There is nothing more refreshing than a bowl of fruit, particularly after a salty or spicy main course. A simple fruit salad feels good on the palate and is a source of vitamins. Most countries have a version of this dish, sometimes referred to as fruit cocktail or fruit cup (particularly if served in a can with syrup). It’s easy and quick to make and can be served as an appetizer, a side dish or a dessert. It also makes a good starter for brunch. The inclusion of grapefruit is particularly good before having fried food, as it helps to break down the fatty deposits.
After a filling main course, there is usually room left for a simple fruit salad. It can be served on its own, with fresh cream, whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. The calories can still be kept to a minimum when adding crème fraiche or yogurt. Fruit in custard is popular in the UK. We are very fortunate to have such an abundance of choice, from the humble apple to the exotic papaya. Certain combinations of fruit work very well together. Presentation is another factor and an aesthetically pleasing array of colors will add to the enjoyment and supplement the taste sensation.
Fresh fruit or the canned variety or even a mixture of both can make up a simple fruit salad. Canned versions usually contain cherries, grapes, pears, peaches, and pineapple. At one time, shopping for the more obscure, tropical fruits had to be done at specialist stores. Nowadays, most major supermarkets stock every kind of fruit. It’s good to try out something new and to try new combinations. A little experimentation is fun.
A bowl of fruit can be put in the fridge to use later, ready when friends come to call. It’s great for children too. Parents are always trying to think of ways to persuade their kids to eat healthily and a simple fruit salad might just tempt them. When they return from school, demanding a snack before dinner is ready, fruit salad may make them forget about chips and candy.
The most famous fruit salad in the world is undoubtedly, the Waldorf Salad, an invention that came from the kitchens of the Waldorf Hotel in New York City in 1893. The combination of apple, celery and chopped walnuts in a mayonnaise dressing was an instant hit.
The celebrity chefs of today are still interested in recipes for a simple fruit salad. British chef, Anthony Worral-Thompson has produced his Exotic Fruit Salad, made up of Charentais melon, paw-paw, pear, and lychees in fresh fruit juice. Another UK chef, Jamie Oliver, calls his version, the Ultimate Fruit Salad. This calls for melon, pineapple, green seedless grapes, chopped pineapple mint, lychees, Granny Smith apples and a choice of cherries or strawberry or blueberry.
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