The Citrus Place

The "Old Florida" don't get no older than this here Old Florida: you'll find The Citrus Place on Terra Ceia Island, at an intersection that is your last chance to stop and turn around before crossing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

They're been there for almost 40 years, carrying on the noble tradition of mom-n-pop fruit vending into the era of drones and smartphones. And is their stuff any good? Man, I can't even tell you how special their fresh-squeezed orange juice is; there's nothing like it. You think you've had "genuine Florida orange juice" before but you haven't, and I hadn't. Now I have, and I'm hooked.

Fortunately, according to their business card, they will ship their wares. Woo-hoo!

Monstera Deliciosa

Though originally native to the tropical rainforests of Mexico, the Monstera deliciosa (also known by such names as Ceriman, Cheese Plant, Monstereo, Mexican Breadfruit, Balazo, and The Penglai Banana) has somehow spread its way to Hawaii, where it's become something of an invasive species. And now it's increasingly popular in the only other U.S. state where it can grow: Florida.

According to Wikipedia:

The fruit may be ripened by cutting it when the first scales begin to lift up and it begins to exude a pungent odor. It is wrapped in a paper bag and set aside until the scales begin popping off. The scales are then brushed off or fall away to reveal the edible flesh underneath. The flesh, which is similar to pineapple in texture, can be cut away from the core and eaten. It has a fruity taste similar to jackfruit and pineapple.

I have yet to sample this alien-lookin' snack, but I'll file a report when that day comes. Fascinated as I am with exotic Floridian fruit (such as the Mamey and the rare Sugarloaf pineapple), hopefully I won't have long to wait until the opportunity knocks.