Colima's Tropical Fruits of Labor Flavors of the sea and the sun unite in Colima where sweet melons,

ripe bananas, juicy citrus fruits, tropical mangos and the ever-useful coconut are some of the regions tastiest exports. The state of Colima, the second smallest in the entire Mexican republic, lies in the folds of several fertile valley basins. The twin volcanoes that tower over the capital have supplied rich, organic soils that support fruit orchards and stands of coconuts that thrive in the warm, temperate climate. In fact, Colima has some of the juiciest sour limes that are exported to the rest of Mexico and abroad. Even in Colima City, the streets are lined with orange and grapefruit trees that droop with the weight of their home-grown bounty. Colorful sweet melons are also plentiful in the Colima fruit basin. Watermelons (of the ruby red and brilliant yellow variety), honeydew and cantaloupe are sold in huge quantities in roadside stands along the highway from Manzanillo to Colima. Banana groves are also plentiful especially in plantations near the airport, where visitors can discover the process of growing and harvesting the amazing fruit on local tours. One of the most versatile exports grown in Colima is the coconut, which first made its way to the coast aboard great galleons that brought coconut palms all the way from the Philippines back in the 16th century. Today, coconut products are the states most beloved local treat. Stalls along the highway sell every type of coconut candy under the sun. And practically everywhere in the state you can drink fresh coconut milk right from the nut and later eat the sweet meat the local way, with salt, chile and lime.