Freeze the Fruit

Dig in and enjoy National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month with frozen fruits as a satisfying snack or dessert during the hot summer months. They are easy to prepare, kids gobble them up, and they’re packed with all the natural nutrients and fiber of fruit without added sugar.

Next time you’re looking for a healthy and refreshing icy treat, try one of these delicious snacks:

• Wash and dry fruit, then put grapes, berries, cut melon, or pitted cherries in the freezer spread apart. Once they’re frozen, put them in an air-tight freezer bag/container for quick access.
• Peel a banana and put it in the freezer in a sealed baggie for a frozen pop. Roll it in yogurt and whole-grain cereal for an extra yummy treat.
• Make and freeze fruit kebabs with skewers or wooden coffee stirrers (for young kids who aren’t safe with pointy objects).
• Blend up the frozen fruit and some yogurt for a smoothie.

How to find fresh fruit and veggies:

• Locate a farmers’ market near you for local, fresh in-season fruit.
• Buying in-season fruit at the grocery store is a smart shopping strategy to stay on budget.

Get kids involved:

• Check out other favorite fruit snacks.
• When kids help pick which fruits to buy at the market or assist in the kitchen, they are more likely to try something new and develop healthy habits.

What’s your favorite healthy way to beat the heat?