by Elizabeth Pivonka, Ph.D., R.D., President, Produce for Better Health Foundation (NAPSA)—Acolorful array of tasty fruits and vegetables grace the aisles of American produce departmentsall year long, thanks to the perfect growing conditions in Chile. Exquisite examples of color plus flavor plus nutritional value are pF Gala apples ly Chilean and red and green Pivonka Bartlett pears. Gala apples have a reddish-orange, golden yellow exterior with an interior flesh that is crisp, firm and juicy. Galas are sweet and tangy with a delightful aroma. Bartlett pears have a traditional pear flavor and are available throughout the winter. To ripen firm pears, set out on the counter or place in a paper bag. Pears are ripe when the stem end yields to gentle pressure. Apples and pears are great eaten as a healthful snack or used in a variety of recipes ranging from appetizers to desserts. Chutneys are becoming quite popular throughout the United States. Chutney is a spicy condiment usually containing fruit, vinegar, sugar and spices. Varying in texture and “heat,” chutneys are easy to make and can be served with grilled lean red meats, poultry and fish. Sweeter chutneys also make a delightful spread for toast or can accompany cheese and crackers as an appetizer. Following a healthful lifestyle includes choosing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day. To make getting as much variety as possible easy, we recommend using The 5 A Day Color Way Guide. It divides fruits and vegetables into 5 color groups: blue/purple, green, white, yellow/orange and red. Your goal is to eat fruits and vegetables from all the groups and a wide variety from within each group— every day! Keep in mind what’s considered a serving, since you will be aimingfor 5 to 9 servings a day. One medium sized fruit; 4 cup raw, cooked, frozen or canned fruits Gin 100% juice) or vegetables; *%4 cup 100% fruit or vegetable juice; % cup cooked, canned, or a Tangy fruit chutney is a perfect complement to grilled poultry, pork or fish. Made with ripe pears and apples from Chile, this chutney adds a sunny, summer flavor to seasonal menus. frozen legumes (beans and peas), 1 cup raw, leafy vegetables, or 4 cup dried fruit are examples of what equals one serving. For more information on fresh fruits from Chile and the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, visit www.cffausa.org. For information about 5 A Day and The Color Way Guide to the Health Benefits of Colorful Fruits and Vegetables, visit www.5aday.org and www. aboutproduce.com. Spicy Fresh Apple and Pear Chutney 1% cup finely diced Chilean Gala apples 1% cup finely diced Chilean Bartlett pears 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro 1 clove garlic, finely chopped % cup finely chopped red onion 14 tsp. sugar \% tsp. salt \% tsp. red pepperflakes Combine all ingredients. Chill at least 2 hours. Makes eight 4-cup servings. Nutritional information per serving: calories: 46, total fat: 0.3g, saturated fat: Og, % calories from fat: 5%, protein: Og, carbohydrates: 12g, cholesterol: Omg, dietary fiber: 2g, sodium: 73mg. ween nee eee eee eee eeeQU- oe eee eee eee eee eee Note to Editors: Sixty-ninth in a series of monthly 5-A-Day columns, with more stories featuring fruits and vegetables at www.napsnet.com and search: “Pivonka.”
