FRUITS

Fruit Facts Fruit is the seed of the plant Fruits get sweeter as they ripen

Fruits – My Pyramid Serving Size Daily: –1 ½ cups a day(avg for 9-13 year old) Major Nutrients: –Vitamins (helps body grow and develop) –Fiber (helps body digest our food) G=6 V=5 MB=2 M=3

Serving Size ONE SERVING IS EQUAL TO: Piece of fruit i.e. banana ½ cup canned fruit, fruit sauce or cut-up fresh fruit ¾ cup 100% fruit juice ¼ cup dried fruit

VITAMINS Fruit is the best source for Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

VITAMIN A –Needed for growth, healthy hair, clear skin and to prevent night blindness –Found in fruits that are yellow to red in color

VITAMIN C –Helps our bodies heal cuts and bruises –Fights infection –Found in citrus fruits

FIBER Provide bulk that mixes with toxic waste products in the intestines and helps them move out of the body – helps us digest our food.

Reflect List all of the fruit or fruit juices that you ate yesterday? –Breakfast –Lunch –Dinner –Snack

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INTAKE Most children in the U.S. are not eating enough fruits and vegetables (USDA data). Fewer than 15 % of students eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Over 50% of all students do not eat any fruit on any given day.

Types of Fruits Drupes Pomes Citrus Fruits Berries Melons Tropical Fruits

Drupes Has one large pit or seed. Grows on trees. The skin can be eaten. The best ones smell sweet and are plump and juicy. You can ripen them by keeping them at room temperatures Examples: Peach, Cherry, Plum

Pomes Has a core that contains seeds. Grows on trees. Skin can be eaten. Best ones are firm and smell good Examples: Apple, Pear

Citrus Fruits Has a shiny, tough, leathery skin Grow on trees Skin is usually not eaten Has segments filled with juicy pellets. Can not ripen after they have been picked Examples: Orange, lemon, lime

Berries Small juicy fruits with many seeds Fragile and bruise easily Most grow on bushes Best ones are plump, juicy, sweet and brightly colored Stop ripening once they are picked Examples: Blackberries, strawberries

Melons Large, moist fruits that grow on vines Most have hollow center full of seeds Thick skin either smooth or rough Examples: Cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon

Tropical Fruits Grow only in warm, sunny climates Many grow on trees Best are firm and free of bruises Only dates and figs may be wrinkled Examples: Bananas, pineapple