as much attention and appreciation as the one that is popularly known as the Mangosteen.

Other species however, may promise further rewards for those who persist in seeking to demonstrate the validity of traditional therapeutic claims such as the recent findings of the Purple Mangosteen in successful treatment of a wide range of difficult conditions such as autism and neurological diseases. Others offer avenues for possible discovery of other interesting properties-

1. gibbsiae Mountain Mangosteen of Australia from Atherton region is a tree with simple leaves and twigs that exude yellow latex. The fruits are to 60 mm with green flesh and are not edible. They contain clearly segmented 8 or 9 cells each containing a single seed has yellow waxy perfumed flowers and purple berries. It is attracting some attention by plant researchers.

2. hanburyii Gutta gamba, Gamboge from Thailand and Sri Lanka provides the official Gamboge, a bright yellow pigment esteemed by artists because it imparted a wonderful orange colour to their paintings. Also used as dye for yellow robes of Buddhist priests. Still mentioned in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia for use in dropsical conditions and to lower blood pressure where there is cerebral congestion but now greater caution is advised.It has a reputation as a drastic and sometimes dangerous cathartic.

3. indica Goa Butter, Kokam butters, produce an edible oil from seeds. The dried fruit rind is used in curries.

4. intermedia Lemon Drop Mangosteen has pleasant melting flesh and wrinkled skin. All species of mangosteen rind is used as a spice.

5. mestonii Native Mangosteen, Meston's Mangosteen from Queensland rainforests growing to 15m. Flowers are pink in terminal clusters. Large reddish purple large, edible fruits to 7 cm. It is related but cannot compare to the exotic mangosteen. It has not been developed in cultivation.

6. sessilis has an ornamental deep pink/red flower is adopted as the national flower of Tonga.

7. subellipticad Fukugi from Japan is held as the floral symbol of Mobuto and Tarama on Okinawa.

8. tinctoria - related to the mangosteen - and is reported to have a delicious fruit.

9. warrenii Native Mangosteen White, beautifully fragrant flowers followed by round purple fruit with sweet orange/brown edible flesh. Slow growing to 13m. It has been recommended for cultivation. Branches and leaves when bruised exude yellow latex. It is a large fruit to 60 mm occurring singly or in clusters and contains either 2-3 seeds. Found from Babinda to Cape York.

Most species in Garcinia are known for their resins or yellowish gums used as purgatives but recent research claims to have found hydroxycitric acid in the rind. Although toxic it suggests an appetite suppressant could be developed as medication in over indulged wealthy countries. There is considerable interest in the successful results of the whole fruit juice in treatment of autism and many other symptoms so evident now in our chemically toxic environment.

Mangosteen - Queen Of Tropical Fruit

Aromatherapy or the science of Osmics is proving immensely popular when applied in self help or in professional healing. It is a delightful way to employ natural perfumes to assist mood and mind states and is particularly helpful as an adjunct to relaxation techniques and stress relief. Sally Wilson is an expert in aromatics and author of one of the earliest publications on the subject, directing its use in incense and in healing and has utilized the subtle benefits in her naturopathic practice over many years.

More details at associated sites....
http://www.essence-of-yoga.net
http://www.breathing-fragrance.com

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Tropical Fruit

Tropical fruit is not only exotic, but also provides some variety to your diet. Coconuts. Pineapples. Mangos. Papayas. These fruits are just some examples of the many tropical fruit varieties you can find in the exotic fruit section of your supermarket. Have you only admired tropical fruit from afar? Here is some advice on using the fruits.

Smoothies

All the tropical fruits are tasty in smoothies, especially pineapples, mangos, and papayas. Just mix one cup of fruit in any combination with one cup milk, one tablespoon honey, and a few ice cubes. If you use frozen tropical fruit, you can omit the ice cubes. Using frozen tropical fruit instead of ice actually enhances the flavor of the smoothie.

Salsa

Mangos, pineapples, and papayas are especially tasty when incorporated into a salsa. Mangos especially seem to blend well with other salsa ingredients such as jalapeno peppers and cilantro. Serve your tropical fruit salsa on chicken or fish or with tortilla chips.

Tropical Fruit Salad

Tropical fruit also makes a great fruit salad. Just clean and chop the tropical fruit of your juice into bite sized pieces. An example of a good tropical fruit salad combination includes one cup each of pineapple, mango, and papaya, and kiwi fruit chopped. Toss with ½ cup coconut shavings. Make a dressing out of ½ cup pineapple juice, ¼ cup orange juice, and 1 tablespoon honey. Pour over salad and toss.

Tropical fruit on the grill

You can also pierce skewers through various combinations of tropical fruit and warm the grill for a few minutes on each side. This is a good accompaniment to grilled meats and fish. For example, you can serve skewered pineapples with chicken that was marinated in a teriyaki sauce made with pineapple juice. Grilled papayas go well when combined with grilled swordfish or halibut. Grilled mangos are especially tasty when paired with salmon or shrimp.

Tropical Fruit in your Diet

When trying to include tropical fruit in your diet, you aren't restricted to eating it raw. Incorporating it into your meals can give your taste buds some variety while enhancing your overall health.

Fruit provides detailed information on Fruit, Tropical Fruit, Organic Fruit, Dried Fruit and more. Fruit is affiliated with Gourmet Fruit Gift Baskets.

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Tropical Fruit Granola Bars.mov

www.1click2know.com Granola is a popular breakfast or snack food made with rolled oats, nuts, honey and dried fruit. Homemade Granola is fun, easy and delicious. Enjoy your Granola with yogurt, fresh fruit, milk or take it on your next camping or hiking trip. Its lightweight and easy to store.

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