Let the Sun Shine With Sensational Summer Fruit
What a better way to kick off the summer season than with the luscious flavor of summer fruit! And there are many ways to enjoy these summer treats – whether for breakfast, dessert or an afternoon snack. Fruit contains natural “phytochemicals” and antioxidants, which may help protect against some cancers, heart disease, cataracts, arthritis and other chronic diseases.
And, the more color the better – you’ll be getting a wide variety of nutrients and other healthful substances. Here is a brief list of the health benefits of some of your favorite summer fruit and how to incorporate them in your family’s diet.
Plums and peaches contain beta-carotene, fiber and Vitamin C. Purple and red plums contain fiber and Vitamin C, and the skins contain anthocyanins. Try peaches on top of low-fat yogurt, or reduced fat ice cream. Chill plums just before serving for a juicy cool treat.
Strawberries, blueberries blackberries and raspberries contain disease fighting anthocyanins. And blueberries are thought to help improve memory. Try berries in smoothies, fruit pies and cobblers and you’ll be the hit of your family or church picnic.
And who can forget the flavorful addition of chilled melon. Try watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew rich in Vitamin C, and Beta carotene. Chilled melon soup is a refreshing start to an evening of grilling by the pool. And melon makes a fresh addition to salsa as a dip with fresh veggies or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
So, go to your local market and fill up your shopping cart – and let the sun shine in with sensational summer fruit.
And, the more color the better – you’ll be getting a wide variety of nutrients and other healthful substances. Here is a brief list of the health benefits of some of your favorite summer fruit and how to incorporate them in your family’s diet.
Plums and peaches contain beta-carotene, fiber and Vitamin C. Purple and red plums contain fiber and Vitamin C, and the skins contain anthocyanins. Try peaches on top of low-fat yogurt, or reduced fat ice cream. Chill plums just before serving for a juicy cool treat.
Strawberries, blueberries blackberries and raspberries contain disease fighting anthocyanins. And blueberries are thought to help improve memory. Try berries in smoothies, fruit pies and cobblers and you’ll be the hit of your family or church picnic.
And who can forget the flavorful addition of chilled melon. Try watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew rich in Vitamin C, and Beta carotene. Chilled melon soup is a refreshing start to an evening of grilling by the pool. And melon makes a fresh addition to salsa as a dip with fresh veggies or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
So, go to your local market and fill up your shopping cart – and let the sun shine in with sensational summer fruit.
Amy McLeod, RD, LD
Brookshire Brothers, Food and Pharmacy
Fruit & Vegetable Recipes
Video Center: Selection, Storage, and Preparation of Fruits & Vegetables.
