Fruit is referred to as the part or structure of the plant that contains the seed of the plant. In culinary terms, fruit is a sweet and edible part of the plant that can be eaten raw. It can also be used as an ingredient in making many everyday and special fruit dishes across the world. Usually, fruit recipes are used to make dessert and breakfast dishes. Some of the dips and salads also taste good if made from fruit. Apple, mango, banana, berries, melon and orange are some of the commonly used fruits to make innumerable fruit dishes. There are some other edible parts of the plant that are called fruits in botanical terms but in culinary terms they are used as vegetables. Some such examples are tomato, cucumber, and zucchini and so on.

History and Origin of Fruit

There are various varieties of fruits used for consumption. According to facts, the popular cherry tree in America has originated in China. Peach fruit is also believed to have originated in China in around 10th century BC. Banana is considered as one of the most commonly eaten fruits and its origin is placed in South East Asia. Similarly, all other fruits have some or the other place associated with them which are considered as their respective places of origin.

Culinary Use of Fruit

Fruit is an easily available food item in almost all parts of world. It can either be eaten raw or in cooked form. Fruit pie, fruit desserts, fruit sauce and fruit salads are some of the popular fruit recipes. The high nutritional value of fruit dishes makes them suitable for people of all age groups. There are several fruit recipes that can be cooked on special occasions or at the time of festivals. Some of the popular festive fruit dishes are Christmas fruit pudding, festive fruit wreath, plum cake, summer pudding and strawberry tart. Fruit is not only an essential ingredient in desserts but it can also be added to savory dishes to increase the flavor. Pineapple is very commonly used to make pizzas and pineapple flavored yogurt. There is one versatile fruit lemon that is not only used to impart flavor to the dishes, lemon such as, lemon chicken and lemon rice but also used to preserve food.

Preferable Methods of Cooking Fruit Dishes

Using fruit as an ingredient has become a common practice in modern cooking. However, the first culinary use of fruit can be seen thousand of years back. Various fruit dishes can be made by cooking fruit with different methods. While cooking fruit, it should be kept in mind that it is a very delicate food item and may disintegrate easily. Some preferred cooking methods are as follows:

• Poaching – This is one of the most common methods of cooking fruit. In this method fruit is simmered in boiling water for a few minutes. Poaching of fruit, preserves the texture and flavor of the fruit. Pear is one popular fruit that can be poached.

• Stewing – Fruit dishes can be made by stewing method. In this method, fruit is covered in water and cooked on slow heat. The fruit that tastes best when stewed is nectarine.

• Grilling or barbequing – These methods leads to make fruit very sweet. This is due to the reason that severe heat caramelizes the sugar inside the fruit. Fruits can be grilled to make appetizers, desserts and side dishes. Grilled apple, pear and pineapple are used to make numerous fruit dishes.

Nutritive Value of Fruits

Owing to the supply of vitamins and enzymes, fruit is considered as one of the healthiest food item on this earth. According to some food studies, fruit contains various health stimulating contents. There are many fruits that provide "superoxide dismutase" or “SOD” that acts as an enzyme and protects from ageing. It is mostly present in raw fruits. Fruit or fruit dishes should be consumed in abundance because they contain anti oxidants and protect our body system from any age-related damage. Iron, minerals, calcium, vitamins, phosphorus and dietary fibers are some of the nutrients that are present in almost all varieties of fruits. It is recommended to include at least one fruit in daily diet.

Buying and Storing Fruits

ruit should be picked by carefully examining its texture and color. The darker the fruit the greater would be its taste and flavor. Though different fruits have different textures and color, firm, unripe and fresh looking fruits are always recommended for consumption. The ‘Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’ recommends the proper handling and preservation of fruits in order to reduce food illness and food contamination. Fruits tend to become stale and unappetizing if not stored properly. It should be kept under refrigeration until consumed. Some fruits have longer shelf life and some have less so it is necessary to store fruit and fruit dishes accordingly. Type of Fruit Depending upon the climate and the harvest conditions, fruit is divided into following categories:

• Tropical fruit – banana, mango, lychee, rose apple and avocado are good examples of tropical fruit.

• Citrus fruit – it contains vitamin C and has tangy flavor. Orange, lime, grapefruit and tangerine are some of the examples.

• Tree fruit – as clear by name, this fruit grows on tree. Apples, plum, cherries and apricot are tree fruits.

• Berries – raspberry, strawberry and blackberry are some of the berries that are used as fruit.

• Melon – watermelon and musk melon come under this category. This type of fruit generally contains high amount of water.

• Dry fruit – some fruits are dried to remove moisture. This type of fruit is high in nutrients and eaten as a snack. Raisins, apricots, dates and figs are some of the dried fruits well-liked by all. Non-Food use of Fruits Fruit has a good use apart from culinary context. Many dried fruits are used in decorations and flower arrangements. A kind of natural dye is also produced by fruits such as walnut, cherry and mulberry. The most unique use of fruit is seen at the time of Halloween, when pumpkin is carved into Jack’o Lantern. Coconut is also a versatile fruit that not only has culinary use but also lend its coir to make mattresses, floor mats and brushes.

Fruit Trivia

• In 2004, the total amount of fresh fruit consumed per person in America was 128 pounds.

• Though Avocado is a fruit ,it is commonly used as a vegetable.