Fruits

Fruit Classifications Fruits are divided into groups according to physical characteristics The six groups are BERRIES CITRUS DRUPES MELONS POMES EXOTICS/TROPICALS

BERRIES juicy, thin skinned fruits with tiny seeds grow on vines or bushes picked when fully ripened quality berries are plump, sweet, even colored

Blueberries

Raspberries

Strawberries

Blackberries

Cranberries

DRUPES Outer thin skin Soft fleshy fruit Fruit surrounds a single hard seed or pit Can be picked ripe or they can ripen after harvest Grow on trees or shrubs Quality drupes are firm and plump without bruises

Cherries

Apricots

Nectarines

Peaches

Plums

POMES Firm fruits with thin skin that grow on trees Have a central core that is filled with seeds Can be picked ripe or may ripen after being picked Quality pomes have smooth skin, no blemishes, soft spots, or bruising

APPLES

PEARS

CITRUS FRUIT Thick firm rind covered by a thin layer of colored skin called the zest. The soft white layer between the zest and the flesh is called the pith. The flesh is in segments separated by a thin membrane. Grow on trees or shrubs and are harvested when ripe

ORANGES

LEMONS

LIMES

GRAPEFRUIT

BLOOD ORANGE

MELONS Large juicy fruits Thick rinds Many seeds About 90% water usually served raw or pureed Grow on vines Should be firm and heavy for their size

WATERMELON

HONEYDEW

CANTALOUPE

TROPICALS (EXOTICS) Grow in warm climates Ripen after they are picked Quality fruits are heavy, firm, unblemished, and have good color

Cherimoya, Persimmon, Ugli, Guava, Starfruit, and Mango

Nutritionally speaking... High in vitamins Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) water soluble Formation of collagen Firms walls of the blood vessels Helps heal wounds Aids in formation of hemoglobin Dietary antioxidant

Provitamin - Beta-Carotene Body uses Vitamin A to make the chemical compound the eyes need to adjust to darkness

Careful with avocado and coconut Very little fat Careful with avocado and coconut

Fiber rich What did I hear??? Ready for some music???