Fruit

Ready to explore the amazing world of figs? Would you be surprised to discover that they aren’t actually fruits? Or that their pollination can involve a multigenerational family drama? From their unusual biology to their nutritional value and health-giving properties, get ready to dive into the hidden secrets of figs.

Grapes are the world’s biggest and most valuable fruit crop — and are among the sweetest natural foods we can eat. But given their high sugar content, can grapes truly be part of a healthy diet? And what about wine, grape juice, and jelly?

Figs are far more than cookie fillings and strategically-placed leaves in Bible paintings. Discover the versatility of figs in enhancing various dishes, from desserts to savory meals. Learn how to choose, store, and make the most of the nutritious fig, a natural sweetener that can elevate your culinary game.

Papaya is a tropical fruit with significant culinary versatility and nutritional benefits — and considerable global popularity. But is it good for you? And if so, which varieties are best for your health and the environment? And are there people who should avoid papayas entirely? Let’s take a deep dive into one of the world’s favorite tropical fruits.

Papayas are less well-known than some other tropical fruits. But they deserve just as much attention as, say, pineapples or mangoes. This article provides tips on how to select and use papayas, including how to pick a ripe one, how to cut and store them, and a variety of recipe ideas to incorporate papayas into your diet.

Limes are the other sour little citrus fruit: the green, less popular cousin of the bright and cheerful lemon. But limes pack a unique culinary and nutritional punch — both their fruit and, in some varieties, their leaves can fight diseases from cancer to heart disease to cognitive decline. So how can you buy and prepare limes to maximize both their health benefits and culinary goodness?

Avocados are a popular food loved by many. In fact, avocado consumption in the US has risen more than fourfold in the last 20 years. But how much do you know about this creamy green fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!)? Sure, it tastes good. But is it good for you? What are the health benefits of avocados? And are there any downsides you should know about?

Grapefruit was once one of the most popular fruits, thanks to several fad diets of the last century. Then, the medical establishment began warning that eating grapefruit could interfere with prescription drugs in potentially dangerous ways. So what’s the truth about grapefruit: health savior or health villain? In this article, we explore the real health benefits and risks of this iconic citrus fruit.

We hear about superfoods all the time — amazing, exotic berries harvested from over 17,000 feet up in the Himalayas, or rare roots found only on Tuesdays three days before a full moon. I’m exaggerating, of course, but the functional food industry loves to sell us extremely expensive products that they claim contain health-promoting powers that don’t exist in “ordinary” foods. It turns out, though, that many of the inexpensive, readily available foods right under our noses are unappreciated “superfoods” in their own right.

If you’re looking for the healthiest foods to include in your diet on a regular basis, memorize one acronym — GBOMBS. When you stack up all the foods you could eat by how many nutrients they provide per calorie, greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries, and seeds top the charts. But how do you get them onto your plate and into your belly on a regular basis? This article shares tips and a GBOMBS meal plan that includes yummy recipes and a shopping list.

Prunes and plums have vastly different reputations, despite being the very same fruit. Many people associate prunes and prune juice with constipation, which doesn’t exactly bring captivating culinary delights to mind. And considering how delicious fresh plums are, they’re surprisingly not nearly as popular as many other fruits. In this article, we'll answer common questions about plums vs prunes: What are prunes? Where do prunes come from? What are the benefits of eating plums and prunes? Plus, we’ll look at whether prunes and plums deserve to be part of your diet and some ways to enjoy them that you may not have considered.

Research has shown that a colorful diet is a great way to boost your health and vitality. But how can you be sure that you’re getting all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your body needs to thrive? In this article, we’ll look at the whole spectrum of rainbow nutrition to show how adding color to your plate could add years to your life (and life to your years!). There’s also a shareable rainbow foods infographic that can help you choose a diversity of colorful fruits and vegetables.