Tasting Fruits in Late Spring and Early Summer
What fruits should we eat in late spring and early summer? Many fruits are in season during this time. Below, I recommend 9 types of seasonal fruits that are best for consumption during this period.
What fruits should we eat in late spring and early summer?
1. Cherries
Cherries are the freshest and most nutritious fruit in early summer. Cherries have significant effects in blood replenishment, regulating qi, and beauty. Traditional medicine has documented the medicinal value of cherries: "Cherries have a sweet taste and a balanced astringent property. They can regulate the middle qi and improve beauty and vitality." Cherries have the effects of treating deficiency syndrome, replenishing vitality, and nourishing the skin.
Cherries are warm and hot in nature, so they should be avoided by those with heat-related diseases and those with cough due to deficiency heat. Cherry kernels contain amygdalin, which produces hydrogen cyanide after hydrolysis. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using it medicinally to avoid poisoning. People with ulcer symptoms, excessive internal heat, and diabetes should avoid eating cherries.
2. Pineapple
Pineapple is a highlight in the fruit market in early summer. Pineapple is a tropical fruit, and its rich vitamins can not only lighten facial pigmentation, making the skin moist and translucent, but also effectively remove keratin and promote skin metabolism, presenting a healthy state. Pineapple contains almost all the vitamins and 16 natural minerals needed by the human body, and it can effectively aid digestion and absorption. The secret to pineapple weight loss lies in its rich juice, which effectively breaks down fat.
When peeling the pineapple, remove the skin, eyes, and dents, and soak the sliced flesh in saltwater for several minutes before consuming. Consumers with periodontitis, gastric ulcers, and oral mucosal ulcers should be cautious when eating pineapple because pineapple is an acidic fruit that can irritate the gums and mucous membranes. Patients with gastric diseases may experience acid reflux after eating too much pineapple, and allergies may also occur after eating pineapple.
3. Mango
Mangoes are currently in season, and they are particularly high in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which is rare among all fruits. They also have a considerable amount of vitamin C. Minerals, proteins, fats, sugars, and other substances are also the main nutrients in mangoes. The dietary fiber in mangoes helps to remove waste and toxins from the digestive tract, benefiting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and protecting the digestive system. In addition, mangoes are rich in potassium, and potassium deficiency can cause fluid imbalance and constipation.
When mangoes are unripe, white liquid may seep from the stem, which may be an allergen. In any case, people with weak cold cough (itchy throat and white phlegm) should avoid eating mangoes to prevent itching in the throat. Asthma patients should also follow their doctor's advice and avoid eating mangoes. If an allergic reaction occurs after eating mangoes, rinse the residual mango juice around the mouth with cold water as soon as possible, and then apply a towel soaked in cold water to the affected area. You can also purchase oral antiallergic drugs at a hospital or pharmacy.
4. Summer Oranges
Summer oranges ripen from mid-February to early April each year. They are rich in various vitamins and trace elements necessary for the human body. Their thin and smooth skin is bright orange, and the flesh is tender and juicy, easily melting in the mouth. They are sweet, slightly sour, with abundant juice, fragrant aroma, unique flavor, and excellent taste. Summer oranges have the effects of quenching thirst, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, removing phlegm and dispersing qi, promoting digestion and invigorating the stomach, lowering blood pressure and nourishing the skin, refreshing the brain and relieving alcohol, and eliminating fatigue.
Eating a large amount of oranges may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even bone diseases. Therefore, the consumption of oranges should not exceed four per day. It is worth noting that excessive consumption of oranges or other foods rich in beta-carotene can also cause yellowing of the skin. If you do not want to become a "yellow-faced lady," you must resist the temptation of its sweetness and sourness!
5. Loquat
Loquat grows in autumn, blooms in winter, bears fruit in spring, and ripens in early summer. It absorbs dew in all seasons and collects the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. It matures during the season when fruits are scarce. The flesh is soft, juicy, moderately sweet and sour, and has a good flavor. It is rich in nutrition and has medicinal effects, making it popular among people.
There are certain considerations when selecting and consuming loquats. Choose fruits with orange skin, intact fuzz (on the back of the fruit), and large and symmetrical fruits for better taste. In addition, the mature loquat skin and top stem are easy to remove, but there are more fuzz and impurities at the bottom stem, so be sure to clean it before eating. Fresh loquats are not easy to store, so do not buy too many at once.
