SELECTION OF FRUITS AND THEIR NUTRITIVE VALUE

You might have eaten some delicious apples of Kashmir, lichis of Dehradun, Langra and Dussehri mangoes of U.P. and oranges of Nagpur. Our country has in addition to the above a variety of fruits like apricots, grapes, pineapples, peaches, strawberries, plums, pears, guavas, papayas, banana, jack fruit and melons. Let us now see what fruits are. Fruits are the seed bearing parts of the plants consisting of edible tissue surrounding the seeds. The edible part is juicy, pulpy, fleshy, sweet or sweet-sour in taste. Most fruits have a ripened seed or seeds enclosed in them. Unlike vegetables most fruits can be eaten with minimum nutrient losses. Fruits are a great gift of nature to mankind. They are delicious, nutritious, ready-to eat foods. They have a nice flavour and texture. Fresh fruits have an attractive colour. Think, for example, about the colour of ripe yellow mangoes or rosy red apples.

Children may sometimes be averse to milk and other nutritious foods. But they relish fruits very much. People of all age groups enjoy fruits as an appetiser, snack or a dessert. Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals. They protect us against many deficiency diseases. They provide roughage or fibre which prevents constipation.

EAT MORE FRUITS. THEY PROTECT US FROM DEFICIENCY DISEASES.

Vegetables and fruits are best at the peak of their season. Their flavour and nutrient content is high and prices are competitive.

Fruits are important for us as they are a good source of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. These are essential for our health and protect us against deficiency diseases. They also provide roughage which prevents constipation. Fruits are enjoyed by all age groups and especially children love them.

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