Health Plan of San Joaquin | Focus Your Health | Spring 2020

Harvest of the season Fruits and vegetables are not only cheaper when they are in season. They are packed with more healthy vitamins to keep you and your family going. Here are some of the fruits and veg- etables that are ready for your table in spring: ● Asparagus ● Avocados ● Berries ● Cucumber ● Carrots ● Peas ● Spinach ● Strawberries Honey Gingered Fruit Salad Makes 6 servings. Serving size: 1 cup. Ingredients 1 large mango, peeled and cut into chunks 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 small banana, peeled and sliced 1 cup strawberries 1 cup seedless green grapes 1 cup nectarines, sliced 1 cup kiwifruit, peeled and sliced Berries ● Choose fresh blueberries that are plump and have a solid, dark blue color. Refrigerate for up to two weeks. ● Choose fresh raspberries that are bright and evenly colored. ● Refrigerate for up to three days. ● Select fresh blackberries that are dry and shiny, without any green or red colors. Refrigerate for up to three days. ● Wash berries just before serving. Healthy serving ideas ● Add berries to your cereal for added fiber and flavor. ● Top pancakes with fresh blueberries or blackberries. ● Stir your favorite berries into low-fat yogurt for a tasty snack. ● Toss raspberries into a spinach salad. ● Keep a bag of mixed berries in the freezer for smoothies. What’s in season? In California, blackberries, blue- berries and raspberries are in peak season in late spring and summer. Visit a local farmers’ market to ask about the berry season in your area. Honey ginger sauce ⅓ cup 100% orange juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon honey* ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger Preparation In a large bowl, combine fruit. In a small bowl, mix all honey ginger sauce ingredients until well blended. Pour honey ginger sauce over fruit and toss together. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and serve chilled. Dress up your fruit salad with a sprinkling of chopped almonds for a sweet and crunchy treat. * Do not give honey to children under the age of 1. Focus Your Health 5