Tropical fruit business grows in South Dade (includes video story)

Notorious for its nightlife and beaches, the Magic City is also a hotspot for lesser-known gems: exotic tropical fruits. Family-owned nursery D’s Fruit Trees makes it its mission to reverse that, putting some of Miami’s most peculiar produce on the map for local residents.

The company took root five years ago in owner Dustin Pezet’s Cutler Bay backyard but has since expanded to a new location near Krome Avenue and Eureka Drive. More than 95 species of rare tropical fruits, from atemoya to star fruit, are sold at the nursery, along with more common types like mangos or avocados. 

Staying true to its homegrown vision, D’s Fruit Trees is run entirely by the Pezet family. Dustin’s wife, Kristina, is the business’ Spanish-language translator and all-around help while his son, Hunter, aids with tree installations, deliveries and more.

“It’s a lot of labor, and it’s too much for one person to do,” said Dustin Pezet about the challenges he’s faced since starting the nursery. “With the help of my family, I’ve been able to really get this thing on the road.”

Dylan Pezet is a student at Florida International University studying Digital Communications and Broadcast Media. He joined Caplin News in the Spring of 2024 in hopes of improving his TV-production craft so that after graduation he may be able to get a job with the NHRA as a track reporter/announcer.

Isabel Rivera is a junior majoring in Digital Journalism with two minors in Art and English. Her interest in culture, the arts, and storytelling has led her to pursue careers in such topics in both journalism and publishing. Isabel’s work can be found in the Miami Herald, Miami New Times, Miami Times, Caplin News, Artburst Miami and PantherNOW. She currently works as a managing editor at Caplin News.