October 8th, 2013
Seagrapes, Fruit, Tropical, Coastal Plant, South Florida, Caribbean…Uvas Playeras, Love Seagrapes!! Don’t just look at them…Eat Them!!
Uvas Playeras…that’s what they called them in Spanish. I grew up in the Island of Puerto Rico, where Seagrapes were very common. I used to eat them right from the tree, not giving it another thought.
Many years later, as I became a frequent visitor to South Florida, I noticed that the Seagrape plant was used a lot in their landscaping. Seagrapes are highly tolerant of salt and heat. That’s why this plant is also so abundant in the Caribbean.
Depending what month I found myself in South Florida, I always looked for the fruit that might be in season. Something different from what I would find at the Delaware Beaches, where I reside. At times, it might be avocado, mango, or tamarind.
A few weeks ago I was in Delray Beach. It was a time for Seagrapes. They were everywhere. It is a messy tree since the fruit falls off very easily once it is ripe.
The biggest tree I have seen so far was in Delray Beach, and it was full of seagrapes. Check out this photo.
At first the fruit is very green and it does look so pretty on the trees. You have to be patient and wait until the end of summer when the Seagrapes will ripen.
Seagrapes are in the buckwheat family. They protect beaches from coastal winds. In Delray Beach, they also protect the sea turtles.
So, as I was walking early in the morning in Delray, I was prepared, carrying my plastic bag to gather some of these Seagrapes. I have never seen anyone picking them….only me. A few gave me that look, wondering “what the heck is she doing?” You want the Seagrapes to be as dark as possible…a purplish color!! That’s when they will be sweet and tart at the same time.
Seagrapes have a pit that takes almost the whole fruit. They say you can make jam and even wine. But, I will tell you this…I cannot imagine how hard it will be to take that pulp. Not me, I just pop them in my mouth, play around with them, and then….yes, spit them out!! Not very ladylike, but that’s what I do.
Now don’t they look beautiful? I ate them all…so good. Don’t just look at them…eat them!!
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
Tags: Caribbean, Coastal Plant, Delray Beach, Eating Seagrapes, Puerto Rico, Seagrapes, South Florida, Things to do at the beach, tropical fruit, Tropical Plant, Uvas Playeras, Village by the Sea, What to do at the beaches
Hi Gloria,
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of seagrapes?!
The plate of them did look delicious! I always
Learn something new on your blog.
Thank you!
Susan
Hi Susan: Thanks for your comments. They are pretty good!!
Looks like Red Wine in the making!