Enjoy Summer’s Bounty with Fresh California Fruit

(ARA) - It’s a sure sign of summer: mounds of sweet, juicy peaches; plump, flavorful plums; and aromatic nectarines that seem to arrive with the warm days of late spring. Of all the seasons of the year, summer is the one that brings out the best in the produce section. What can be more satisfying than enjoying a delicious fruit sorbet on a hot summer day, or simply biting into a fresh, juicy California peach, plum or nectarine? Long known to be a delicious source of nutrition, California peaches, plums and nectarines are important sources of multiple antioxidants, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have found that antioxidants are more effective when more than one is present at the same time, so eat up!

The variety of colorful fruits and vegetables available makes now the ideal time to add new healthy habits to your eating plan; try some fresh ways to add these nutritious foods into daily meals and snacks. The new U.S. Dietary Guidelines advise a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, recommending the consumption of 4.5 cups of fruit and vegetables daily. Try these fun tips to get 4.5 cups of produce every day:

• Create a summer sangria using white wine and sparkling water to show off fresh California fruits, such as sliced peaches. Garnish with fresh mint and enjoy!
• Fire up the grill for desserts as well as traditional barbecue fare. Grilled plums are delicious topped with vanilla ice cream.
• Try adding naturally sweet sliced California nectarines to jazz up iced tea.
• Start the day off right with a quick and tasty summer parfait. Layer slices of fresh California peaches, plums and nectarines with creamy yogurt, then top with granola.

Choosing fresh colorful fruits for a refreshing summer dessert, such as this sorbet recipe, is also a great place to start.

Sweet and Tangy Fruit Sorbet

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 2 to 3 minutes

Chill time: At least 1 1/2 hours

1 cup water

2 cups sugar

2 cups California peach, nectarine or plum puree, or a mixture of all three, chilled

1/2 cup lemon liqueur

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Fresh California peach, nectarine or plum slices (garnish)

Stir together the water and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes or until sugar has dissolved. Refrigerate until well chilled then stir in fruit puree, liqueur and lemon juice. Transfer to the bowl of an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days. Spoon into small dishes and garnish with fresh fruit slices. Makes 8 servings.

Courtesy of ARA Content