Taste of Lee set for Saturday
Saturday marks the return of the popular “Taste of Lee” which gives people the opportunity to sample locally grown vegetables, seafood and fruit.
The free samples also include truly exotic fruits like sapodilla, lychees and black and white sapote, along with edible native plants and fresh juices.
The event is sponsored by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Office and the Caloosa Rare Fruit Exchange.
Co-organizer Rachel Singletary people can expect more tasting tables this year, compared to years passed. And that fewer vendors will make more room for tasting available.
“Last year it was a little crowded and we want people to have a good time and not have to stand in line,” she said. “The purpose of the event is to introduce people to the fruits, but for the vendors to make money.”
$1 admission fee gives attendees full access to all the tasting tables, Singletary said.
A “Speakers Series” will be available for an additional $3, and four separate lectures will be offered. They include: Freezing and Drying Fruit, Edible Native Plants, Teas Made From Edible Herbs and Plants and How To Plant and Maintain Your Own Fruit Trees.
Fruit trees also will be available for sale and an “Ask The Experts” booth will be on site for people who wants some fast advice about native fruits, vegetables and plants.
While much of the fruit and vegetables will likely seem highly exotic to many, Singletary said just come with an open mind and a curiosity to try something new.
She added that kids often are more willing to try new things than their parents are.
“Sometimes kids are willing to be more adventuresome than their parents,” she said. “Some people are hesitant to try new things.”
The event is scheduled to be held in the community room of the First Baptist Church in downtown Fort Myers, 1735 Jackson Street. The event is Saturday, June 18, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
For information contact the Lee County/University of Florida IFAS office at 533-7504.