Eating fresh fruit is one of life’s few must-have pleasures that we so easily take for granted. It is an immensely rewarding experience to grow your own fruit and very rewarding to pick it by hand and eat it straight from the tree. If you need to awaken your passion for fruits, be more adventurous! There are many more things you can do with a fruit besides eating it fresh and whole. Here are some ideas for eating well using fresh fruit.

Juice is a quick and easy solution. Most fruits are rich in meat and water, making them ideal for squeezing or mashing to make a refreshing drink. When it comes to making a light summer drink, citrus and berries are what you need. They have a mild to strong, sweet and sour flavor that is totally refreshing on a hot summer afternoon. For richer, thicker juices, tropical fruits like banana, papaya, mango, and guava are simply ideal. They are great for smoothies and just what you need to start the day with lots of energy and good digestion.

The cakes and pastries are simply the best, whether you love to bake or have a sweet tooth. Berries and pome fruits (apples and pears) are some of the best fruitcakes and fruit tarts. They add a vibrant spicy flavor to the pastry dish and with a bit of cinnamon, they work wonders.

Chutney is typically a South Asian condiment that accompanies curries, rice dishes, and even desserts. It is made by chopping fruits and cooking them with spices, vinegar and other ingredients until they turn into pulp. Its texture can vary from rough to smooth and its spiciness also varies, from spicy to smooth. They add a “punch” to savory dishes, especially those made from mango, lime, tamarind, and even coconut.

Garnishing the meal with fancy fruit goes a long way in impressing a guest. It is important to choose fruits that are bright in color and light to eat. Citrus fruits are quite popular, as are berries.

Salads are the perfect light meal for sweltering hot weather and, not to mention, for weight loss. Fresh fruits can be used to make a fruit salad or mixed fruit and vegetable salad. When preparing mixed fruit and vegetable salads, grate fruits such as apples, pears and coconut, so they mix quite well. Lime or lemons can also be used to rinse salad leaves, their acidic qualities kill germs and add flavor.

The stuffing is a traditional Christmas and Thanksgiving favorite. Pork and poultry dishes prepared with a blend of fruits, herbs, and spices can be a delight. Once again, berries, citrus, apples and pears are the favorites of the majority.

The next time you’re eating fresh fruit, why not explore the kitchen with some of these ideas for eating well?