Featured Fruit of the Week -- Cherries (Red)

We are entering cherry season.  They are not only one of the sweetest and tastiest of the red fruits, but they are also packed with health benefits. Cherries are a great source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-complex, phytochemicals, anthocyanins, and melatonin, all of which make cherries helpful in lowering bad cholesterol, maintaining healthy skin, protecting DNA from free radicals, fighting the risks of heart disease and colon cancer, and helping to fight insomnia. They also help reduce inflammation and arthritis pain.

At market, cherries usually can be found starting in June and lasting throughout the summer. Look for cherries that are shiny and plump with no blemishes, cuts, bruises, or stale and dry stems. Sweet cherries should be firm but not hard, while sour cherries should be medium-firm. Look for cherries with the stems still intact, they will have a longer shelf life. Also, try to buy organic cherries to avoid pesticide contamination.

You should store cherries unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and wash just before eating. Let them come to room temperature; the flavor will be much better. Use your fresh cherries within 2 to 4 days. Cherries can be frozen, but you should remove the pits first (otherwise, they will take on an almond flavor from the pit). Place pitted and washed cherries in a plastic bag with all the air removed and freeze, or place cherries on a baking sheet, freeze, and then store in a plastic bag. Frozen cherries can last in the freezer up to 10 to 12 months.

3 Critical Steps to Enjoying Fruits and Vegetables

Now, I know you're wondering what in the world this has to do with crochet, but stay with me, it's all about the crochet lifestyle and getting back to a more natural and healthy way of life.  A really important aspect of achieving the crochet lifestyle IMHO is enjoying healthy and natural foods.

My friend Helen and I started a project a few years ago about choosing and preparing fruits and vegetables in all the different colors for optimal health and nutrition.  She's the author of a fantastic children's book Eat Lots of Colors: A Colorful Look at Healthy Nutrition for Children that really gets kids off on the right foot in learning about fruits and vegetables. Well, our follow-up project has been dormant for a little while, but with summer fast approaching, it seems like a good time to revive our tips for healthy eating.

Which brings me to the 3 critical steps:

1)  Choosing Fruits and Vegetables in an Optimal Way

I know, we're all in a hurry when we go to the grocery store (or better yet the farmers' market).  So, we start grabbing whatever looks good and hope when we get home that it actually is good and that we know what to do with it!  But there is a better way, and, if we consciously slow down a bit, it'll pay off in the end.  It's important to pay attention to what's in season and to utilize all of our senses in choosing the best fruits and vegetables.  Helen and I have some great tips on how to do this with ease.

2)  Storing those Fruits and Vegetables Properly

Once you've spent the time and money to choose the best fruits and vegetables, it's a real shame when they go bad because they weren't stored properly.  We'll break it down for you to make this aspect of healthy eating a cinch!

3)  Preparing Fruits and Vegetables to Really Bring Out Their Charms

Ok, you've bought the best of the best and lovingly stored everything to keep it fresh, but now it's time to actually prepare your bounty.  Helen and I have got some tried and true recipes that will help unlock the amazing tastes and nutrients of your fruits and vegetables without a lot of time, unnecessary ingredients, or preparation.

Sounds good Phyllis, but we want some details!  Ok, then come back each Thursday for our Featured Fruit or Vegetable of the Week!