by Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., President, Produce for Better Health Foundation (NAPSA)— serves up a variety of colorful fruits all in one kidfriendly dish. At 5 A Day we believe it’s easy for children and adults to include 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day by using our Color Way Guide. Fruits and vegetables are divided into five Pivonka groups—blue/purple, green, white, yellow/orange and red. Every day you choose a variety of fruits and vegetables from these groups. features fruits from all five groups—blueberries and raisins, honeydew, banana, pineapple and apricots, and strawberries and cherries. As a key member of the yellow/orange group, pineapple contains varying amounts of healthpromoting antioxidants including vitamin C. This workhorse vitamin helps absorb iron from plant sources, keep gums and immune systems healthy and heal cuts and wounds—all big pluses for active, growing children. Twoslices of pineapple contain 60 calories and supply 25 percent of the daily value of vitamin C. Del Monte Gold pineapple has a sweeter flavor and richer color compared to the traditional tangier pineapple types and a two-slice serving contains an amazing 150 percent of the daily value of vitamin C. Pineapple was discovered by Columbus whosaid it “astonished and delighted” him. Today, children are discovering new ways to enjoy sweet, juicy pineapple just as Columbus did. Dip pineapple chunks in yogurt, make an openfaced sandwich with lean ham and slice of broiled fresh pineapple, and add fresh pineapple to fruit smoothies or stir into angel hair pasta with shrimp just before serving. To cut a pineapple, cut or twist off the crown, trim the ends, cut in half, then quarters lengthwise, remove the core and cut into bitesize pieces. Pineapples are available all year. Select pineapples with crown leaves that are fresh and green. The pineapple should be fragrant, heavy and symmetrical in size. Store pineapples in yourrefrigerator and use immediately. For more recipes and information about fresh pineapple, visit www.freshdelmonte.com and for more information about 5 A Day The Color Way visit www.5aday.org and www.aboutproduce.com. 1 prepared thin-crust 12” pizza crust 8 ouncesfat-free cream cheese 1% cup sugar 1% teaspoon vanilla extract 1 Del Monte banana,peeled and sliced 4 cupsassorted fresh fruit, sliced: Del Monte pineappleslices, blueberries, strawberries, apricots, Del Monte honeydew and cherries 1% cup raisins 1% cup pistachios, chopped Non-stick cooking spray Spray 12-inch pizza pan with non-stick spray. Place crust on pizza pan and bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes. Cool. Blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread mixture over cooled crust. Arrange banana slices in layer over cream cheese mixture. Arrange remaining fruit slices in circles on bananas, varying colors and shapes. Sprinkle with raisins and pistachios. Cut into 8 wedges. Makes 8 servings. Nutritional information per serving: calories: 244, total fat: 3.8g, saturated fat: 0.32, % calories from fat: 14%, protein: 9g, carbohydrates: 45g, cholesterol: 4mg, dietary fiber: 3g, sodium: 413mg wee eee eee ee eee eee:San ee ee ee eee eee eee Note to Editors: Sixty-fourth in a series of monthly 5-A-Day columns, with morestories featuringfruits and vegetables at www.napsnet.com and search: “Pivonka.”
