What Is in Your Fruit?

There are a lot of exciting happenings here on the farm! As you know, cherries have come and gone. We hope you enjoyed some plump, juicy cherries and fresh cherry pie. Apricots have arrived, and we are anticipating the arrival of peaches at the end of August. We are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of apples and pears later this autumn.

As you know, fruits are among some of the healthiest foods you can eat. They function great as a side to any meal. They are also good for snacking and desserts and while we can’t guarantee your fruit-filled desserts will be healthy, the added fruit will likely make them much more nutritious than the alternative of brownies or donuts.

You may wonder what is in fruit that makes it so healthy. Well, there are many essential nutrients found in various types of fruit. Let’s look at some of the health properties of a few of the fruits that we will be bringing in throughout the next few months.

Cherries

Despite their small size, these bite-sized stone fruits are packed with numerous essential vitamins and minerals. Just one cup of cherries contains 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, 18% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, and 10% of the daily recommended intake of potassium. Vitamin C is very important in aiding immune function and skin health. Potassium is imperative to muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood pressure regulation.

Apricots

Apricots are a very hydrating fruit. One cup of apricots contains almost 2/3 cups of water. Along with drinking plenty of water, eating apricots can help sustain your hydration needs throughout your summer work and play. Apricots contain many compounds that are important to eye health, such as vitamins A and E. They have very high levels of potassium. In one study, a diet rich in potassium was shown to significantly reduce blood pressure, lowering risk of stroke by 24%. Apricots are a delightful fruit. So, eat up!

Peaches

Peaches are some of our favorite fruits. Like apricots, they are very hydrating. One medium-sized peach contains approximately 58 calories, 2 grams of fiber, 17% of the vitamin C recommended daily intake, 10% of the vitamin A recommended daily intake, and 8% of the potassium recommended daily intake. Keep in mind that the skin of the peach has a higher amount of fiber than the inside of the peach. So if you are looking to boost fiber intake, remember to enjoy the entire peach.

Apples

There is a lot of wisdom in the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Did you know that apples are considered a “superfood?” A “superfood” is a food that contains more nutrients per bite than another similar food. One apple contains generous amounts of fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, and vitamins A, C, E, K, B1, B2, and B6. Apples are also a delicious way to help lower cholesterol.

Pears

Pears are a very nutritious fruit. Just one pear provides large portions of protein, fiber, vitamin C and K, potassium, folate, niacin, and copper. These nutrients are essential for cellular function, energy production, skin health, and even wound healing. Pears have also been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes. One large study found that eating five or more weekly servings of red pears was linked to a 23% lower risk of developing type 2 Diabetes. Pears are sometimes overlooked, so be sure and keep them in mind for a tasty way to boost your health.

There are countless ways to enjoy the bountiful harvest of fruit. The nutritional advantages to eating more fruits are more than most folks realize. Adding more fruit to your diet will not only taste great but will also help to sustain your nutritional needs throughout your lifetime. If you are on our email list, keep an eye out for upcoming emails, in which we will share updates on incoming fruit, preservation tips, and recipes you won’t want to miss!