Summer is a great time for kids to stock up on all the healthy nutrients and vitamins found in fresh, seasonal fruits. Of course, they’re wonderful right off the tree, vine or bush, but you can easily turn a trip to the farmer’s market into a bevy of summer fruit recipes for kids to enjoy making and eating!
Watermelon
The beautiful summer classic! Watermelon is almost universally a kid favorite. They may love it for its juicy sweetness, but we love it for its many health benefits. Watermelon is high in antioxidants which help prevent cancer and diabetes. One antioxidant, lycopene, can even help prevent sunburn! The amino acids in watermelon are heart-healthy and reduce inflammation while vitamin A is great for the eyes. Watermelon is 92% water which is good for helping hydration and makes it a perfect candidate for juice!
Kids will love smashing up cubes of fresh watermelon into a strainer to make fresh juice but it’s also perfect for making agua fresca. A staple in Mexico and available year-round at roadside stands and eateries, agua frescas are simple to make with your kids and make a refreshing summer drink everyone can enjoy. Best of all, you only need three ingredients! Lime and mint are encouraged, but optional.
Check out this Watermelon Agua Fresca recipe from What’s Gaby Cooking?
Pineapple
Another sweet and juicy summer favorite, pineapple is loaded with important vitamins and nutrients, namely vitamin C and antioxidants. Pineapple promotes bone strength and supports the immune system, plus it’s great for the eyes. Pineapples can also help reduce blood clots making it a great snack for frequent fliers!
One of our favorite ways to prepare pineapple for kids is on the grill. It really brings out a special flavor in the fruit. Making pineapple skewers for the grill is a fun cooking activity that kids can enjoy. A sprinkle of salt will reduce acid and the sting of pineapple for sensitive mouths.
Try these skewer recipes.
Grilled Pineapple Kabobs with Honey and Lime from the Cookin Canuck
Pineapple Salmon Skewers from Delish.com
Strawberries
There are so many scrumptious desserts to make with strawberries, it’s hard to choose just one to include. Kids may see them as a yummy treat, but strawberries are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C and K, folate, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. They’re low-calorie, fiber-rich and full of antioxidants too. Healthy and delicious.
We love our strawberries with chocolate! All you need is melted chocolate plus rinsed fresh berries or get fancy and make a chocolate fondue. Either with fingers or skewers, kids will love dipping their berries. Both simple and decadent, add sliced strawberries to another favorite summertime sweet, s’mores!
Need the recipe? Here’s Chocolate Covered Strawberry S’mores from Like Mother, Like Daughter
What summer fruits do your kids love? Do you have ideas for summer fruit recipes for kids?
