G is for Grapefruit: Yummy Fruits A-Z

Grapefruit could be called the king of citrus. Its diameter ranges from 4 to 6 inches. Grapefruit was first discovered in Barbados in the 18th century. Some botanist think it may be a cross between the orange and pomelo, which was brought to Barbados from Indonesia in the 17th century. 

In the 19th century grapefruit was planted in Florida, which is where most grapefruit is produced today in the U.S., as well as in California, Texas, and Arizona. Israel, South Africa and Brazil also grow grapefruit commercially. Grapefruit comes in pink and white varieties, and there IS a difference. 

Pink grapefruit contains lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient, while white grapefruit does not. Since consumption of lycopene has been linked to anti-tumor activity and the body's ability to fight oxygen free radicals, pink grapefruit should be your first choice.....although both pink and white grapefruit are high in vitamin C. Other benefits include: kidney stone prevention, colon cancer protection specifically, DNA repair (in human prostrate cancer cells)......and lowering of cholesterol. 

In recent studies in Israel, it was found that both red and white grapefruit lowered cholesterol (the bad LDL kind) in humans. Further, red grapefruit was shown to be twice as effective, and also lowered triglycerides. I find this especially interesting, given the fact that so many people are prescribed statins today to lower cholesterol. Anyone taking a statin should NOT eat grapefruit, as grapefruit is known to increase the statin's level in the body, which in turn can damage muscle. (There are other drugs that should not be taken with grapefruit, too). 

Personally, I'm glad I can eat grapefruit again. I had a bad experience with a statin once, and that's another story. But I will say this....being able to eat grapefruit again definitely increased my love for this wonderful fruit. I drizzle honey on top to sweeten and eat half of one several times a week. It has become my favorite "yummy fruit!"

Grapefruit Recipe

"Grapefruit-Orange Kale Salad"

6-8 cups fresh kale (stemmed & sliced thin)
1/4 cup fresh mint (chopped)
1-1/2 cups cooked couscous (chilled) 
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup sliced pitted dates
1 grapefruit, peeled & sliced (1/4 inch thick rounds, quartered)
2 navel oranges, peeled & sliced (1/4 inch thick rounds, halved)
2 avocados, sliced (1/4 inch thick)
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

"Lime Dressing"
(Combine all, shake in jar, or whisk)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoon grated (fresh) ginger
1 teaspoon salt

To prepare: Mix kale and mint with 4 tablespoons lime dressing in large bowl. Add couscous, feta, and dates. Stir gently. Arrange on plates, with grapefruit, orange, and avocado slices on top. Sprinkle with almonds. Yield 4-6 servings. 

Grapefruit Jokes

 

"I'm following the leader, the leader, the leader!"

Grapefruit Book

Grapefruit: A Book of Instructions and Drawings by Yoko Ono (1970)

Grapefruit Songs

--"Grapefruit Juicy Fruit"" by Jimmy Buffett (2011)

--"Grapefruit Pie" by Jesse Rhodes (2012)

"Grapefruit Moon" (lyrics by Tom Waits) (2008) (video link)

Source: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=25

C is for Cantaloupe: Yummy Fruits A-Z

The cantaloupe commonly purchased in the U.S. should really be called muskmelon, which is also true for Canada and Mexico. 

True cantaloupes originated in Armenia. The seeds were then planted in Italy and the resulting fruit was named after the Italian town, Cantaloupe. Despite the misnaming of muskmelon, the fruit is still called cantaloupe. Both, however, are in the same plant family. 

The major growers of cantaloupe in order of production are: China, Turkey, Iran, and the U.S. In the U.S., California is the top producer, but it also imports this melon from Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and Mexico. 

Cantaloupe scores high in a number of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which researchers have studied and found (in animals) can improve insulin and blood sugar metabolism, and more. 

Cantaloupe is high in vitamin A and vitamin C, a good source of potassium, and also contains healthy amounts of dietary fiber, vitamin B1, vitamin B3 (niacin), folate, magnesium, copper and vitamin K. Even the edible seeds are healthy!

Eat it fresh, eat it often, and try in a recipe like the one below....

Cantaloupe Recipe

"Cantaloupe-Pineapple Shrimp Salad"

1-1/2 cups diced cantaloupe
1 cup diced pineapple 
1/2 diced red bell pepper (seeded)
1/4 red onion, diced
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup chopped mint leaves (fresh)
1/2 small jalapeno (seeded and minced)
1 tablespoon lime juice
(Add last)
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed
1 pound cooked, peeled shrimp (deveined)

Mix first 8 ingredients in large bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Just before serving add black beans and shrimp. Salt and pepper to taste and serve on lettuce leaves.  (4 servings) 

Cantaloupe Joke

"Let's run away and get married!"

Said the Watermelon to the Cantaloupe:

"I'm sorry, but I cantaloupe...."

 

Cantaloupe Movie



Sister Cantaloupe: Unbe-Weave-Able (2001) staring Trina Jeffrie (A musical comedy)

 Cantaloupe Books

--The Cantaloupe Cat (1998) 
by Jan Yager and Mitzi Lyman (ages 4 up)

--The Tale of the Pronghorned Cantaloupe (2009)  (ages 4 up)
by Sabra Steinsiek and Noel Chilton

Cantaloupe Song

--"Cantaloupe Island" (1964) by Herbie Hancock
(video link)

Sources:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=17