Fruits

Summer days are the perfect time for cool drinks made with fruit. If you are craving something sweet, do not grab a candy bar; reach for that wonderful, healthy, sweet tasting fruit. There are so many varieties that there is certainly one you will enjoy.

Benefits Fruits are a great beneficial food source. A natural food, that is full of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and photochemicals. There are so many advertisements about how important it is to get the daily requirement of fiber. You don’t have to eat lots of cereal to get your fiber; you can also get it from fruits. Weight control, energy, low in sodium, reduced risk of heart disease and cancer are just some of the benefits you get when adding 5 servings of fruit to your daily diet. Enjoy fruits raw, juiced, dried, canned and made into smoothies, breads and muffins. Eat canned fruit that is packed in its own natural juices or water, so that you know you are getting the best nutritional value.

Types

There are many types of fruits available. Sweet fruits like peaches, pears, grapes, apples, apricots, plums, nectarines, and cherries. Citrus fruits include grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, limes, and lemons. There are many melons to choose from, such as honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, and casabas. Berries include blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and more. There are tropical fruits that you can choose from as well, including kiwi, kumquat, papaya, pineapple, mango, persimmon, avocado, and pomegranate.

Preparation

It is important to clean all fruit before eating. If there are any pesticides, bug larvae, or dirt, you will want it removed. Squeezing lemon juice on freshly cut fruit will help keep them from turning brown. Fruit such as peaches and bananas can finish ripening on the counter. Fruit such as strawberries and raspberries need refrigeration as soon as you pick or purchase them.

Fruit is one of the perfect nutritional foods that are available and taste so good. With such an outstanding variety, you can experience the different flavors and never get bored. Blending them into drinks and smoothies will give you additional outstanding flavors. Make healthy, nutritious fruit a part of your diet.