1. FRUITS
Sweet, tart, or a combination of flavors, fruits come in every size, every color,
flavor, and texture. Botanically speaking, fruit is the ovary of the flowering
plant when it matures. Hence, tomatoes, peas, and beans can be considered
fruit in this context. In the culinary sense, however, it refers to the sweet-
tasting plant products, such as oranges, strawberries, mangoes, guavas, and
so on. These are excellent sources of sugar for energy as well as vitamins
and minerals needed by the body to maintain its functions.
To get the full potential of fruits, do it as the raw vegans do–to eat them as they are (washed of course).
This principle is due to the fact that in raw food, the micronutrients in “live food” are preserved. Have
some apples for snack or include slices of fruit for dessert. Some fruits though, if you’re not the type to
take them in slices or segments, may be juiced or blended to smoothies. Smoothies are healthier
alternatives as well to ice cream and dairy sweets, giving that same creamy texture and sweetness as a
bowl of ice cream. Some green vegetables like moringa and bok choy may also be added for a
homemade “green smoothie”, adding the fiber content of the smoothie.
Aside from raw, fruits may be served in desserts like pies, cakes, and
cookies. With sugar and water in certain proportions, they may be made
into jams and preserves, which may accompany freshly-baked (or store-
bought) muffins, breads, and biscuits. These bottled treats, if homemade
may be given away as Christmas or party giveaways or sold in bazaars or
specialty organic food stalls. Fruit may also be incorporated in our usual
food, like chopping them up and using them as topping for pancakes, ice cream, and yogurt.
Blueberries, bananas, apples, and strawberries may be mixed in with plain cereal for more flavors
instead of adding sugar. For something more indulgent, fruit like strawberries, grapes, and bananas may
be dipped in melted chocolate and enjoyed too as dessert.
Fruit may be enjoyed in a lot of ways –raw, juiced, cooked, baked, or dipped in
chocolate or other sweet syrup. Recipes showing how they can be included in
sweet or savory dishes may also be researched online or shared among friends
in order to maximize these sweet treats, especially those that are in season.
With a bit of research and creativity, lots of treats may be made from
something sweet that grows in your own garden, or bought from the
supermarket.