Summer is Here! Bring on the Fruit!

Sweet and Juicy, Summer fruits are just the thing to help you beat the heat! What better dish to bring to an outdoor party than a bowl of fruit salad? Yum! Fruit makes a great snack for your kids on hot days, as well.

Some Summertime fruits include: Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries (esp in the Northwest), Melons such as Cantalope, Honeydew & Watermelon, Nectarine, Peaches & Plums.

NUTRITION:

The darker colored fruits like raspberries & blueberries have the most antioxidants of all the Summer fruits. Red grapes also have Reversatrol for good heart health. Reversatrol is believed to fight against cancer, reduce inflammation, and lower blood sugar. .

Citrus is, of course, a good source of Vitamin C, but did you know that Strawberries have far more Vit. C per ounce? If you buy Strawberries, you will have to buy organic. Of all the fruits, this is one of the most heavily sprayed with pesticides.

THESE ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO GET ORGANIC:

Apples, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, raspberries & strawberries.

NOT AS ESSENTIAL TO BUY ORGANIC:

Avocados, bananas, kiwi, mangoes, papayas, & pineapples.

Many supermarkets now carry some organic produce. If yours doesn't, definitely look for a local farmer's market. You won't believe how much better local produce tastes.

Another reason buying locally is a good idea: The nutritious value of a fruit or vegetable diminishes from the moment it is picked.  The Farmers Market fruits will have been picked more recently than those at the supermarket.

Going to a local Farmers Market can be a fun thing to do with your kids. Get them involved: let them pick out their favorite fruits.

Wishing you a healthy Summer!