Fruitful Festivities

A medium-sized pear contains roughly 5 grams of fiber, nearly 20% of the daily recommended value. Because pears are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, they can play a powerful role in supporting digestive health. Soluble fiber is able to absorb water, forming a gel-like substance that helps slow digestion. This can aid in regulating blood sugar levels. Insoluble fiber does not mix with water, and instead helps to move food through the body efficiently and prevent constipation.

We recommend poaching pears with warming spices for a light holiday dessert.

An apple a day makes your gut say “Yay”! Apples are rich in Pectin, a prebiotic soluble fiber. Prebiotics are essential to gut health, as they act as a food source for the beneficial probiotic organisms, like bacteria and yeast, that live in your gut. Eating a balance of probiotic and prebiotic organic foods is a great way to promote healthy harmony in the gut.

Lightly sautéed tart apples make an excellent crepe filling, perfect for a special holiday breakfast.

Jewel-toned in color and beloved for their subtly sweet yet tart flavor, pomegranates shine during the holiday season. They are an antioxidant powerhouse, rich in anthocyanins, which are responsible for the pomegranate’s deep red hue. Anthocyanin antioxidants are said to have anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties, and have been linked to heart health. Our Produce managers are expecting a healthy supply of California grown pomegranates this year.

A splash of unsweetened pomegranate juice brightens up mocktails, and pomegranate seeds add a festive flair to holiday salads.

Persimmons are in high demand during their short window of availability, and with good reason. Earthy in flavor with a honey-like sweetness, they are especially delicious when perfectly ripe. They are also loaded with healthful nutrients. One persimmon contains over half of the daily recommended value of Vitamin A, which supports healthy vision.

Ripened persimmons work well in spiced holiday bread and muffin recipes.