Summer fruits seem to be filled with the joy and sunshine of the
season. That is why I share my 6 favorite summer fruit superstars. Each is plentiful right now at local farmer's
markets, picked fresh from a home garden, or purchased at a neighborhood
store.
Buying in-season,
locally grown produce 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.
Michael Greger
MD at Nutritionfacts.org/topics/organic-foods
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.”
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.
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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 fruit does not have 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.
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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?
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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Organic Strawberries and Organic Blueberries Are Sweet and Delicious |
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. For an easy
to prepare strawberry and blueberry recipe combo see this red-white-and-blue recipe.
Watermelon
is a good fruit to eat, if you want to stay
cool during the summertime. Its high water content helps keep you
hydrated. No wonder watermelon is the fruit of choice at so many summer meals. Eating a fully
ripe watermelon pays off in terms of nutrient, anti-inflammatory, and
antioxidant benefits. When ripe, its bright reddish-shade signifies its’ loaded with the
antioxidant lycopene. See this recipe Watermelon and Tofu Summer Salad, a cooling dish for your summer eating pleasure.
Savor eating mouthwatering fresh summer fruits for snacks, dessert, or incorporated into dishes. Choose to munch on these 6 Colorful Fruit Superstars, and enjoy good flavors, good health, and colorful living.
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Picture Credit Pixabay |
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H Nancy,
ReplyDeleteYour sure have picked some great choices for summer fruit. Not only are they all so tasty but filled with a wealth of health as you have duly noted in your article. There sure is a lot of dessert and delicious dishes you can make from all of these tempting fruits. Sharing on twitter, google & pinning. Have a healthy, happy & blessed day.
Thanks Marla. I appreciate your commet and support. Have a great week and reap the health and taste benefits of as many summer fruits as you can.
DeleteHi Nancy. This is good info. I love strawberries and watermelon the best. However, you've made me think need to go find some peaches. :) Glad you stopped by today. I hope we keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny for your comment. I'll check back at your blog again, because I think it's a good idea to keep in touch.
DeleteGetting our fill of cherries right now! They are so full of antioxidants and, well YUMMY!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marjorie for letting me know. My hubby and I had some last night. The crop is in from Mt. Ranier and the cherries we ate were sweet and juicy. Have a great day and be well.
DeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteWho can resist summer fruit. As much as I love strawberries, blueberries, and cherries- the watermelon is always my favorite. My mouth is watering looking at all your great photos. I prefer to buy organic when I can, especially with berries. Great post..
Thnaks Juddee for your comment. Just saw this today, and am sorry for the delay in posting it. Don't understand how that happened. It slipped right by me. Understand about eating organic. Berries that are organic do taste so much better and are healthier too. Have a happy weekend.
DeleteStrawberries and watermelon are my favorite ones! But during summer season I prefer to eat only fruits! Thank you for sharing at Sweet Inspiration Link Party :)
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Thanks Christina for your comment. How wonderful that you enjoy fruit so much.
DeleteBlueberries , cherries and watermelon are my summer favorites. I buy blueberries fresh but get organic cherries in a big bag in the frozen section.
ReplyDeleteLove frozen organic cherries! Great post..
Hi Judee, Thanks for your comment. I've never looked for cherries in the freezer section, but next winter when I crave some, I'll be sure to look there. For now, I'm loving all the fresh fruits that are your favorities and more. Have a great evening and be well.
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