6 Colorful Summer Fruit Superstars

Summer fruit is filled with the joy and sunshine of the season, and that's why I'm sharing my 6 favorite summer fruit superstars. 

This post has been updated 7/03/2023

Get fresh fruit in-season at local farmer's markets, picked fresh from a home garden, or purchased at a neighborhood store. 

This is an easy way to assure fruits are loaded with flavor and eye-appeal. In-season fruits are freshest and often on sale. 

Since locally grown fruit doesn't have to be transported long distances to get to your table, it costs less and tastes better. It's alive with goodness.

I shop the sales, and look for organic items. Organic fruits taste better than conventionally grown ones, and organic produce has a nutritional advantage. Organic means that the produce thus labeled is a safe way to enjoy eating food that hasn't been sprayed with toxic chemical pesticides, hasn't been grown in sewer sludge, and doesn't pollute the environment or the people who eat it. 

According to the Mayo Clinic Website there is a growing body of evidence that shows health benefits of eating organic foods, when compared with conventionally grown foods.

Studies have shown small to moderate increases in some nutrients in organic produce. The best evidence of a significant increase is in certain types of flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties. Also noted is the fact that organically grown produce has lower detectable levels of pesticide residue. 

A noted nutrition expert, Michael Greger MD states “Children raised on largely organic, vegetarian diets may have a lower prevalence of asthma and allergies. The President’s Cancer Panel report recommends choosing organic, especially for children, the most vulnerable population for increased environmental cancer risk.” 

6 Colorful Summer Fruit Superstars

Farm Fresh Organic Peaches

Peaches are one of the sweetest treats of summer eating. A medium size one is only 60 calories, yet it’s a healthy source of dietary fiber, Vitamin A, Niacin and Potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin C. 

Select fruit that feels heavy for its size, and gives just a bit when pushed. Avoid fruit that has green near the stem, as this is a sign that it's not ripe. See The Healthiest Fruits to Eat During Summer for a Beautiful Body Inside and Out.

Organic Apricots are Juicy and Flavorful

Apricots are a delicate, temperamental summer fruit. This yellow/orange colored fruit is harvested starting in late spring in warmer areas and through early summer. The most delicious apricots neither travel nor keep well, so take care when selecting them. 

This luscious fruit contains no saturated fat or cholesterol, and is very low in sodium. It’s a good source of dietary fiber and Potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Read 10 Impressive Apricot Benefits for more.

Sweet Organic Cherries are Deep Red/Almost Black in Color

Cherry varieties that are sweet and well-known are Tulare, Bing, Lambert, Chelan, and Sweetheart. Most look slightly heart-shaped, and have dark red or almost "black" colored flesh. Cherries are a good source of dietary fiber and Vitamin C and a whole cup of sweet cherries has only 77 calories. 

This luscious fruit contains antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties, even against serious conditions such as gout, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or painful muscle-related sports injuries. For more see What are Sweet Cherries Good For? 

Organic Strawberries and Organic Blueberries Are Sweet and Delicious

Blueberries rank second to strawberries in popularity in the U.S. This dark blue fruit has one of the highest antioxidant capacities among all fruits, vegetables, spices, and seasonings. 

Antioxidants are essential in optimizing health by helping to combat the free radicals that can damage cells and DNA. 

Enjoy eating a cup of raw blueberries — rather than relying upon blueberries baked into desserts. Like other fruits, raw blueberries provide you with the best flavor and the greatest nutritional benefits.

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Strawberries are loaded with goodness. Studies show that those people who eat just a cup a day (only 50 calories), have higher blood levels of folate, vitamin C and phytonutrients, and a higher intake of fiber than those who don’t eat strawberries. 

It appears that including strawberries in your diet might help you achieve and maintain a lowered risk for developing certain diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and even some forms of cancer. 

See an easy to prepare strawberry and blueberry recipe combo see a dessert that's red-white-and-blue.

Watermelon is a good fruit to eat, if you want to stay cool during the summer. Its high water content helps keep you hydrated. No wonder watermelon is the fruit of choice at so many summer meals. 

Picture Credit Pixabay

Eating a fully ripe watermelon pays off in terms of nutrient, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. When ripe, this fruit is bright red, and signifies its’ loaded with the antioxidant lycopene. 

Eat mouthwatering summer fruit for snacks, dessert, or starring in your favorite summer recipes. Choose to munch on colorful fruit superstars, and enjoy good flavors, good health, and colorful living.

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Are Artificial Food Colors Harmful to People?

When I investigated food safety information from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), I discovered food dyes can cause everything from hyperactivity and allergic reactions to cancer. For food safety and public health reasons, this consumer watchdog (CSPI) is calling for the government to ban all food dyes. 

Post updated 10/15/2023

That's Why It's So Important to

Read all food labels. This is start to determine if ingredients in the product you are about to buy are safe and healthy. Smart consumers look for labels that state, "This food contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservative."

Petition government officials. Let them know you favor increased labeling regulations so labels list every ingredient on each label, with possible health issues.

Speak Out to Manufacturers to demand they eliminate artific1al colors from all food. There is no health, nutrition, or other need for them. 

Reach out to your U.S. Senators and Representatives, as well as State and Local Officials. Ask them to pass laws that require manufacturers to place warning labels on products that cause even one allergic reaction, behavioral issue, or is associated with any illness including gastrointestinal conditions and cancer.

Act Now. Contact food manufactures, and tell them you're going to stop buying their products, unless they voluntarily stop using artificial food dyes. 

Select, Prepare, and Eat Real, Unprocessed Foods. Educate yourself about sound nutritional practices and food safety. It's a sure way to know what you're eating is nutritious and right for you.

See "Artificial Food Coloring No Thank You" to discover four incredibly harmful effects artificial dyes have on our health.

Common Sense, observation, and scientific studies are proving the effects of eating artificially colored foods, snacks, soda, desserts, and the like result in impulsiveness, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity among young children. Many of these foods are also sugar, fat, or salt laden, and filled with empty calories.

One way to test this is to take stock of how you feel and act after Halloween. Notice how weird and hyperactive you and your kids act, if you've been munching on the unhealthy treats your kids collected. 

Take a look-see at Dr. Michael Greger's video and Website, if you're interested in improving your family's health. Then read Are-Artificial-Colors-Bad-for-You?

Eat foods that are minimally processed and snack on organic foods like those in the picture below. Take advantage of mother nature to add colorful eye appeal to meals, by eating fruits and veggies that get their vibrancy the natural way.

Are you currently eating foods that contain artificial food colors, and/or have taken steps to change family eating habits? 

Do you eat most meals at home and eat real food snacks like apples, air-popped popcorn, and peanut butter?

What will motivate you to look more closely at food labels? Please explain. 

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This post is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only, and not offered as medical advice.

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