Category: Ingredients

Plums; belong to the prunus genus of plants, and are distant cousins of the peach, nectarine and almonds. There is nothing better than fresh, sun-ripened fruit – except, of course, a luscious dessert made from them. The vibrant colours of limes, cherries, peaches, and plums, among others, are lovely to look at – and even…

Pears are a mild, sweet fruit with a fibrous center. They are rich in important antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber and pack all of these nutrients in a fat-free, cholesterol-free, 100-calorie package. How to Choose Pears Pears ripen from the inside out, so choose firm, plump pears with undamaged skin. Look for fresh pears without bruises…

Ripe pineapples have a sweet smell. People with osteoarthritis, phlebitis and those trying to loose weight can benefit especially. How to Choose Pineapple Look for a pineapple with a plump shape. Smell the stem end—it should be sweet and aromatic, not heavy or fermented. The pineapple should be slightly soft to the touch, heavy for…

The papaya is a tropical fruit that is filled with Vitamins B, C, and other minerals. If you are interested in trying this superfood, try one of these many preparations for the best papaya-consuming experience. How to Choose Papaya First, it’s important to know what the fruit looks like. Although the papaya fruit can weigh…

Melons; are high in water content, which makes them excellent cleansers and re-hydrators. They are refreshing, diuretic and mildly laxative. This fruit comes in many different sizes, shapes and colours – cantaloupe, charentais, galia, honeydew, ogen, orange- and green-fleshed varieties, and the wonderful pink watermelon. All melons should feel heavy for their size and be…

Mangoes are among my favorite fruits ever! Mangoes are available from March through September. There are 150 varieties of mangoes all over the world: various shapes, outer colors, sizes, and fragrances, but always delicious. Venezuela, where I grew up, is mango country! In our garden we had 3 different kinds of mango trees. My sisters,…

Mandarin oranges don’t typically last as long as other types of oranges, but you can use this storing guide to keep them fresh for longer Benefits of Mandarins They have antibacterial and sedative properties, help prevent colds and flu, and are great tonifiers; they help you keep Zen! How to Store Mandarins Keep mandarin oranges…

Grapefruit, is a large, yellow citrus fruit very rich in vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, folate and potassium with great antibacterial properties. They contain salicylic acid, which helps with arthritis. How to Choose Grapefruit If you are choosing a grapefruit for yourself, don’t judge by its color. Judge by its heft. A fruit’s weight is determined…

Common figs grow on the ficus tree (ficus carica), which is a member of the mulberry family. Fig was one of the first fruits cultivated by ancient people. It is originally from Asia Minor, Anatolian region of Turkey. When it was taken to Greece and other Mediterranean countries, became a widely used fresh and dried…