Fruit Farms to Visit on Pine Island
Discover the feeling of Old Florida on Pine Island, a quiet, laid-back area where fishing reigns supreme and mangrove forests thrive. Thanks to the region’s warm climate, it’s also an agricultural wonderland where locally grown produce is abundant — including tropical and exotic fruits that are hard to grow anywhere else! In this community that’s near Fort Myers, make your way between fresh fruit farms, fruit stands and local farmers markets.
Sink your teeth into a freshly sliced mango, juicy lychee or ripe starfruit and you’ll understand what makes this region so unique. In addition to fresh fruit, you’ll also find tropical ingredients in locally made jams and preserves, infused syrups and honeys, baked goods and even savory restaurant dishes.
Come to Pine Island during the beloved MangoMania festival in July and you’ll be fully immersed in all things mango. Learn about the history of mango farms in Florida, discover the tricks of picking a perfectly ripe mango and get tips on cooking with this delicious ingredient.
On the northern end of the island, Bokeelia is home to Pine Island’s Tropical Farmers Market. This cooperative brings farmers together to sell a variety of tropical produce along with other fruity treats.
While locals roam around Pine Island Tropical Nursery shopping for fruit trees, you can spend time in this colorful market enjoying all the food! This Bokeelia market has an assortment of mangos, papayas, guava and much more, along with an array of jams and fruit breads by Momma Donna.
Across four acres, Pine Island Botanicals grows organic produce year-round, including tropical fruits and nuts, fresh greens and sprouts. To visit the farm, book an appointment on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday between 10 AM and 4 PM (a $10 donation is suggested).
Discover an amazing variety of avocados, mangos and citrus fruits, along with berries, spices and nuts at Fruitscapes. You’ll be able to pick through rare and exotic fruits at the on-site fruit stand, picked at just the right time for maximum flavor.
Visit Hot Tropic Fruit Farm in St. James City during the summer months for a private golf cart tour and the chance to pick your own mangoes, then visit their snack shop for specialties like mango chunk ice cream and jackfruit jam.
You can also find Pine Island–grown fruit in other neighborhood farmers markets around Southwest Florida. Check out the seasonal Cape Coral Farmers Market, Captiva Island Farmers Market and Lakes Park Farmers Market for their operating times.
