Fruits

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

A fruit is the seed-bearing structure in flowering plants. Fruit is technically known as angiosperms. It is formed from the ovary after flowering. Fruits are the means by which angiosperms disseminate seeds.

Fruit Stall in Barcelona Market.jpg

Fruit food group[edit | edit source]

The fruit food group includes whole fruits and 100% fruit juice. Most of the U.S. population does not consume enough fruit, with over 60 percent coming from whole forms or 100% juice.

How much fruit should I consume daily?[edit | edit source]

The amount of fruit you need depends on factors such as your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity. Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your needs may be different. To determine the appropriate amount for you, consult the MyPlate Plan. As a general guideline, refer to the table provided.

What constitutes as a cup of fruit?[edit | edit source]

Generally, the following is considered equivalent to 1 cup from the Fruit Group:

  • 1 cup of fresh fruit
  • ½ cup of dried fruit
  • 1 cup of 100% fruit juice

How to increase fruit intake?[edit | edit source]

To increase intake, focus on consuming whole fruits in nutrient-dense forms, such as plain bananas, apples, oranges, or grapes. Try incorporating more whole fruits as snacks and in meals to increase intake. A wide variety of fruits are available in the U.S. marketplace, some year-round and others seasonally.

Fruit juices[edit | edit source]

  • At least half of the recommended amount of fruit should come from whole fruit and not 100% juice.
  • When consuming juice, it should be 100% juice without added sugars or diluted with water.
  • When choosing canned fruit, opt for options canned with 100% juice or those lowest in added sugars.


Types[edit source]

  1. Apple Guava (Psidium guajava) - Apple guava is the most commonly cultivated variety of guava. It is also known as tropical guava and is native to Central and South America. The fruit has a round or oval shape and a greenish-yellow skin that turns yellow when ripe. The flesh is creamy white or pinkish, and it is sweet and fragrant. Apple guava is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
  2. Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana) - Pineapple guava is also known as feijoa, and it is native to South America. The fruit has a greenish-gray skin that is rough to the touch, and the flesh is creamy white with a sweet and tangy flavor. Pineapple guava is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
  3. Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum) - Strawberry guava is native to South America and is also known as Cattley guava. The fruit has a small size, and its skin is thin, smooth, and red or yellow. The flesh is white, pink, or red and has a sweet and tangy flavor. Strawberry guava is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
  4. Lemon Guava (Psidium guineense) - Lemon guava is native to Brazil and has a round shape with a yellowish-green skin. The flesh is yellow and has a tangy flavor similar to lemon. Lemon guava is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Cultivation of Fruits[edit source]

Guava is a tropical fruit that is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. The best time to plant guava is in the spring, and it grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 4.5 and 7.0. Guava trees can grow up to 30 feet tall, but they can be pruned to a smaller size.

Guava trees need full sun and regular watering, especially during the dry season. Fertilization is also necessary, and it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer every three months. Guava fruit takes around four to six months to ripen, and it is best to harvest it when it is fully matured.

Pictures of Fruits[edit source]

Nutrition information of Fruits[edit source]

Fruit.jpg

Berries[edit source]

Melons[edit source]

Other Fruits[edit source]

100% Fruit Juice[edit source]

More fruits and vegetables[edit source]

External links[edit source]

Wikipedia
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Also see[edit | edit source]

Wiki.png

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD