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August 05, 2008
More ways to get your 5-9 a day.
Here are five uncommon fruits that are worth a try. If your local supermarket doesn’t carry them, try farmers markets in your area.
1. Passion fruit
What it looks like: Shaped like an egg with a deep purple exterior and very soft golden flesh; about three inches long
How it tastes: Like fruit punch with a tiny bit of tartness
Why it’s healthy: Good source of vitamins A and C
How to pick it: Choose one that feels heavy; when it’s deeply wrinkled, it’s ripe
Happy eating: Scoop out the center with a spoon; blend into sorbets or smoothies; add pulp to vinaigrette
2. Pummelo
What it looks like: Grapefruit on steroids with thick greenish-yellow or yellow peel; can grow to the size of a basketball, though the size of a small cantaloupe is more common
How it tastes: Like a mild grapefruit, but without the acidic bite
Why it’s healthy: Rich in vitamin C
How to pick it: Look for heavy, unblemished fruit
Happy eating: Like a grapefruit, cut into sections or squeezed for juice
3. Baby Kiwi
What it looks like: Fuzz-free, grape-sized kiwi
How it tastes: Sweet-tart, strawberry-ish flavor
Why it’s healthy: Excellent source of vitamin C and a (rare) nonfat source of vitamin E
How to pick it: Purchase and eat when firm yet pliable
Happy eating: Pop ‘em whole into your mouth or combine with other tropical fruits and serve alongside frozen yogurt
4. Guava
What it looks like: Two to three inches round; oval or pear-shaped; with a yellow, red or even deep purple skin when ripe
How it tastes: Remember SweeTarts? This is the natural (and more yummy) version -- a little sugary with a sour after-bite
Why it’s healthy: Rich in vitamin C
How to pick it: Look for fruit that is soft and ripe, but not so ripe that it has spots
Happy eating: Eat it whole -- rind, seeds and all! Purée into sauces for chicken or pork, or blend the flesh into a smoothie
5. Persimmon
What it looks like: Bright orange; about three inches in diameter; with a glossy skin and smooth flesh
How it tastes: Subtle pumpkin-plum flavor with a hint of spice
Why it’s healthy: Good source of vitamins A and C
How to pick it: Buy Hachiya persimmons firm, then allow them to get very soft and ripe before eating; Fuyu and Sharon varieties can be eaten firm
Happy eating: Whole or peeled; add to cranberry sauce; chop and toss into a spinach salad
Posted by Lisa at August 5, 2008 09:54 AM
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