Fruit is one of the healthiest and most versatile foods you can eat. It’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet desserts to savory sauces.
However, many of us struggle with how to make the most of our fruit, whether it’s storing it properly or finding new ways to use it in recipes. To help you out, we’ve put together 30 tips to make the most of your fruit.
: Tip 1
Storing fruit properly can make a big difference in how long it lasts and how well it tastes. Some fruits, like apples and bananas, can be stored at room temperature, while others, like berries and grapes, need to be kept in the fridge.
Citrus fruits should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Check the packaging or ask your local grocer for advice on how to store specific fruits.
: Tip 2
If you have leftover fruit that you’re not sure what to do with, freeze it! Simply slice or chop the fruit into small pieces, place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze until needed.
Frozen fruit can be used in smoothies, baking, or as a healthy snack.
: Tip 3
Don’t be afraid to mix different types of fruit together in a recipe. Fruit combinations can be delicious and nutritious. Try mixing peaches and blueberries, strawberries and bananas, or kiwi and mango.
: Tip 4
Fruit juice can be loaded with added sugars and preservatives. Instead, make your own homemade fruit juice by blending fresh fruits and vegetables in a blender or juicer. Experiment with different combinations until you find one you love.
: Tip 5
Adding fresh fruit to your salads can give them a sweet and tangy flavor. Try adding sliced apples, mandarin oranges, or strawberries to your salads. You can also make a fruit salsa to serve on top of your salad.
: Tip 6
Grilling fruit can give it a smoky and caramelized flavor. Try grilling pineapple, peaches, and watermelon for a sweet and savory side dish. You can also grill fruit kebabs with a variety of different fruit on skewers.
: Tip 7
Buying fruit in season can not only save you money, but it can also ensure that you’re getting the freshest and most flavorful fruit available. Check with your local farmer’s market or grocery store for what’s in season.
: Tip 8
Fruit can be used in a variety of cooked dishes, from sweet to savory. Try adding diced apples to your oatmeal, using mashed banana as a natural sweetener in baked goods, or using fruit in a stir-fry.
: Tip 9
If you have fruit that’s overripe, don’t throw it away. Instead, use it in baking. Overripe bananas can be mashed up and used in banana bread, and overripe apples can be used in a variety of baked goods.
: Tip 10
Fruit chips can be a healthy and delicious snack. Simply slice your favorite fruit thinly and bake in the oven until crispy. Try making apple chips, banana chips, or strawberry chips.
: Tip 11
Adding fruit to your breakfast can give you a healthy and delicious start to your day. Try adding fresh berries to your yogurt, making a fruit smoothie, or adding sliced bananas to your oatmeal.
: Tip 12
Fruit popsicles can be a healthy and refreshing treat on a hot day. Simply blend your favorite fruit with water or juice and pour into popsicle molds. Freeze until solid and enjoy.
: Tip 13
Adding fresh fruit to your sandwiches can give them a unique and delicious flavor. Try adding sliced apples to a turkey sandwich, or adding strawberries to a goat cheese sandwich.
: Tip 14
Fruit can be used as a natural sweetener in a variety of dishes. Try using mashed bananas or applesauce in your baking as a healthier alternative to sugar.
: Tip 15
Fruit salad can be a delicious and healthy side dish. Simply chop up your favorite fruits and mix together in a bowl. You can also add a dressing made from yogurt or honey.
: Tip 16
Fruit can be a great addition to your cocktails, adding a natural sweetness and flavor. Try adding sliced strawberries or mango to your margarita, or adding fresh berries to your sangria.
: Tip 17
Fruit-infused water can be a healthy and refreshing alternative to sugary sodas. Simply add sliced fruit to a pitcher of water and let it sit for a few hours to infuse. Try adding cucumber and strawberry, lemon and lime, or orange and mint.
: Tip 18
Fruit can be a beautiful and flavorful garnish for cocktails, desserts, and other dishes. Try adding a slice of citrus to your water or tea, or placing a few berries on top of your dessert.
: Tip 19
Fruit salsa can be a delicious and healthy snack or side dish. Simply chop up your favorite fruits and mix with cilantro, lime juice, and a little salt. You can also add diced avocado or red onion.
: Tip 20
Fruit can be a great addition to your marinades, adding flavor and tenderizing your meat. Try using pineapple in a teriyaki marinade, or adding orange juice to a jerk chicken marinade.
: Tip 21
Fruit sorbet can be a refreshing and healthy dessert. Simply blend your favorite fruit with a little sugar and water, and freeze in an ice cream maker. You can also try adding herbs like mint or basil for a unique flavor.
: Tip 22
Fruit can be a delicious addition to homemade sauces and salsas. Try adding mango to a salsa, or adding diced apples to a barbecue sauce.
: Tip 23
Fruit can add a sweet and savory flavor to your stuffing. Try using dried cranberries or apricots in your stuffing recipe.
: Tip 24
Fruit leather can be a healthy and delicious snack. Simply blend your favorite fruit with a little honey and spread thinly on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven until dry and pliable, and cut into strips.
: Tip 25
Fruit can add a sweet and tangy flavor to your chutneys. Try using mango or pineapple in a chutney recipe to serve with meats or as a topping for flatbreads.
: Tip 26
Fruit compote can be a delicious topping for yogurt, ice cream, or cheesecake. Simply cook your favorite fruits with a little sugar and water until they’re soft and syrupy.
: Tip 27
Fruit can be a tasty and unexpected pizza topping. Try using sliced peaches or figs on your pizza instead of traditional toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms.
: Tip 28
Fruit can add a sweet and tangy flavor to your dressings. Try using raspberries in a vinaigrette or adding diced apples to a honey mustard dressing.
: Tip 29
Fruit smoothie bowls can be a healthy and filling breakfast or snack. Simply blend your favorite fruits with yogurt or milk and pour into a bowl. Top with granola, nuts, or more fruit.
: Tip 30
Fruit can add a unique and delicious flavor to your popcorn seasoning. Try adding dried blueberries or cranberries to your popcorn seasoning for a sweet and salty snack.