A fruity and tropical Christmas

When our orchards go numb, the incredible diversity of tropical fruits brightens up our daily lives. They bring colour, flavour, exoticism and refinement to our end-of-year tables, and promise us a very light dessert. It would be a shame to do without it! A brief review of the essentials…

The mango

Tasty, juicy and very fragrant, it thrives in tropical forests. Its many qualities make it a valuable ally for health. It contains vitamins A and C as well as many minerals and thus prevents cell ageing. On the digestive side, it will be perfectly tolerated if consumed ripe at the right time.

The lychee

Originally from Asia, where it was already appreciated 2000 BC, this beautiful fruit, also known as “Chinese cherry”, reaches its full maturity during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Its freshness and delicious rose fragrance therefore work wonders. Abundantly supplied with vitamin C and fibre, it is ideal for children’s snacks and parents’ desserts, to which it provides energy and energy. It is part of the salty menus where it accompanies poultry and fish. It is used in winter fruit salads, but it is obviously perfect in its own right. Consume it fairly quickly because its shell dries quickly, turns brown and becomes very brittle.

The clementine

It was born in Algeria at the beginning of the century, from the crossing of a sour orange and a mandarin tree. His name is a tribute to Father Clément who made this alliance. Rich in vitamin C, it is appreciated plain or, for example, in an endive salad whose bitterness it will soften. It benefits from the many primers of orange.

The grenade

Grown in Provence since the 16th century, it has been known since ancient times in North Africa and southern Europe. Very sour, its juice can replace lemon. It contains a lot of vitamins C and B and fibre, if consumed without removing the seeds.
The 80% water it contains is well endowed with minerals. Spoon out the small grains and eat them as they are or add them to a fruit salad.

The pineapple

Originally from America, it was admired by Christopher Columbus’ companions who appreciated its beauty and exquisite juice. Fragile, it does not keep well and cannot withstand the cold. So keep it at room temperature. If it is often bought in cans to decorate fruit salads, it is much better fresh. It goes well with pies and doughnuts, but is also used in salty dishes, especially those with sweet and sour taste such as pineapple duck.

The date

Symbol of conjugal love, and cultivated in the Middle East for 7000 years, the date is a food of choice for Arab peoples. Brought back to Europe by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages, it was, along with honey, the sugar of the time. Rich in carbohydrates and fibre, it is a good source of vitamin B and minerals, including magnesium, iron and potassium. It is therefore particularly recommended for athletes. She participates in many Arabic dishes such as couscous, tagines and stews.

The pomelo

Wrongly called grapefruit, it comes straight from Israel and Florida. Low in energy, it is rich in potassium and vitamins and therefore anti-fatigue; Choose the heavy one, it will only be more juicy and consume it quickly. Too long a stay in the refrigerator’s crisper would cause it to lose its scent. You can eat it raw, as an appetizer or as a dessert. It is very well integrated into fruit salads. But like pineapple, salty dishes do not scare him. Fortunately, it can be served with poultry and pork.

Tropical fruits

Tropical fruits are a diverse and vibrant group of fruits that thrive in the warm, humid climates of the tropics. Known for their exotic flavors, vivid colors, and rich nutritional profiles, these fruits are a staple in many cultures around the world. Popular tropical fruits include mangoes, pineapples, bananas, papayas, and coconuts, each offering a unique taste and texture. Mangoes, often referred to as the “king of fruits,” are prized for their sweet and juicy flesh, while pineapples deliver a tangy and refreshing taste. Bananas, one of the most widely consumed fruits globally, are a convenient and satisfying snack high in potassium. Papayas, with their orange-hued flesh and sweet, musky flavor, are rich in vitamins A and C. Coconuts, versatile in both culinary uses and nutritional benefits, provide hydrating water and creamy flesh. These fruits not only add a burst of flavor to various dishes (like tuna steak) but also contribute significantly to a healthy diet, offering a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.