Fruit

A delicious food, full of nutrients and vitamins, that

grows around the world!

New Terms

• Drupes• Pomes• Citrus Fruit• Berries•Melon• Tropical Fruit

• Produce• Fiber• Carbohydrate

Drupes• Fruit with one large pit or seed.• Grows on trees

Pomes:

• Fruit that has a core and contains seeds•Grows on trees

Citrus Fruit:

• Has a leathery skin• Made up of many segments filled

with juicy pellets• Grows on trees

Berries:

• Small, juicy fruits that contain many tiny seeds•Most grow on vines

Melons:

• Large, moist fruits• Grow on vines • Contain seeds• Have a thick skin that may be smooth

or rough

Tropical Fruit:

•A type of fruit that grows only in warm, sunny climates

Produce:

•Fresh fruits and vegetables

Fiber:

• The roughage part of a plant • Fiber is needed for good

digestion and good health.

Carbohydrate:

• A nutrient that provides energy. It is found in every food of plant origin.

What Foods Are in the “Fruit Group”?

•Any fruit • 100% fruit juice

How much fruit do you need to eat a day?

• It is recommended that you eat 2-4 servings a day

What Counts as a serving of Fruit?

• 1 medium sized apple• ½ cup fresh fruit or canned fruit• ¾ cup 100% juice• ¼ cup dried fruit

Think about the amount of fruit you eat in a day…

• When do you eat fruit?• Are you getting 2-4 servings every day?

What is the big deal about fruit? Why do I need it?

• Fruits are low in sodium and fat and have no cholesterol.

• Fruits are a good source of Carbohydrates and fiber.

• Fruits also provide

many of the vitamins and minerals you need for good health– Vitamin C– Vitamin A– Potassium

Buying fruit

•You can buy fresh fruit•You can also buy fruit

canned, frozen or dried

When or why would you buy canned, frozen or dried fruit

rather than fresh?

• Fresh fruit might not be available in the produce section

• It might be cheaper• It might be more convenient

Canned Fruit

• You can choose whole, halved, sliced, chopped, crushed

• Beware; canned fruit is often sold in syrup. Look for fruit packed in 100% juice.

• If a can is dented, rusty, leaking or bulging, it is not safe to eat. Throw it away!

• After opening a can, place any unused fruit in a covered container and store in the refrigerator and use within a few days.

Frozen Fruit

• Frozen fruit is more like fresh fruit in color, texture and flavor than canned or dried fruit.

• Buy packages that are clean and solidly frozen. Soft, sticky or stained packages show signs that the fruit has thawed.

• Do not re-freeze if the fruit thaws; it will be mushy and possibly rotten.

Dried Fruit

• Dried fruit is convenient.• It is lightweight and ideal for

camping and hiking trips.• Store dried fruit in an airtight

container and sore in a cool, dry place.

Choosing the Best Fresh Fruit

• Feels heavy and firm• Has no cuts, bruises, or decay• Smells pleasant• It isn’t sticky, wrinkled or moldy

Storage• Fresh melons, drupes and pears can be ripened at

home-Refrigerate them only if they are ripe.• Most fresh fruits will last a week or two in the

refrigerator• Some fruits such as apples and citrus fruits can

be stored for a month or more.• Bananas should not be refrigerated because the

cold causes them to spoil• Berries decay fast and do not store well. Keep

them in the refrigerator and use within a day or two.

Preparation www.fda.gov

• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas • Produce that looks rotten should be

discarded• Wash all produce thoroughly under running

water• Scrub firm produce with a clean produce

brush• Dry produce with a clean cloth towel to

further reduce bacteria that may be present

What About Pre-Washed Produce?

• Many pre-cut, bagged, or packaged produce items like lettuce are pre-washed and ready-to-eat.  If so, it will be stated on the packaging.  If the package indicates that the contents are pre-washed and ready-to-eat, you can use the produce without further washing