“A fruit is a vegetable with looks and money. Plus, if you let fruit rot, it turns into wine, something Brussels sprouts never do.”  P. J. O’Rourke

How many servings of fruit are you eating each day?

In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  (Rev. 22:2; NKJ)

Most everyone, young and old enjoys fruit salad.  Where did fruit salad come from originally?  In ancient times, combinations of various fresh, dried, candied, and stewed fruit were used to create the salad.  The ingredients and recipes used depended on what was available during the different seasons, the specific country of origin, and the socio-economic status of the people.

Fruit salad, as we know it today is a product of the mid-19th century, with one of the most popular examples being Ambrosia.  The name “fruit cocktail” was developed when fruit was mixed with sugar and alcohol.  Non-alcoholic versions of fruit cocktail were very popular in the 1920’s. Also popular in the 1920’s were jellied fruit salads. How many of us remember all the various “jellied” salads?  Believe it or not, I could have been the “Jell-O Queen” in the 1970’s, until I began to see the light about real food!  In case you’re wondering, a Jell-O salad is not considered real food for those interested in living a healthy lifestyle.

Today we have so many varieties of fresh fruit available to us all year that we can enjoy fruit salad in any season.  However, there are times when certain fruits are more plentiful and thus a little less costly.  Although we’ll soon be entering the most prolific fruit season, today’s recipe is more designed for the winter months when we don’t have access to as many fresh fruits.  The recipe uses some fresh fruit and some canned pineapple and mandarin oranges.  Feel free to make substitutions with any of the fruit listed.  I’ve created a sauce that makes the salad creamy and rich, but it’s good without it too.

Always buy pineapple in it’s own juice as opposed to heavy syrup.  I’ve also found mandarin oranges packed in pear juice as opposed to heavy syrup.  Coconut is a nice addition to this salad.  Always buy unsweetened coconut, preferably organic and unsulfured.  Sulfur dioxide is a preservative added to commercial coconut and not something that I recommend consuming.

Prayer Power
Lord we’re so grateful for all of the many wonderful fruits that You have created.  Thank You for the beautiful color, texture and taste of it all.

Link of the Day
Easy Creamy Fruit Salad

Blessings on you as you enjoy your Easy Creamy Fruit Salad.