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Top Spots For Locally-Grown Fruit In South Florida

October 3, 2015 / 8:00 AM EDT / CBS Miami

Farmers Markets are the best option when it comes to purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables organically. With the constant push and shove, consumers are battling against the institution of GMO-based foods by switching to "organic." This is causing farmer's markets to grow rapidly with their increasing popularity. They're in every major city and every small town. The only problem is that they are not always open. With the holidays approaching, families in and out of town and the continuous need for "fresh," customers are looking for something both close by and with a guaranteed quality. Luckily, we've got the best spots around to purchase your locally-grown fruit.

Glaser Organic Farms

19100 S.W. 137 Ave.
Miami, FL 33177
(305) 238-7747
www.glaserorganicfarms.com

Growing everything from aloe to wheatgrass, Glaser is considered a number one choice by many in the greater Miami area, and a great choice at that! While Glaser Organic Farms has an amazing selection of herbs and vegetables, they have an awesome selection of fruit as well. At Glaser, you can find Papaya, Passion Fruit, Star Fruit and more! The citrus is done right and ready for your Thanksgiving fruit salad dishes.

Strawberry Fields Of Kendall

9600 SW 137th Ave.
Kendall, Florida
(305) 322-3388
www.miamistrawberries.com

With soil-grown produce, Strawberry Fields is known for their peppers, herbs, tomatoes and, of course, strawberries! As a U-Pick farm, Strawberry Fields leaves the picking up to you, ensuring a fresh pick each time. Strawberry Fields are well-known suppliers within the South Florida area for their high quality. If you are unable to pick your own strawberries, there are other options for purchase.

It just so happens that the holiday season produces plenty of cakes, chocolate covered confections and salads that all require strawberries on top. Hence, it is inevitable that a trip to Strawberry Fields may just be in your future.

Lyons Farms

18305 SW 292nd St.
Homestead, Florida 33030
(305) 248-4439
www.lyonsfarms.com

Growing from just seven acres to over 125, Lyons Family Farms has been around for almost 39 years, delivering other families with mangos, papaya, lychees, bananas and more! They are known for their quality tropical fruits, which is continuously moving towards perfection. While they only ship on Mondays and Tuesdays to beat the weekend delays, it is possible to receive fruit immediately by visiting the farm location in person. With so many different fruits available, it is great to know that a buyer can also take home a few different varieties of coconut, as well! That would be perfect for "girly drinks" when the women get together and cook during the holiday season!

(Source: www.knausberryfarms.com)

Knaus Berry Farm

15940 SW 248 St.
Homestead, Florida 33031
(305) 247-0668
www.knausberryfarms.com

Closed for the summer but open just in time for the fall, they continue growing their quality fruits, such as strawberries and tomatoes — yes, tomatoes! They also have a variety of vegetables available, in addition to baked goods. You may purchase your fruits for shipping, at the farm or in their country store, which also includes cinnamon rolls and other delicious baked goods.

Robert is Here | Fruit Stand And Farm

19200 SW 344 St.
Homestead, Florida 33034
(305) 246-1592
www.robertishere.com

Closed for renovations, Robert is Here reopens on Nov. 5, just in time for the upcoming holiday season. There is a story worth sharing here and one of inspiration:

When Robert, the owner and founder, was a young boy, his father sent him to sell six cucumbers at a vegetable stand on a busy road. No one stopped. No one bought any. The next day, he sold everything, simply because he realized the first lesson in branding Awareness. He took a marker and wrote "Robert is Here" on a sign and held it in the air. Since then, his passion for fruit and produce has grown. He now grows seasonal and tropical fruits for consumers around the state of Florida, especially South Florida, where he calls home.

Jessica N. Abraham-Hogan is the owner of Shorty Produkshins in Orlando, Florida, and specializes in Social Branding and Public Relations for both the Professional Services Industry and Entertainment Business. Over the last 13 years, she has worked with many publications and has created branded content for multiple organizations, Globally.