Dietitians Dish – July 20, 2020
Three cheers for CHERRIES!
Their high potassium helps control blood pressure and risk for stroke. With half of Americans having high blood pressure, the potassium in cherries may help to reduce risks for developing cardiovascular disease. As a source of melatonin, cherries might also help you sleep better. Being well-rested is part of overall wellness and disease management. And those are just three great reasons to include cherries into your healthy lifestyle.
With a short growing season, it’s important to get cherries and stone fruits when they’re available. And, they’re most economical when in-season because there are good deals to be had! Looking for a different way to enjoy them? Fruits are great on the grill. Yup, you heard that right! It enhances their sweetness and gives them a caramelized flavor. Create cherry and stone fruit skewers to throw on the grill for a quick snack or dessert.
Grilled Stone Fruit Skewers
Ingredient Combinations:
- 8 (6-inch) wooden skewers
- 2 peaches, pitted, cut into 8 pieces each
- 2 plums, pitted, cut into 8 pieces each
- 2 nectarines, pitted, cut into 8 pieces each
- 16 cherries, stems removed, pitted
- 2 Tbsps. unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
Directions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat.
- Assemble skewers with 2 peach chunks, 2 plum chunks, 2 nectarine chunks and 2 cherries.
- Mix butter and cinnamon in small bowl. Lightly brush onto skewers.
- Place skewers on grill and cook 2-3 minutes per side, or until fruit starts to brown and soften (about 10 minutes total).
Remove from grill. - Serve with 1/4 cup yogurt for dipping.
Recipe and image courtesy of our friends at ProduceForKids.com.