9 things to make with tropical fruit

Source: Best Health Magazine, November/December 2009

‘ Quick kebabs
Alternate raw peeled shrimp with cubes of pineapple and red pepper. Broil until shrimp are cooked.

‘ Balance sweet and spicy
Add chopped mango to your next tofu, chicken, beef or pork curry made with coconut milk.

‘ Caribbean salsa
Mix chopped mango, papaya or pineapple and jalapeño with lime juice, chopped cilantro and a splash of rum (if desired). Serve with cooked fish, chicken or tofu.

‘ Simple breakfast parfait
Layer chopped banana, mango, pineapple and papaya with non-fat yogurt and crunchy granola.

‘ Fresh take on chicken or pork
Mix diced pineapple with some cinnamon, minced fresh ginger and a dash of soy sauce. Spoon over chicken breasts or pork chops, and bake.

‘ Hot banana sundae
Slit an unpeeled banana lengthwise and insert a few pieces of dark chocolate. Wrap tightly in foil and bake at 300°F for 20 minutes. Scoop hot banana and melted chocolate onto low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt.

‘ Need an easy portable lunch?
Mix diced papaya or pine­apple with some chopped cucumber, tomato, green onions and fresh mint. Add cooked brown rice or quinoa. Stir in a little lime juice and olive oil.

‘ Easy mango sauce
Purée a mango with a handful of cilantro, some fresh ginger and a bit of olive oil. Pour over cooked chicken, white fish or salmon.

‘ Sensational sorbet
Use an ice cream maker to turn ripe mangoes into a rich no-fat sorbet.

This article was originally titled "A Taste of Sunshine," in the November/December 2009 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience’and never miss an issue!’and make sure to check out what’s new in the latest issue of Best Health.