There is no better way to combat the winter woe's than to add some colorful and delicious winter fruits to your table. Winter fruits like blood oranges, pomegranates, and cranberries can become exhilarating centerpieces, a delectable treat, or that add that extra something to salads, appetizers, entrees, and drinks. Next time you're feeling a little down cheer your self up with one of these healthy winter fruits.
Pomegranates: Pomegranates have finally been getting the recognition they deserve. Many local grocery stores now carry a variety of products that take advantage of this vitamin A and C packed fruit. These bright red fruits are filled with seeds surrounded by a spectacular red pulp that can be used as a tasty addition to many salads deserts and drinks.
Ripe When: Pomegranates are ripe when they are slightly soft to the touch and have a shiny red outer skin.
How to Use: To use a pomegranate in your dishes, slice it down the center. Forcefully tap half the fruit on the side of a bowl and watch the seeds fall out. Once you've gathered the seeds you can toss them into your favorite salad, eat them alone as a sweet yet tart snack, or you can reduce them into a syrup used for a variety of dishes or as a welcome addition to beverages.
Table Talk: The pomegranate is known in middle eastern cultures as a symbol of fertility.
Kiwi: While you will most likely find this exotic yet underrated fruit in store year round, the winter months are the best time to take advantage of it. This small green fruit speckled with black seeds is an excellent source of fiber and is loaded with vitamin C.
Ripe When: A ripe kiwi is neither to hard or to soft. You should be able to slightly press on the fruit and feel a little give but it should never be soft enough to dent.
How to Use: The kiwi is most often used in it's raw state to eat alone or to decorate fruit themed desserts. While many people prefer to fore-go the kiwi's fuzzy exterior, the entire fruit is edible. It can be sliced, peeled, or scooped. However because of it's high acidity, some cooks use this as a meat tenderizer.
Table Talk: The kiwi fruit is native to China and is actually their "national fruit."
Blood Orange: This deep red citrus fruit is packed with taste and nutritional value. It has an impressive list of healthy attributes including Vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium. It is also believed to help prevent heart disease, cancer, and even cataracts.
Ripe When: A blood orange should have a pitted outer skin deep orange in color. Because it is so juicy it will generally be heavier than a normal orange. Plump blood oranges are your best choice when looking for a ripe one.
How to Use: Because of the beautiful color of the blood orange, they are often used to garnish salads and other dishes. It can also be used to make juice which can be added to anything from marinades to an excellent addition to a cocktail.
Table Talk: The blood orange is an ancient cross between two other citrus fruits. Some horticulturists believe that is was the pomelo and tangerine.
The Fruit Company offers fruit harvested right from the orchards, reserving only the freshest fruit for your gifts. The Fruit Company offers a selection of fruit baskets, gift towers, gourmet gift baskets, premium fruit gifts, and our monthly fruit clubs. Visit them at www.fuitcompany.com
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