Summer fruits are typically cold and refreshing and can provide just the right amount of sweetness to keep those taste buds satisfied on a hot and humid day. In-season summer fruits can include mangoes, coconuts, pears, strawberries, peaches, and assorted other berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. These fruits all provide a variety of health benefits, including being loaded with vitamins and in some cases, antioxidants as well. Luckily enough, there are a variety of ways that you can enjoy these summer fruits and we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to enjoy these delicious, juicy treats.
Read more about the healthiest fruits to eat today
1. Fruit Salads
Fruit salads are one of the easiest ways to enjoy a melody of fruits and can be great for breakfast or as well as a light after-dinner dessert.
2. Grilled Fruit
Grilling fruits are a welcome addition to any barbeque and can be grilled on their own or added to skewers. The next time you're barbecuing, try throwing some pineapple on the grill for a zesty addition to your meal.
3. Marinades
Marinades can make or break your barbeque, and choosing the right fruit can add the right kick to your meal. Cherries work great as a marinade and can help with post-workout muscle recovery.
4. Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruit can be a quick and resourceful way to bulk up your smoothies, but they can also lightly flavor your drinks as well. Try freezing some raspberries and dropping them into some ice water for more of a kick.
5. Fruit Salsas
Traditional salsas are heavy on tomatoes, but if you're looking to mix things up a bit, try this delicious watermelon and mango salsa or this grapefruit salsa. Watermelons are loaded with vitamins and also lycopene, which can help fight cardiovascular disease.
6. Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to start your day, and depending on what's in them, can provide a host of health benefits. Try Andrea's very own Green Smoothie recipe for an energizing treat.
7. Juices
Juicing is another great way to ensure you're getting enough fruit servings a day, and can also help boost your overall energy levels.
8. Raw
This one's pretty straight forward. There really is nothing like enjoying a piece of fruit raw and on its own. Apples and pears are both loaded with vitamins and other nutrients and can be the perfect post-meal dessert, as they contain just the right amount of sweetness.
Read: Are Vegetables Healthier Raw or Cooked?
9. Dried Fruit
Dehydrating fruit is a hobby for some and can be a great way to preserve fruit to enjoy later. Dried fruits make a great snack for kids and adults alike.
10. Trail Mixes
Once you've become a master at drying and preserving fruit, adding them to your trail mixes can bring just the right amount of sweetness to your snack. Trail mixes are normally filled with peanuts, nuts, and seeds, and adding dried fruit like cranberries or apples can add a necessary sweetness to keep your snack fresh and tasty.
11. Desserts and Pies
For those of you with a bit of a sweet tooth, fresh fruits work great in dessert pies. Try Lauren Cahn's Three Fruit Summer pie, which is guaranteed to please.
12. Fresh Fruit and Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is all the rage now, as its typically low in calories but high in protein. It's a great snack, but it can be made even better by adding fresh fruit to it. Try adding fresh strawberries to increase your antioxidant intake.
Read more about rules to remember when buying yogurt
13. Jams
Jams can be a great addition to your toast in the morning, and if made the right way can be nutritious as well.
14. Lemonades
Lemonades are a summer past time, and there's no reason you can't infuse yours with some fresh fruit.
15. Fruit Cakes
Traditional dessert cakes can be loaded with excess fat and even artificial flavors. Add sliced fruit to your next cake or try Andrea's Upside Down Apple Honey Cake.
16. Slushies
Similar to smoothies, but maybe more for the kids (or the kid at heart!), slushies can be a refreshing treat for anyone, and if made the right way can be a healthy choice too. Most store-bought slushies are loaded with gross syrups loaded with artificial flavors and colors, but it's easy to make your own.
Read more about ways to use flavored ice cubes
17. Toppings
This is the easiest one! Any fruit of your liking can make a great topping to almost any dish. You can add fresh fruit to water, blueberries to cereals, or strawberries to your salad. Be creative!
Here are six more ways to enjoy more fruit:
Read next:
Yes, You Should Wash Fruits and Vegetables
Fruit Sugar: Good Guy, Bad Guy or Both?
DISCLAIMER: This article contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, Naturally Savvy will receive a small commission so we can keep pumping out amazing articles like this one. Thank you so much for your support!
References: The Huffington Post, SCAD District
Image via Rob Bertholf
