Pomegranates - The Yummy Fruit

(Punica granatum) are round fruits with a tough outer skin and many small bright red fleshy seeds held together in the matrix of a white pith.

Health Benefits of Pomegranates:

• Increased Immune Function
• Protection Against Heart Disease
• Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
• Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Osteoporosis Protection
• Stroke PreventionPomegranates are high in polyphenol antioxidants which could be linked to a decreased risk of heart disease. 

How to choose Pomegranates: The trick to picking a good pomegranate is to be sure you are not picking a dry pomegranate. Avoid pomegranates that have indentions, and check the top portion of the stem to be sure it doesn't look dry and withered.

How to store Pomegranates: Keep pomegranates in a cool humid environment like your fridge. To create this you can keep them in a plastic bag with a wet paper towel. Kept this way pomegranates can last for 2-3 months.


Climate and origin: Pomegranates originated somewhere between the south of Iran to the Himalayas in Northern India. Favoring sub-tropical climates, pomegranates do well in zones 8-10, with some varieties able to survive in zone 7. (Zones are for the U.S.)

Taste: Pomegranates have lightly fragrant sweet taste and a crisp juicy texture. Due to the amount of seeds, pomegranates can be a bit of a challenge to eat.


Miscellaneous information: Pomegranates are seen as a holy symbol in the Abrahamic religions, and can often be seen depicted in iconic works of art.

Oranges Citrus sinensis - The Fruit

Oranges (Citrus sinensis) are round orange colored fruits with a thick skin, fibrous juicy flesh, and little white seeds. Oranges have several segments held together by a white fibrous matrix known as the pith.

 

Health Benefits of Oranges:

• Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
• Increased Immune Function
• Reduced Cancer Risk
• Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
• Protection Against Heart Disease
• Slowing Aging
• DNA Repair and Protection
• Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
• Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Alzheimer's Protection
• Osteoporosis Protection
• Stroke PreventionFlavanones found in oranges are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. The flavanones also help to lower blood pressure, and cholesterol.
  

Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in Oranges: Vitamin A | Vitamin B9 (Folate, Folic Acid) | Vitamin C | Calcium | Dietary Fiber | Potassium | 




How to choose Oranges: Look for oranges that are firm with no soft spots or discolorations. You can try to find soft oranges if you intend to juice them.


Climate and origin: Able to grow in both temperate and tropical climates, oranges are thought to have originated in Southeast Asia, spreading to the Middle East in the 9th century and on to the Caribbean and western world later in the 15th century. Oranges remained rare and expensive until delivery systems were set up in the 20th century.


Taste: Oranges are sweet fruits with a tart, acidic, and slightly sour taste which combine to form quintessential flavor label of "citrus".


Substitutes with more vitamins: Pummelo, Grapefruit, Lemon


Miscellaneous information: Long used in culinary purposes for marmalade or as orange zest, orange skins are edible and the most vitamin packed part of the orange. Any way you can find to consume the skin is beneficial.


Similar tasting produce: Tangerine, Pummelo, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime

Blueberries - The Fruit

Blueberries (Vaccinium) are small round fruits with a thin dark blue skin, flesh of the same color, and small gritty seeds that are barely noticeable when eaten.


Health Benefits of Blueberries:

• Increased Immune Function
• Protection Against Heart Disease
• Alzheimer's Protection
• Osteoporosis Protection
• Antioxidant Protection
• Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
• Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)Packed with antioxidants, blueberries have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, alleviate the effects of Alzheimer's, and may help prevent urinary tract infections. Furthermore, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and tannins found in blueberries have been shown to inhibit cancer cell development.

Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in Blueberries: Vitamin C | Vitamin K | Dietary Fiber | Manganese |

How to choose Blueberries: Look for the darkest blueberries you can find. The darker the blueberry, the sweeter it is. Avoid any blueberries which have wrinkles as this is a sign they are not fresh and may soon start to get moldy.

Climate and origin: With so many varieties, blueberries can grow in cold temperate to sub-tropical climates. Blueberries are native to both Europe and North America, and it is not yet known where they originated.

Taste: Blueberries vary widely in taste depending on variety. In general, blueberries have a mild taste that is a bit sweet or a bit tart, depending on how ripe the blueberry is.

Substitutes with more vitamins: Blackberries, Cranberries

Miscellaneous information: Huckleberries were the staple food of the Scots who used them to make wine, however, widespread cultivation of the blueberry quickly and completely replaced the huckleberry in their diet.

Sprite Melons (Cucumis melo) - The Fruit

Sprite Melons (Cucumis melo) are smooth oval shaped fruits with a light yellow to cream colored skin, crisp cream colored flesh, and a multitude of small oval shaped seeds in the center.

Health Benefits of Sprite Melons:

• Increased Immune Function
• Protection Against Heart Disease
  *Some of these health benefits are due to the nutrients highly concentrated in Sprite Melons, and may not necessarily be related to Sprite Melons.

Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in Sprite Melons: Vitamin C | Iron |

How to choose Sprite Melons: Look for sprite melons with a lot of yellow on the outside. Also check the brown ring at the bottom of the melon where the vine was attached, if the ring is full of cracks, you know you have a very sweet melon. If you want to buy ahead, sprite melons can be ripened in your refrigerator and will keep for several weeks.
Climate and origin: Like most melons, sprite melons prefer warmer temperatures and can be grown in warm temperate to tropical climates. Particularly adept to the climate of the U.S. Southeast, sprite melons are popular in Eastern North Carolina and should be found there from Mid-June to September.
Taste: Sprite melons have a crisper and sweeter texture over other melons. Like an aromatic syrup, properly ripened sprite melons can have sugar contents 25-30% higher than that of other melons. 

Lychees - The Fruit

Lychees (Litchi chinensis) aka: Litchi, Laichi, and Lichu are small oval shaped fruits with a thin leather-like outer skin, and a white inner flesh surrounding a single large brown seed.

Health Benefits of Lychees:

• Increased Immune Function
• Protection Against Heart DiseaseModerate amounts of lychees are believed to relieve coughing, and perhaps even stomach ulcers.

Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in Lychees: Carbohydrates | Vitamin B6 | Vitamin C | Copper

How to choose Lychees: Lychees are more likely to be fresh when they are sold still attached to the stem. It can be difficult to spot lychees which are over ripe, so it is best to ask for a sample. If you see a slimy mucous when you peel back the skin, then the lychees are too ripe and should not be bought. Also, avoid any lychees with indentions as this is a sign of rotting.

How to store Lychees: Keep lychees on their stem as long as possible and store them in the fridge. Lychees will only keep about a week, so they should be eaten quickly.

Climate and origin: Lychees originated in Southern China and thrive in tropical climates. (Zone 10 in the U.S.)

Taste: Lychees have a very sweet fragrant taste with a tender texture.

Miscellaneous information: In China lychees are made into a sweet dessert wine that is served ice-cold during summer.

Grapes

Grapes (Vitis vinifera) are round vine fruits which grow in clusters. Depending on type, colors can range from white, to red, purple, and black. Most grapes contain one to three seeds at their center, however, seedless grapes are also common.

 

Health Benefits of Grapes:

• Increased Immune Function
• Protection Against Heart Disease
• Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
• Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Alzheimer's Protection
• Osteoporosis Protection
• Stroke PreventionGrapes are known for their flavonoids which can help reduce blood clots and artery damage. One flavonoid in particular, resveratrol, is thought to help slow the aging process in humans.
  *Some of these health benefits are due to the nutrients highly concentrated in Grapes, and may not necessarily be related to Grapes.

Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in Grapes: Carbohydrates | Vitamin C | Vitamin K | Potassium | Copper |

How to choose Grapes: Look for firm plump grapes with vibrant colors that are closely attached to the stem. Avoid any grapes which look wilted or wrinkled.
Climate and origin: It is not exactly known where grapes first originated, and wild forms of grapes exist all over the world. Hardy plants, grapes can grow in both temperate and sub-tropical climates. (Zones 4-9 in the U.S.)
Taste: Grapes have a sweet tart taste with a crisp juicy texture.
Miscellaneous information: Romans were extremely fond of grapes and the wine produced from them, they spread grape vines all over Europe during the time of the Roman Empire.

Figs (Ficus carica) - The Fruit

Figs (Ficus carica) are oval to pear shaped fruits with a thin edible outer skin, mushy pink pulp, and tiny white seeds.

Health Benefits of Figs:

• Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
• Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
• Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Osteoporosis Protection
• Stroke Prevention
  *Some of these health benefits are due to the nutrients highly concentrated in Figs, and may not necessarily be related to Figs.

Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in Figs: Vitamin B6 | Calcium | Dietary Fiber | Potassium |

How to choose Figs: Figs are best when they are mushy and soft, but you can buy figs firm and allow them to ripen at home. Look for figs with a good smell, and few blemishes.

Climate and origin: Figs originated in Asia minor and are one of the first fruits to be cultivated. Figs do best in warm temperate to sub-tropical climates, but there are some hardy varieties which can grow in colder climates. (zones 5-10 in the U.S.)

Taste: Figs have a subtle fragrant taste and the degree of sweetness varies widely by variety.

Miscellaneous information: The most popular fig for drying and shipping, Black Mission Figs get their name from Spanish Missionaries who introduced figs to San Diego California in the late 1800s.

Kiwis - The Fruit

Kiwis (Actinidia chinensis) aka: Chinese gooseberries, are small oval shaped fruits with a thin brown furry skin, light green inner pulp, and little black edible seeds at their center.
 

Health Benefits of Kiwis:

• Increased Immune Function
• Reducing Cancer Risk
• Protection Against Heart Disease
• Protection Against Dementia
• Promoted Eye Health
• Alzheimer's Protection
• Osteoporosis Protection
• Alleviation of InflammationKiwi fruit contains nutrients and antioxidants believed to help protect DNA from damage, it can also be used as a blood thinner. Kiwi fruit has a protein dissolving enzyme called actinidin, thus it can be used as a meat tenderizer, like papaya.
  *Some of these health benefits are due to the nutrients highly concentrated in Kiwis, and may not necessarily be related to Kiwis.

Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in Kiwis: Vitamin C | Vitamin K | Vitamin E | Calcium | Dietary Fiber | Copper |

How to choose Kiwis: Kiwis are ready to eat when they yield gently to pressure and have a sweet smell. Avoid kiwis which are overly soft, or withered. Kiwis which are still firm can be bought and kept to ripen till they become soft.
How to store Kiwis: Ripe kiwis can keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, when bought firm they can last for up to eight weeks at room temperature. Store kiwis in a paper bag ripen them quickly.
Climate and origin: Kiwis originated in East Asia, probably China, and in the 1800s spread to most of the rest of the world. The climate they can tolerate depends on type, but most do well in warm temperate climates with a few being able to survive colder areas. (Zones 4-9 in the U.S.)
Taste: Kiwis have a tart taste and a mushy texture.
Miscellaneous information: Although commonly associated with New Zealand, Italy is actually the top producer of kiwi fruit, growing over four hundred thousand metric tons a year. Over one million metric tons are grown each year in the world.

Apples - Always eat it in day timings for best results

Apples (malus domestica) are round fruits generally with a white/yellow flesh, and tough inner core that can have around six small seeds in the center. Apples have a thin outer skin that can range from green, to golden, to bright red, depending on variety.

Health Benefits of Apples:

• Increased Immune Function
• Protection Against Heart Disease
• Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
• Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Osteoporosis Protection
• Stroke Prevention
  *Some of these health benefits are due to the nutrients highly concentrated in Apples, and may not necessarily be related to Apples.

Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in Apples: Vitamin C | Dietary Fiber | Potassium |

How to choose Apples: No matter the type of apple you always want one without any bruises or discolorations on the outside. Most apples will taste like they smell, and most apples smell good.
How to store Apples: Keep apples in a bag with a damp paper towel in the fridge, the humidity will help keep the apples crisp. They should last 20-30 days if properly stored.
Climate and origin: Apples originated in central Europe and Asia. Apples grow in temperate climates where they are a staple crop.
Taste: So wide in variety are apples that it is difficult to describe one general taste and texture. "Eating" apples tend to be sweet and crisp with a tart twist, while "cooking" apples can be very tart and sour with a mushy texture. Sour apples tend to go toward making jams and cobblers.
Substitutes with more vitamins: Apricot, Plum
Miscellaneous information: A fruit with a lot of variety there are over 7,500 types of apples, making it a true challenge to try them all!
Similar tasting produce: Apricot, Peach, Pear, Plum
Recipes using Apples: Blackberry Apple Almond Salad

Watermelon

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a heavy oval shaped fruit with a hard and thick outer skin, red inner flesh, and small black seeds. Some varieties come without the little seeds, which can be a nuisance when eating watermelon.

 

 

Health Benefits of Watermelon: Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in Watermelon: Carbohydrates | Vitamin A | Vitamin C |

How to choose Watermelon: Watermelon can be picked by knocking on the outer skin and listening for a hollow sound.

Climate and origin: Watermelon is thought to have originated from the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. A fruit notorious for growing in hot climates with little water, watermelon is hearty and will grow almost anywhere warm.

Taste: Watermelon has a very sweet taste and mushy texture.

Miscellaneous information: One of the most hybridized fruits, watermelons can be found with yellow or orange flesh, and even with a purple black skin. Although seedless varieties of watermelon exist, the seeds are edible and very high in iron.

Similar tasting produce: Cantaloupe, Honeydew

• Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
• Increased Immune Function
• Reducing Cancer Risk
• Protection Against Heart DiseaseWatermelon is high in the carotenoid lycopene which is thought to be beneficial for preventing cancer.
  *Some of these health benefits are due to the nutrients highly concentrated in Watermelon, and may not necessarily be related to Watermelon.

Lemon......The Citrus Limon

Lemons (Citrus limon) are oval shaped fruits with a thick yellow skin, fibrous yellow flesh, and little white seeds at their center. Some forms of lemons, such as Meyer lemons, can be orange colored.

 

 

 

 

Health Benefits of Lemons: Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in Lemons: Vitamin C | Dietary Fiber | Potassium |

How to choose Lemons: Look for firm, vibrantly colored lemons with only a light smell. Avoid any lemons which feel soft, as this is a sign they have started to rot.

How to store Lemons: The citric acid (vitamin C) in lemons is itself a preservative. Lemons stored in the fridge can last up to a month.

Climate and origin: It is unknown where lemons originated, however it is thought to be in India. Lemons are tropical fruits and thrive in zones 9-10 (in the U.S.) with some varieties hybridized to grow in colder temperate climates.

Taste: Lemons have a sharp acidic taste with a juicy texture.
Miscellaneous information: Grating the skin of lemons to make lemon zest is a great way to add spice and flavor to a variety of dishes. Lemon zest is also a good source of vitamin C and calcium.

• Increased Immune Function
• Protection Against Heart Disease
• Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
• Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Osteoporosis Protection
• Stroke PreventionFlavonoids found in lemons are believed to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
  *Some of these health benefits are due to the nutrients highly concentrated in Lemons, and may not necessarily be related to Lemons.

Guava - The Fruit for Good Health

Guavas (Myrtaceae) are round fruits with a thin bumpy outer skin and creamy inner pulp that is packed with seeds.

Health Benefits of Guavas:

• Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
• Increased Immune Function
• Reducing Cancer Risk
• Protection Against Heart Disease
• Slowing Aging
• DNA Repair and Protection
• Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
• Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Osteoporosis Protection
• Stroke Prevention
• Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
• Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
• Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Antioxidant Protection
• Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
• Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)

Natural vitmains, minerals, and nutrients found in Guavas: Vitamin A | Vitamin B9 (Folate, Folic Acid) | Vitamin C | Dietary Fiber | Magnesium | Manganese | Potassium | Copper |