Showing posts with label Fruit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fruit. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Every Spoonful Tells a Story: Dive into the World of Cereal

Every Spoonful Tells a Story


Looking for ways to sweeten your cereal?
Try nature's sweetness - Fruit




  


Friday, December 29, 2023

Dragon Fruit – From Farm to Table

What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit, also known as Pitahaya refers to the fruit of the genus Hylocereus cactus. The dragon fruit is cultivated in Southeast Asia, Florida, the Caribbean, Australia, and throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world.


Dragon fruit comes in four varieties:
* Pink-skinned with white flesh and tiny black seeds
* Pink-skinned with red flesh and tiny black seeds
* Pink-skinned with purple/pink flesh and tiny black seeds
* Yellow-skinned with white flesh and tiny black seeds

The red and purple colors of Hylocereus fruits are due to betacyanins, a family of pigments that includes betanin, the same substance that gives beets, Swiss chard, and amaranth their red color.

The Dragon fruit's texture is similar to kiwifruit because of its black, crunchy seeds. Dragon fruit is used to flavor and color juices and alcoholic beverages. The flowers can be eaten or steeped as tea.

Nutrient Profile
Dragon fruit is loaded with fiber making it a good choice when managing your weight (fiber fills you up) as well as aiding in digestion as it promotes a healthy gut. One of the few fruits that contain iron, dragon fruit can help to raise iron levels—and when in combination with vitamin C, it increases the absorption rate of iron. 

The fruit contains several antioxidants (betalains, hydroxycinnamates, and flavonoids). The seed oil contains fatty acids, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid.



How to Select, Prepare and Serve Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is usually eaten raw, whether served cut up, blended, or frozen. You can choose to grill it on skewers along with other fruits.

1. Select a ripe fruit with bright red, evenly colored skin that gives slightly when squeezed.
2. Place the dragon fruit on a cutting board or another clean surface.
3. Use a sharp knife and cut down the middle. The fruit it then separated into two sections.
4. Removing the flesh. The skin is not edible. Run a spoon around the circumference of each section to separate the flesh from the skin. Using a spoon, lift the flesh out of the skin and place it on the cutting board.
5. Reserve the skin for serving (optional)
6. Check the flesh for any residual pink skin. If there is any skin, cut it off.
7. The dragon fruit is ready to be sliced, diced, or eaten right out of the fruit.

Storage
Ripe dragon fruit can sit on the counter for a few days. To store longer place the fruit in a sealed plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator.

Don't cut the dragon fruit until ready to eat it. Once cut, it needs to be refrigerated in a tightly sealed container. It can stay fresh for a day, possibly a little longer, depending on how ripe it is. Once the flesh begins to turn brown and get mushy, it's time to throw it out.

For the Home Growers
The Green Thumb Planet has prepared an easy to follow description on How to Grow Dragon Fruit Indoors


The dragon fruit flowers bloom only at night and for a few hours. The plants can flower between three to six times in a year depending on growing conditions. About 30 to 50 days after flowering, the dragon fruit will sit on the cactus and can sometimes have 5 to 6 cycles of harvests per year. Hylocereus has adjusted to living in a dry tropical climate with a moderate amount of rain.


Dragon Fruit Recipes

Dragon Fruit Salad

Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 cup Fresh pineapple cubed
1 cup Fresh orange cubed
½ cup Fresh mango cubed
½ cup Blueberries
½ cup Dragon Fruit cubed (use 2 dragon fruits and reserve skin for serving)
½ cup Kiwi sliced
½ cup Raspberry vinaigrette dressing
1 Tbsp Lime juice
1 Star Fruit sliced, for garnish

Directions
1. When preparing the dragon fruit reserve the skin for serving.
2. Cut up pineapple, orange, mango, dragon fruit, and kiwi. Place in a bowl. Add blueberries.
3. Add raspberry vinaigrette dressings.
4. Mix gently, adding fresh lime juice.
5. Place the fruit mixture in the dragon fruit skin.
6. Adding slices of star fruit as a garnish.


Exotic Skewer

 Cut up your favorite fruits and place them on a skewer. Eat fresh or grill.



Directions
1. Cut the fruit into desired shapes.
2. Thread the fruit through the skewers alternating the fruit.
3.  Grilling: Double skewer so the fruit does not fall off. Place on a lightly oiled grill to prevent sticking and cook for 2 minutes or refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. 
Serve hot or cold.


References.
1. What Is Dragon Fruit? Spruce Eats
2. What Is Dragon Fruit And Does It Have Health Benefits? by Franziska Spritzler, RDN, CDE, Healthline 
3. Pitaya, Wikipedia 
4. How to Grow Dragon Fruit Indoors,  The Green Thumb Planet 

Thursday, December 14, 2023

The Edible Christmas Tree

A fun and healthy project for the family to enjoy.

Supplies
Styrofoam Cones, assorted sizes (Can purchase at a craft shop
Toothpicks (Young children should be assisted by an adult)
An assortment of Fruits and Vegetables, such as Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Grapes, Watermelon, Mushroom, Arugula, Broccoli, Kiwi, Mango, Carrots, Tomatoes, Figs, Blueberries, Strawberries, Peppers, Squash, Carambola, Pomegranate Seeds
Protein: Cottage Cheese or Goat Cheese for snow


1. Wash your hands.
2. Wash the fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. Wash your hands again.
4. Cut fruits and vegetables into a variety of shapes. Make sure the pieces are large enough to fit onto a toothpick.


5. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Use the largest fruits and vegetables first.

6. Be creative


7. Top your Christmas tree with Carambola (Starfruit).
8. Sprinkle Goat Cheese over the tree.
9. Serve with low-fat vanilla yogurt.










Friday, November 24, 2023

November 25, National Parfait Day


Parfait is a French term used to describe a dessert prepared by freezing a dish which is usually ice cream or cream-based dessert. The French meaning of parfait is “perfect.” Parfaits are prepared with a variety of dessert ingredients, such as fruits, ice cream, yogurt, gelatin, and nuts. The combination of ingredients is large as your imagination and is not limited to desserts. Popular in America is a breakfast parfait of yogurt, fruit, and cereal.

The American version of the parfait is prepared in a parfait glass. The ingredients are placed in layers one after the other and chilled before serving. The number of layers will vary based on the recipe. The parfait is an attractive dish and one can create wonderful combinations.

 








Sample of Ingredients.

Recipes.

Pumpkin Pie Parfait with Cranberry-Walnut Relish,
Vanilla Pudding Topped with Ginger Snap Crumbs
Great Recipe for Leftovers

Strawberry Parfait with Granola

Mango Parfait

Strawberry Shortcake Parfait


Red, White and Blue Parfait

Resource.
Taste Spotting, Parfaits












Friday, November 10, 2023

National Sundae Day - Frozen Vanilla Greek Yogurt with a Variety of Fruit


Ingredients
1/2 cup (102 g) Frozen Vanilla Greek Yogurt
Variety of Fresh Fruits. 1 Tablespoon of each: Orange, Strawberries, Blueberries, Kiwi, Raspberries, & Mango






Tuesday, September 12, 2023

National Papaya Month

The papaya is also known as papaw or pawpaw.  The papaya is a melon-like fruit with yellow-orange flesh. The skin varies in color from green to orange. Papayas are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.


The ripe fruit of the papaya is usually eaten raw, with or without skin or seeds. The unripe green papaya can be eaten cooked.  




Recipe
Papaya Salad with Tomatoes, Onions,
Peppers, Brown Rice, Black Beans







In the Disney film, The Jungle Book (1967), 
Baloo sings the song "The Bare Necessities."
Can you locate the Pawpaw in the song?





Resources
Fruits and Veggies, More Matters. Papaya
Wikipedia, Carica papaya



Thursday, August 24, 2023

August 25, National Banana Split Day - Fruit Festival




Ingredients
1 Banana, split in half
1 Kiwifruit, peeled and sliced
4 Strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup Cherries, sliced
1/2 cup Orange Segments
1/2 cup Low Fat Ice Cream, optional









Monday, June 26, 2023

Pineapple Day - Celebrate Pineapples

Nutrition Profile

Pineapples contain the bromelain enzyme which can break down proteins so you can use them to tenderize meat.

Bromelain may help arthritis pain by easing inflammation. Pineapple also is a good source of vitamin C, which helps your immune system.



Pineapple Tidbits 
1. Hawaii produces about 1/3 of all pineapples in the world.
2. Pineapples are a cluster of hundreds of fruitlets.
3. Pineapples take about 18-20 months to become ready to harvest.
4. One pineapple plant can produce one pineapple at a time.
5. In 1493, explorer Christopher Columbus found pineapples on Guadeloupe Island in the Caribbean.
6. Historically, Hawaii was the world's largest pineapple producer and source for U.S. pineapples. Today the largest producers include the Philippines, Brazil, and Costa Rica.

Pineapple Selection
Pass over sour-smelling or bruised pineapples. Fruit from Hawaii or Central America tends to be freshest.


Pineapple Care
To make your pineapple softer and juicier, keep it at room temperature for 1 or 2 days before cutting.

How to Select
Choose pineapples with dark green leaves, heavy for size. Avoid soft or dark spots and dry-looking leaves.

How to Store

Eat as soon as possible.
Refrigerate cut pineapple for 2-3days.

Waffle with Peanut Butter, Pineapple, and Blueberries

Ingredients

1 Waffle

2 teaspoons Peanut Butter, reduced fat
1/4 cup Pineapple1/
3 cup Blueberries






Resources
1. Pineapple, Wikipedia  
2. 8 Fun Facts About Pineapple, #WebMD 
3. Pineapple: Nutrition. Selection. Storage @Fruits_Veggies 












Friday, April 28, 2023

National Arbor Day

"Arbor Day is a time to celebrate the wonders of nature, and to plan for an even greener future by planting and caring for trees."

Our Mango Trees

Last year our mango tree produced over 80 fruits.
This year looks like another high yield.


Our Banana Plant(s)

I asked for a Banana Plant for my birthday (July 5, 2020).
It stood about 2 feet high. In less than 10 months the
banana plant grew to a height exceeding 10 feet.
In November 2021, the Banana Plant produced an
amazing first harvest. In addition, that
one Banana Plant is now 4 Banana Plants.
Banana plants appear to multiply as fast as rabbits.




John Denver - Plant a Tree

While growing up in East Meadow, New York, we had a huge apple tree in our yard. I would climb up the tree and sit on the branches for hours. I loved eating the apples while watching the world below.

When Jake and I moved into our home in 1998 we planted a mango tree. We watched it grow and flourish. Then in 2005, Hurricane Wilma hit and damaged the tree. For years we tried to nurse the tree back to health, but the infection had spread into the roots.

Finally, on April 25, 2012, we had the old tree removed; and we replanted a new Valencia pride mango tree. Today, the tree stands tall, even after surviving Hurricane Irma.

In  April 2018, we decided to plant another Mango Tree. This time we planted it near the road, so if people walked or drove by they could grab a mango.


Planting a fruit tree is good for the environment, economics, and marks special moments in one’s life.

Visit the Arbor Day Foundation. Resources, membership, free trees, and a lot more.

Our Nation's Forests are National Treasures


Tuesday, May 31, 2022

National Salad Month - How to Build a Healthy Salad



Salads are a great way to add Nutrition and Color into your day. Choose the right ingredients and keep them handy so you can create a healthy meal.

Salads can easily turn into an unhealthy meal if you are not careful with the toppings. Be mindful about what you add and the portions. Measure some of the more caloric items, such as cheese, nuts, and salad dressing.

Your options are endless. Load your plate up with colorful vegetables. Raw vegetables are great and add a pleasant crunch. To add variety, choose some cooked vegetables, such as grilled, roasted or streamed.
   
List of Ingredients to Create Endless Salad Possibilities

Start with Leafy Greens (1 1/2 – 2 cups)
·        Arugula
·        Beet Greens
·        Bok choy
·        Boston lettuce
·        Collard Greens
·        Endive
·        Escarole
·        Green leaf lettuce
·        Red leaf lettuce
·        Iceberg lettuce
·        Kale
·        Microgreens
·        Mixed greens
·        Napa cabbage
·        Radicchio
·        Romaine lettuce
·        Spinach
·        Swiss Chard
·        Turnip Greens
·        Watercress

Add Vegetables (Fresh, Canned or Cooked)
Vegetables (2 tablespoons)
·        Avocado
·        Asparagus, chopped
·        Artichoke hearts
·        Bean sprouts
·        Beets
·        Bell Pepper
·        Broccoli florets
·        Carrots, shredded
·        Celery, chopped
·        Corn
·        Cucumber slices
·        Green beans
·        Mushroom slices
·        Onion
·        Peas, boiled
·        1 Roasted Red Pepper, julienned
·        Radishes, slices
·        Squash, sliced or diced
·        Tomato slices

Add Meat, Meat Alternatives and/or Dairy for a Main Dish Salad
·        1 boiled Egg, sliced
·        2-3 oz Chicken: Grilled, Blackened, Curry
·        2-3 oz Turkey: Grilled, Blackened, Curry
·        2-3 oz Salmon: Grilled, Blackened, Curry
·        2-3 oz Shrimp: Grilled, Blackened, Curry
·        2 tablespoons crumbled Blue cheese
·        ¼ cup Cottage cheese
·        2 teaspoons crumbled Feta cheese
·        1 oz fresh Mozzarella cheese, sliced
·        2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
·        2-3 oz Sardines in water
·        2-3 oz Tuna, canned in water
·        ½ cup Tofu
·        2-3 oz Tempeh

Add Beans and/or Grains
Beans (1 tablespoon)
·        Black beans
·        Cannellini beans
·        Chickpeas
·        Kidney beans
·        Lentils
·        Pinto Beans

Grains (1/4 cup)
·        Couscous
·        Barley
·        Bulgur
·        Farro
·        Quinoa
·        Wild rice

Nuts and Seeds (1 tablespoon)
·        Almonds, raw
·        Cashews, raw
·        Pecans, raw
·        Walnuts
·        Poppy seeds
·        Pumpkin seeds
·        Sesame seeds
·        Sunflower seeds

Fruits (optional)
·        1/2 Apple, sliced
·        1/3 cup Blueberries
·        Cranberries, 1 Tablespoon
·        2-3 Dates or Figs
·        10 Grapes
·        6 Mandarin wedges
·        1/2 Pear, sliced
·        1/3 cup Pineapple, slices or diced
·        2 Tablespoons Raisins or Dried Cranberries·        2-3 Strawberries, sliced

Other (optional)
·        1 Anchovy
·        5 Olives, Black, Green or Kalamata
·        2 Tablespoons Whole Grain Croutons

The Finale and Salad Dressing
·        Dash of fresh Oregano, Parsley or Coriander
·        Choose from a variety of Spices and Herbs
·        2 Tablespoons Homemade Salad Dressing:
       Use Olive Oil, Vinegar, Citrus Juice, Salsa,
       Low-fat Yogurt and/or Mustard

A salad can be delicious, healthy, and inexpensive.


Resources
1. Fat-Free Vinaigrette Recipes are easy to prepare and can be used as a marinade, salad dressing, or sauce.  
2. 
21 Lunch and Dinner Salads That Are Seriously Filling, Cooking Light
3. 
Great Summer Salads, Cooking Light
4. 
How to Mason Jar Salads, The Country Chic Cottage









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