For me the definition of fruit salad is a mixture of various fruits. You can buy fruit salad in a tin which, although it is ok, is invariably a wish washy mixture of chopped up fruit that could almost be mistaken for mixed vegetables. Moving up the scale there are selections of frozen fruit salads available to buy at a reasonable price from the supermarket. The advantage here is that they have a long shelf life, should have retained some vitamins and can still be quite tasty, . Finally there is a traditional fruit salad made by your own fair hands. Good quality fruit, bought and used whilst really fresh and selected to give a good variety depending on the season. This one can be a little expensive but is well worth the cost. A decent homemade fruit salad will be tasty, nourishing and low in calories.

MY FAVOURITE HOMEMADE FRUIT SALAD.

One whole fresh pineapple.
Two bananas, still slightly green.
Four satsumas or two oranges or two Clementine. the choice here depends on individual taste and the time of year.
Half a dozen, that is six, almost ripe strawberries. In season I would vary with, or add, raspberries or blueberries or blackberries. Alternatively you can make a fruit salad just with these red, black and blue summer fruits
One large pink grapefruit.
Three kiwi fruit.
All the above need either peeling, skinning or just washing. I would then slice the bananas, kiwi fruit or pineapple.
Just before serving wash, peel and slice a couple of apples and a firm pear. If you do this at the last minute they will not discolour.

This will easily serve up to eight people. Adjust quantities for less or small servings. Pour a light fruit juice over the salad and serve on it's own, with ice cream, fresh cream or my favourite, traditional greek yogurt.

A healthy, appetising, flavoursome dessert which, although not cheap, should not break the bank.

Learn more about this author, Ethel Smith.
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