Snack on this: Figs

Fresh figs and dried figs are like two different fruits. Eaten fresh, figs have more water content and are less sweet. They're soft and fleshy. When you bite into a dried fig, you can hear the small seeds popping in this very sweet fruit. Since they're highly perishable, most of the figs you see at the store are dried. Which type do you prefer, fresh or dried?

Most of our figs come from Turkey and California, but they also grow in the southern states. Last week I grabbed a small container of fresh figs from my local farmer's market. There's only one vendor that sells them. He told me, he should have another variety ready in the next week or so.

And you're in for a real treat if you've had homemade fig preserves. My aunt's mother-in-law makes fresh fig preserves. She leaves the figs whole and covers them in honey. Syrupy and delicious. Excellent on toast.

Move over prunes.
Dried figs contain more fiber than prunes. Yep, that's right. So next time skip the prunes, and grab these mineral-rich fruits instead. Figs are also high in iron and calcium. They contain more antioxidants than most other fruits.


Source: Wood, 2010, p. 140

Snack on this: strawberry yogurt

I know what you're thinking. Strawberry yogurt? That's not special. But I think it is.

Stop a minute and think about the yogurt aisle at your local grocery store. How many flavors and types of yogurt do you see? Key lime pie, strawberry cheesecake, banana cream pie, and even chocolate. These processed yogurts are usually high in sugar and the fruit doesn't taste like real fruit. Instead of buying the packaged variety why not make you're own with fresh, whole ingredients?

It's simple. Fill a bowl with organic plain yogurt and add your favorite fresh fruit. I chose strawberries because the farmers' markets are overflowing with them right now (excited for blueberries and peaches next). If you're not a plain yogurt fan, stir in a big drizzle of honey and a dash of cinnamon. You can puree the fruit and mix into the yogurt, if you prefer a smoother texture. This is a great snack packed with protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Enjoy!