Create Your Own Organic Fruit Recipe

Are you looking for an organic fruit recipe? Maybe I can help. This page will teach you how to select and clean your fruit, and which of those should be organic versus conventional, vegan ingredients that will match your selected fruit perfectly so you can build a recipe on-the-fly, and fruit nutrition information too. It's all here for you to use to your heart's content. ;O)

So, just how important is it to choose organic fruit over conventional fruit? A s you'll learn, it can be very important for some fruits, and for others it's not as vital. We'll discuss this below.

The GENERAL rule is the thinner and more delicate the skin the more important it is to choose organic fruit. But there are exceptions to every rule, right? Stick around and learn all you can about preparing fruit dishes and how to create your very own fruit recipe.

When To Choose Organic Fruit

Have you ever heard of The Dirty Dozen? It's a list of the Top 12 fruits and veggies that are the dirtiest and most pesticide-laden out there.

Here are the non-organic fruits that appear on this Top 12 Dirty Dozen list in the order of nastiness:

1. Peaches
2. Strawberries
3. Apples
4. Nectarines
5. Pears
6. Cherries
7. Imported Grapes

The missing five of the Dirty Dozen are the "dirty veggies".

It's extremely important that you write these top pesticide-laden fruits (and veggies) down, memorize them, tattoo them on your body, whatever you have to do to remember to purchase these as organic fruit every time you shop.

Okay, so you're armed with the fruits you need to buy organic. But how do you know if they're TRULY organic? Very simply. You know those little stickers that are attached to fruits and veggies? Here's a general rule about the numbers on these stickers:

• If it's a four-digit number, that means it's conventionally grown;
• If it's a five-digit number beginning with a 9, that means it's organic;
• If it's a five-digit number beginning with an 8, that means it's genetically modified (GMO).

"Sassy, I don't have access to organic fruit where I live. What should I do?"

Great question. ;O)

You can peel the fruit of its skin. The only thing you need to know is that this doesn't remove the pesticides from the INSIDE of your fruit. The fruit did, after all, eat these pesticides and herbicides in order to grow so they've now become a part of the fruit itself. However, washing and/or peeling your fruits will certainly go a long way to removing the harmful substances for you.

There's always the option of organic fruit delivery right to your front door. I highly recommend Diamond Organics. They have nationwide delivery of organic fruits and veggies. Give them a try. :O)

And by all means, check for Farmer's Markets in your area. How can you beat just-picked fruits (and veggies) grown near you. In fact, the conventional fruits/veggies from Farmer's Markets grown by local farmers could very well be of better quality than some organics that are shipped for days to your local grocery store.

P.S. If you live in or near Reno, Nevada, be sure to check out The Great Basin Community Food Co-op. They've been hard at work to bring together organic, local, and sustainable products. And might I say they're doing a fabulous job. Go Great Basin! :O)

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How Much Do You Need?

Eat 2 or more servings of fruit per day. I suggest starting each and every day with a crunchy organic apple. Wait about 30 minutes before eating other foods to allow the fruit to digest properly. Then, later in the day have a fruit snack such as a banana or a handful of berries, or a delicious fruit smoothie. Yum! There, now wasn't that easy? ;o)

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Note from Sassy: Years ago, I learned that its BEST to eat fruit by itself. Most fruits digest very quickly, and when mixed with slowly-digesting foods, the fruits languish in the stomach unable to pass on their journey into the intestines.

Once trapped in the high heat of the stomach they will decay and putrefy before your body can break them down to enjoy the benefits they provide. In other words, the fruit dies a slow and agonizing death, releasing all sorts of toxins in your body. Sounds so gross, doesn't it?

Yes, I know, but still...

Even armed with this information you'll probably still want to enjoy your special fruit dishes, won't you? Me too. I STILL love blueberries with pancakes, banana splits, and apples dipped in peanut butter because it's just SOOOOOO good. And committing this fruit sin once in a while is okay.

But let's try REALLY hard to eat our fruit by itself most of the time. :O)

And, by the way, ALWAYS eat melons by themselves. They digest far too quickly to be even remotely health-supportive when mixed with other foods, including other types of fruit.

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Fruit List and Fruit Tips

Below you will find a list of some of the most popular fruits available. Included with each fruit is directions for how to clean your chosen fruit, "Vegan Flavor Matches" that will help you create your very own recipe, and a fruit nutrition link that may come in handy for you.

Those fruits that appear in RED are among "The Dirty Dozen" and should be purchased organic, or cleansed thoroughly with Veggie Wash® (or similar), rinsed well and peeled (if desired).

Ready? Let's play with our fruit! :O)

• Apples
• Apricots
• Bananas
• Berries
• Citrus Fruit
• Cranberries
• Figs
• Kiwi
• Melons
• Papaya
• Pears
• Pineapple

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Apples

How To Select Apples

Choose apples that are firm and solid...and ORGANIC. Beware of mushy spots, or those that are in some way bruised. Sometimes the skin may have a small tan rough spot, and this is fine and may actually indicate a very tasty apple.

How To Clean Apples

Rinse under running water and pat dry.

Apple Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan apple recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with apples.

Agave nectar
Allspice
Almonds
Bacon, vegetarian (Eat sparingly; this is not a health food)
Blackberries
Brandy
Brown sugar, organic
Butter, non-dairy
Caramel, vegan
Carrots
Celery
Cheese, vegan
Cherries
Chestnuts
Cider
Cinnamon
Cloves
Cocoa
Cognac
Cointreau
Coriander
Cranberries
Cream, non-dairy
Cream cheese, non-dairy
Currants, black
Curry
Dates
Ginger
Grand Marnier
Hazelnuts
Horseradish
Lemon
Maple Syrup
Marshmallows, vegan
Mayo, vegan (I like Vegenaise)
Molasses
Nutmeg
Nuts, especially almonds or pecans
Oatmeal
Onion
Oranges
Pears
Pepper, black
Pine Nuts
Pineapple
Pistachios
Prunes
Raisins
Rosemary
Rum
Sauerkraut
Sausage, vegetarian (Eat sparingly; this is not a health food.)
Sherry
Sour cream, non-dairy
Squash
Sugar, whole cane organic
Vanilla
Vermouth
Vinegar
Walnuts
Wine, red
Yogurt, non-dairy>

All about cooking apples including: Apple selection and storage, apple varieties, apple equivalents and substitutions, and apple recipes that are easy to "veganize" (refer to the Apple "Vegan Flavor Matches" above for ideas).

Apple Helpful Hints

• Apples are healthiest when eaten raw;
• Apples are available year round, but are best when in season which is Autumn (September - November);
• Store apples in the refrigerator once ripened to your individual taste;
• One pound of apples yields 3 cups pared and sliced or diced (equivalent to 3 medium apples);
• Toss peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.

Discover the Nutritional Value of Apples:

World's Healthiest Foods.com

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Apricots

How To Select Apricots

Choose apricots that are firm and plump, with a pretty yellow/orange/red color. Allow to ripen at room temperature, and store in the fridge for up to 5 days in a closed container. To hasten ripening, place in a paper bag and keep closed and away from light.

How To Clean Apricots

Rinse under running water and pat dry.

Apricot Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan apricot recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with apricots.

Agave nectar
Allspice
Almond
Amaretto
Balsamic vinegar
Brandy
Cabbage
Caramel, vegan
Cherries
Cinnamon
Coconut
Cognac
Cointreau
Couscous
Cream cheese, non-dairy
Cumin
Grand Marnier
Hazelnuts
Lemon
Lime
Lingonberries
Maple Syrup
Nectarines
Pecans
Peaches
Pineapple
Pistachios
Plums
Powdered sugar, organic
Raisins
Raspberries
Rice
Rosemary
Sesame seeds
Sour cream, non-dairy
Strawberries
Tarragon
Vanilla
Yogurt, non-dairy
Wine

All about cooking apricots including: Apricot selection and storage, apricot equivalents and substitutions, cooking apricots, and apricot recipes that are easy to "veganize" (refer to the Apricot "Vegan Flavor Matches" above for ideas).

Apricot Helpful Hints

• Apricots are healthiest when eaten raw;
• Apricots are best when in season, May - August;
• Twist apricots in half to eat;
• To peel apricots, blanch in boiling water for about 20 seconds and then plunge into ice water.

Discover the Nutritional Value of Apricots

World's Healthiest Foods.com

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Bananas

How To Select Bananas

Bananas turn yellow when ripened, and are best purchased while still a little green to allow them to ripen on your countertop. Bananas are ripe when small brown specks appear. The riper the banana, the softer the banana.

How To Clean Bananas

No need to wash first. Simply peel. :O)

Banana Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan banana recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with bananas.

Agave nectar
Almonds
Apricots
Bacon, vegetarian (Eat sparingly; this is not a health food)
Blueberries
Brandy
Brown sugar, organic
Butter, non-dairy
Caramel, vegan
Cardamom
Chocolate
Coconut
Cognac
Coriander
Cream, non-dairy
Cream cheese, non-dairy
Gin
Ginger
Graham crackers
Ice cream, non-dairy
Lemon
Lime
Maple Syrup
Nuts, especially walnuts
Oranges
Passion fruit
Peanuts
Pecans
Pineapples
Pralines
Powdered sugar, organic
Raisins
Raspberries
Rum
Sour cream, non-dairy
Strawberries
Sugar, whole cane organic
Tropical fruits
Vanilla
Yogurt, non-dairy

All about cooking bananas including: Banana selection and storage, banana equivalents, and banana recipes that are easy to "veganize" (refer to the Banana "Vegan Flavor Matches" above for ideas).

Banana Helpful Hints

• Bananas are healthiest when eaten raw;
• If your banana skin doesn't easily pull away from the banana, it will be bitter tasting;
• Peel bananas, then wrap them in plastic wrap and place in the freezer. They're easily cut with a knife, and can be made into smooth and delectable smoothies;
• A banana is known as a complete meal because it contains all the major vitamins;
• Store at room temperature.

Discover the Nutritional Value of Bananas
World's Healthiest Foods.com

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Berries

How To Select Berries

When selecting strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, choose berries that are firm. When buying a batch, you're likely to find 1 or 2 mushed or overripe berries -- be sure to discard these right away so they don't make the rest of the batch sad looking.

ALWAYS WASH BERRIES JUST BEFORE USE. Storing wet berries hastens their decay. They can be left on the counter top to ripen for a day or two, but then place in the refrigerator to stop the ripening process (strawberries are the exception).

In addition to the above, here are some extra berry tips...

Strawberries - Always choose organic strawberries. Once picked, strawberries won't ripen further. So be sure to choose berries that have a deep red color and attached green caps. Avoid strawberries that are dull in color or have green or yellow patches. Purchase strawberries just a few days prior to using as they're extremely perishable, and rinse just before using. Medium-sized strawberries are usually the most flavorful. Usually available year-round, they're best when in season, which is spring through mid-summer.

Blueberries - When choosing blueberries that are already packaged, shake the container a bit to be sure they move around freely; if not, it could mean berries are smooshed and bruised inside. Keep blueberries away from water until ready to eat since water causes them to decay. There's a whitish waxy protective surface naturally built into the blueberry that's supposed to be there and is completely edible. Blueberries are best when in season, mid-spring through mid-fall.

Raspberries/Blackberries - Always choose organic raspberries. Raspberries are some of the most perishable fruit out there, and should be GENTLY rinsed just before use so they retain their delicate shape. Blackberries are similar, but slightly hardier and don't have to handled quite as gently, although care should be taken. Be sure to look for berries that are firm and bright -- avoid those that are mushy or moldy; if you find some in your batch, discard before storing in the fridge for 1-2 days.

How To Clean Berries

Rinse under running water just before eating. Rinse only the amount you'll eat; don't store berries when wet.

Strawberry Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan strawberry recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with strawberries.

Almonds
Apricots
Avocado
Balsamic vinegar
Bananas
Basil
Brown sugar, organic
Caramel, vegan
Champagne
Chocolate
Cinnamon
Coconut
Cognac
Cointreau
Cream, non-dairy
Cream cheese, non-dairy
Curacao
Currants, black
Figs
Grand Marnier
Grapefruits
Guavas
Kiwi
Lemon
Lime
Maple Syrup
Mesclun
Nuts, especially hazelnuts
Oranges
Passion fruit
Peaches
Pepper, black
Pineapple
Port
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Sambuca
Sherry
Sour cream, non-dairy
Spinach
Sugar, whole cane organic
Vanilla
Violets
Wine, red
Yogurt, non-dairy

All about cooking strawberries including: Strawberry history, selection and storage, strawberry cooking tips, equivalents and substitutions, and strawberry recipes that are easy to "veganize" (refer to the Strawberry "Vegan Flavor Matches" above for ideas).

Blueberry Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan blueberry recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with blueberries.

Agave nectar
Almond
Apricots
Bourbon
Brown sugar, organic
Cinnamon
Cocoa
Cognac
Cointreau
Cream, non-dairy
Cream cheese, non-dairy
Currants
Curry
Ginger
Grand Marnier
Lemon
Lime
Maple Syrup
Onion
Orange
Peaches
Pecans
Pineapple
Powdered sugar, organic
Raspberries
Sour cream, non-dairy
Spinach
Strawberries
Sugar, whole cane organic
Thyme
Walnuts
Yogurt, non-dairy
Zucchini

All about cooking blueberries including: Blueberry selection and storage, blueberry cooking tips, equivalents and substitutions, and blueberry recipes that are easy to "veganize" (refer to the Blueberry "Vegan Flavor Matches" above for ideas).

Raspberry Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan raspberry recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with raspberries.

Almonds
Apricots
Asparagus
Bananas
Basil
Brandy
Brown sugar, organic
Buttermilk, vegan (1 cup non-dairy milk plus 1 Tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
Caramel, vegan
Champagne
Chocolate
Citrus fruits
Coffee
Coconut
Cognac
Cream, non-dairy
Cream cheese, non-dairy
Currants, black
Lemon
Mangoes
Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Pepper, black
Pineapple
Pistachio
Sour cream, non-dairy
Sugar, whole cane organic
Vanilla
Wine, red

Blackberry Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan blackberry recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with blackberries.

Agave nectar
Apples
Blueberries
Chocolate
Cinnamon
Cream, non-dairy
Green beans
Lemon
Maple Syrup
Oranges
Peaches
Raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries
Sugar, whole cane organic

Discover the Nutritional Value of Berries

Strawberries
World's Healthiest Foods.com

Blueberries
World's Healthiest Foods.com

Raspberries
World's Healthiest Foods.com

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Citrus Fruit

How To Select Citrus Fruit

There are many delicious citrus fruits, and this section will focus on four of them: Grapefruit, lemon, lime and orange. When choosing you citrus fruits, look for skins that are smooth. The fruit should be brightly colored, and feel heavy compared to its size. Avoid those with soft spots or other obvious damage.

How To Clean Citrus

Rinse under running water and pat dry.

Grapefruit Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan grapefruit recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with grapefruit.

Agave nectar
Avocado
Bananas
Brown sugar, organic
Brussels sprouts
Campari
Cashews
Champagne
Cheese, vegan
Chicory
Cabbage, Napa
Chestnuts
Cinnamon
Citrus fruits, other
Coconut
Coriander
Curacao
Garlic
Gin
Grand Marnier
Mayo, vegan (I like Vegenaise)
Mint
Mustard
Onion, red
Oranges
Pineapple
Pomegranate
Red chili pepper
Raspberries
Rosemary
Rum
Sesame seeds
Shallots
Sherry
Strawberries
Sugar, organic
Vodka

Lemon Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan lemon recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with lemon.

Agave nectar
Almonds
Artichokes
Blueberries
Cardamom
Chocolate
Cream cheese, non-dairy
Currants, black
Ginger
Lime
Mint
Poppy seeds
Raspberries
Sesame
Strawberries
Zucchini
Vegetables, all

Lime Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan lime recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with lime.

Agave nectar
Bananas
Basil
Cherry
Chipotles
Chocolate
Coconut
Cream cheese, non-dairy
Jalapeno
Garlic
Lemon
Peanuts
Raspberries
Rum<

Orange Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan orange recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with oranges.

Almond
Apple
Basil
Brandy
Cardamom
Chipotle Peppers
Chocolate
Cinnamon
Coconut
Cointreau
Cranberry
Ginger
Grand Marnier
Lemon
Mangoes
Olives
Onion
Pecans
Sherry
Strawberries
Sweet potatoes
Vanilla
Walnut

Citrus Helpful Hints

• Lemon/Limes are in season from the spring to the fall, Grapefruit is in season in the colder winter months, and oranges winter through summer;
• Allow citrus to ripen on your countertop, then refrigerate;
• When citrus starts to get soft and cave in, it's waaaay overdue to be tossed.

Discover the Nutritional Value of Citrus

Grapefruit
World's Healthiest Foods.com

Lemon/Limes
World's Healthiest Foods.com

Oranges
World's Healthiest Foods.com

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Cranberries

How To Select Cranberries
Choose cranberries that are firm to the touch as this indicates the freshest and tastiest berries. You can actually store unwashed cranberries in the refrigerator for 2-3 months. When you remove them from the fridge, they may appear wet, which is fine. But if they're shriveled, sticky, or otherwise looking sad, then toss.

How To Clean Cranberries

Rinse under running water just before eating.

Cranberry Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan cranberry recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with cranberries.

Apples
Chocolate
Cinnamon
Cloves
Cream cheese, non-dairy
Fennel
Ginger
Jalapeno
Lemon
Mustard
Orange
Pears
Powdered sugar, organic
Pumpkin
Raspberry
Sausage, vegetarian
Sour cream, non-dairy
Sugar, whole cane organic
Sherry
Walnuts
Wine, red

All about cooking cranberries including: Cranberry selection and storage, cranberry cooking tips, and cranberry recipes that are easy to "veganize" (refer to the Cranberry "Vegan Flavor Matches" above for ideas).

Cranberry Helpful Hints

• Cranberries are healthiest when eaten raw;
• Cranberries are in season in the colder months of October through December;
• Store unwashed cranberries in the fridge; rinse just before eating;
• Cranberries should be a very deep rich red color.

Discover the Nutritional Value of Cranberries

World's Healthiest Foods.com

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Figs

How To Select Figs

Figs should have a very faint delectable sweet aroma. If they smell sour, they likely are. You can allow figs to sit out on your counter to ripen for a day. Once ripened, fresh figs should be kept tightly covered in the fridge and enjoyed within 2 days. Dried figs should also be kept tightly covered in your cupboard and used within a few months; any longer and they become very dry and brittle.

How To Clean Figs

Rinse fresh figs under running water, remove stem, and pat dry.

Fig Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan fig recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with figs.

Agave nectar
Almonds
Anise
Balsamic vinegar
Brown sugar, organic
Caramel, vegan
Cheese, vegan
Chocolate
Cinnamon
Cloves
Coconut milk
Cointreau
Cornmeal
Cream, non-dairy
Cream cheese, non-dairy
Curacao
Ginger
Lemon
Marsala
Mint
Molasses
Nuts (not peanuts)
Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Pepper, black
Port
Raspberries
Rosemary
Sherry
Sour cream, non-dairy
Strawberries
Thyme
Vanilla
Walnuts
Wine, red

All about cooking figs including: Fig selection and storage, fig history, and fig recipes that are easy to "veganize" (refer to the Fig "Vegan Flavor Matches" above for ideas).

Fig Helpful Hints

• Figs are healthiest and at their most delicious when eaten raw;
• Dried figs are available year round, but fresh figs are best when in season which is June through September;
• Store figs in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Discover the Nutritional Value of Figs

World's Healthiest Foods.com

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Kiwi

How To Select Kiwi

Choosing a kiwi is very similar to choosing an avocado. To begin with, be sure the skin is smooth and free from soft spots or bruising. When gently pressed in the palm of your hand, a ripe kiwi will have a slight give to it. If it's still hard, leave it sit out on your countertop at room temperature until ripe. At this point you can leave out at room temperature or refrigerate.

How To Clean Kiwi

Rinse under running water and pat dry just before eating.

Kiwi Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan kiwi recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with kiwi.

Agave nectar
Apples
Bananas
Cream cheese, non-dairy
Cucumbers
Lemon
Lime
Nuts, especially cashews, hazelnuts and macadamias
Oranges
Passion fruit
Pineapple
Spinach
Strawberries

All about cooking kiwifruit including: Kiwi selection and storage, cooking with kiwi, and kiwi recipes that are easy to "veganize" (refer to the Kiwi "Vegan Flavor Matches" above for ideas).

Kiwi Helpful Hints

• Kiwi are healthiest when eaten raw;
• Kiwi are available year round;
• Store kiwi on the countertop or in the refrigerator once ripened to your individual taste;
• Add kiwi to any salad for a dramatic flair.

Discover the Nutritional Value of Kiwi

World's Healthiest Foods.com

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Melons

How To Select Melons

Choose melons that are heavy for their size. Beware of mushy spots, or those that are in some way bruised. Pick up the melon and firmly hit it with the palm of your hand. If it sounds hollow, you may have a winner. Sometimes the rind may have small tan rough spots, and this is perfectly acceptable. In fact, I always look for melons that have these rough spots because it usually indicates a very delectable melon.

In addition to the above, here are some extra melon tips...

Cantaloupe - Look to the end opposite the stem; it should be slightly soft and nicely fragrant. If it smells too strong, then it's likely overripe. If it's green, then let it sit on your counter for a few days until it's ripened and has turned a pretty cream or yellow color. Then place in your refrigerator. Once cut, cantaloupe can only stay unrefrigated for 2-4 hours before it starts to break down and become inedible AND dangerous due to various bacteria that have likely formed. Scary! Who knew? ;O)

Watermelon - Look for a creamish color on one side of the melon that looks different from the rest of the rind. This is the side that was resting on the ground while ripening. If this marking isn't there, then chances are it was picked prematurely and the taste will be affected.

Honeydew - Unripe honeydews are whitish-green, and when mature turn a creamy yellow color. Look for those that have smooth and shiny rind, not a fuzzy one.

A Casaba's skin should be bright yellow.

Crenshaw (my all-time favorite melon) will be yellow or creamy white.

How To Clean Melons

Rinse under running water and pat dry.

Remember, never mix melons with any other foods.

Discover the Nutritional Value of Melons

Cantaloupe
World's Healthiest Foods.com

Watermelon
World's Healthiest Foods.com

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Papaya

How To Select Papaya

Choose a papaya that is mostly yellow with a slight give when pressed with your fingers. Be sure to smell your papaya - there should be no strange odor.

How To Clean Papaya

Rinse under running water and pat dry. Cut in half and remove seeds. Do not eat peel.

Papaya Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan papaya recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with papaya.

Avocados
Basil
Bell pepper, red
Cayenne
Cherry
Chiles
Coriander
Cumin
Ginger
Grapefruit
Jalapeno
Lemon
Lime
Mangoes
Mustard
Onion, especially red and sweet
Oranges
Passion fruit
Peaches
Pineapple
Port
Tomatoes
Scallions
Strawberries
Sugar, whole cane organic
Vanilla

All about cooking with papaya including: Papaya description, papaya selection and storage, papaya cooking tips, and papaya recipes that are easy to "veganize" (refer to the Papaya "Vegan Flavor Matches" above for ideas).

Papaya Helpful Hints

• Papayas are healthiest when eaten raw;
• Papayas are available June-October. After they've been picked, they only stay fresh for 7-10 days; so by the time they reach your store and your grocery cart, you likely have only 3 days to enjoy your fruit;
• Papayas turn to mush very quickly, so store in a plastic bag in your fridge once ripened.

Discover the Nutritional Value of Papaya

World's Healthiest Foods.com

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Pears

How To Select Pears

Always choose organic pears. Pears have a very delicate, paper-thin skin and therefore are shipped in their unripened state to avoid damage. Choose pears that are smooth and healthy looking, with no bruises or mold. Sometimes the skin may have a small tan rough spot, and this is fine and may actually indicate a very tasty pear. Pears are ripe when they can be gently indented with your thumb.

How To Clean Pears

Rinse under running water and pat dry.

Pear Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan pear recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with pears.

Agave nectar
Almonds
Anise
Apples
Blackberries
Bourbon
Brandy
Brown sugar, organic
Caramel, vegan
Chablis
Cheese, vegan
Cherries
Chocolate
Cinnamon
Cloves
Cognac
Cranberry
Cream, non-dairy
Curacao
Currants, black
Figs
Ginger
Grand Marnier
Grappa
Hazelnuts
Ice cream, non-dairy (especially vanilla)
Lemon
Lingonberries
Marsala
Nutmeg
Nuts
Oranges
Pecans
Pepper, black
Pineapple
Quinces
Raisins
Raspberries
Spinach
Sweet potato
Thyme
Vanilla
Vinegar, balsamic
Walnuts
Wine, red

Pear tips including: Pear selection tips, pear varieties, and pear recipes that are easy to "veganize" ( refer to the Pear "Vegan Flavor Matches" above for ideas).

Pear Helpful Hints

• Pears are healthiest when eaten raw;
• Pears are available year round, but are best in their late-summer to mid-fall time frame;
• Store pears in the refrigerator once ripened to your individual taste;
• Store pears away from other foods as they tend to absorb these different aromas.

Discover the Nutritional Value of Pears

World's Healthiest Foods.com

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Pineapple

How To Select Pineapple

When selecting your pineapple, smell the area near the stem; it should smell sweet -- if it smells musty or nasty, put it down and move on. Secondly, be sure there are no soft spots or bruises, and beware of darkened "eyes".

Once pineapples are picked, their ripening process is complete, so they will not ripen any further; however, if you leave them to sit out on your counter top, they will get juicier and sweeter. The area near the base of the pineapple is usually the juiciest and sweetest. After letting your pineapple sit on your counter top for a couple days, place in a bag in the fridge until ready to use.

How To Clean Pineapples

No need to clean them -- simply slice.

Pineapple Vegan Flavor Matches

Create your very own vegan pineapple recipe with some of your favorite ingredients from this list of foods that match perfectly with pineapples.

Apricots
Avocados
Bananas
Brandy
Brown sugar, organic
Chocolate
Cinnamon
Cloves
Coconut
Cognac
Cointreau
Cream cheese, non-dairy
Cucumbers
Ginger
Grand Marnier
Grapefruits
Hazelnuts
Lemon
Lime
Mangoes
Melon
Mint
Nutmeg
Oranges
Papayas
Pecans
Pretzels
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Rum
Strawberries
Sugar, whole cane organic
Vanilla

All about pineapples including: Pineapple history, pineapple selection and storage, pineapple equivalents, and pineapple recipes that are easy to "veganize" (refer to the Pineapple "Vegan Flavor Matches" above for ideas).

Pineapple Helpful Hints

• Pineapples are healthiest when eaten raw;
• Pineapples are available year round, but are best when in season which is March through June;
• Although pineapples can be frozen, it's not recommended because it changes the flavor.

Discover the Nutritional Value of Pineapples

World's Healthiest Foods.com

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If you'd like to learn about fruit juicing and juice fasting, please visit my friend Kate over at Detox-For-Life.com.

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