ALL THINGS FOOD - PART 6

Berries, fruits and vegetables

Berries, fruits and vegetables are frequently
served at the table in various ways. Let's start
with berries.

They may be served in pancakes, pies, cakes
mixed in yogurt, beverages, cereals, muffins,
preserves, wine, teas and more.

Berries are rich in vitamins , potassium 
and magnesium. They are also said to
have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
properties.

Berries include blueberries, raspberries,
strawberries, grapes, cranberries, blackberries, 
boysenberries and many more.

Where do berries grow?

Berries generally grow on bushes.
Strawberries however, grow on low
lying plants, not bushes, along the ground.
Grapes grow in clusters on vines. They
are well known for making wine. 

Berries are very versatile. They grow all
around the world and are not limited to
temperature. Some grow in desert climate
while others in Arctic or tropical climate.

                                    Nuts, fruits both fresh and dried, make a 

                                    wonderful gift for the Christmas holidays.

Fruits

Fruits include: apples, oranges , lemons, peaches,
mangoes, pears , papaya, plums, melons, bananas,
tomatoes, pineapple, coconuts and more. Fruits are

commonly consumed, either on their own, or combined. 
 

Coconuts have a hard outer shell, but have a jelly
-like inside and coconut water on the inside.

Coconuts are rich in healthy fats, vitamins and
minerals. They are tropical fruits.

Fruits grow all over the world and in a number
of different climates. Fruits can be served fresh
or dried. Apricots, dates and figs grow in desert 
like climates.

Apricots, dates, figs and dried apples are 

often combined with nuts and chocolates,
to make holiday baskets.

Fruits also have great nutritional value. Vitamins
and minerals to combat dehydration can be found
in fruits. Fruits and vegetables are good at preventing
constipation.

Berries, fruits and vegetables are made into juices,
sometimes combined or on their own. Orange, apple,
prune juices are a breakfast favorite on many tables.

Fruits can be used in cakes, pies, desserts, cereals,
and many more. Fruits and vegetables are sometimes
combined in salads. 

Vegetables, these include : corn, cabbage, broccoli,
avocados, green beans, red peppers, eggplant, zucchini,
squash, asparagus, peas, lettuce and many more. They grow
in all different colors, shapes and sizes. They are loaded
with vitamins and minerals and some like avocados have
healthy oils.

There are different types of vegetables. Examples are :
leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach, bulb vegetables 

like garlic and onions. Cauliflower is categorized as a flower
vegetable. 

Potatoes are root vegetables. So are yams, sweet potatoes,

jicama, artichokes, turnips , carrots , onions, rutabagas,
beets, parsnips and many more.

Mushrooms are used in a variety of ways. They are 
not really a vegetable, but fungi. Yeast which is used in
making bread, also belongs to this group.

Mushrooms are frequently used as a substitute for meat.
Some varieties have a meat-like feel when eaten.

Below, are examples of meals made with vegetables.

The London pub, also known as a public house. They 
are commonly found around London and many other
areas. They provide wonderful meals, in addition to

alcoholic beverages.

Fish and chips, Toad in the hole ( sausages in a batter
which is baked) Shepherd's pie( ground beef and vegetables
covered  with mashed potatoes and baked)

Where do nuts and dried beans fit in?

In a nutshell, nuts such as walnuts, pecans , pine nuts,

hazelnuts, almonds are seeds. Peanuts however, are 
legumes. Nuts can be eaten straight from the shell, 

but are also used in breads, cakes, cheeses, ice cream
and more.

Beans, lentils and peas are categorized as legumes.

Both beans and nuts are rich in protein and fiber, 
vitamins and healthy oils. Many vegetarians use 

beans and nuts in place of meat.

Happy eating!