Southwest Florida Sea Grapes
A true Florida experience, now endangered by rising temperatures.
Travel anywhere near the sprawling coastline of Florida, and you will find the large round leaves of the Sea Grape plant. Come during the fall, and you will find large clusters of green and purple grapes hanging from the branches.
It has been a long-standing tradition and a true Florida treat to pick these grapes and transform them into Sea Grape jelly.
The jelly is sweet and finishes with a touch citrus. The practice has been a part of the Estero Island Historic Society for many years. When students completed the lecture at the Cottage museum, they received a butter cracker with cream cheese and a dollop of the jelly. The jelly is also normally for sale at the museum.
Unfortunately, for three years running, the increase in temperatures has ruined the limited crop. So they are not for sale. There may be other places that still make the jelly, I hope to find more.
This may seem like a small issue to some people. To me, losing these small joys because of the damage we are doing to our world is unconscionable. The further you travel north along the coast, the grapes are still growing. But for how long?
If you know of any locations selling the jelly, let me know.
Wednesday is green or grey at Daily Colors. This photo was taken at an outing to the Sanibel Island Lighthouse in October of 2019.
