Summer is nearly here and one of my favorite things about this time of year is the abundance of organically grown fruit available.  Most people already know the definition, but just to clarify, "Organically grown" food is food grown and processed using no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.  So this fruit is both better for us and for the environment.  Any pesticides that are sprayed on crops go into the land, and ultimately, they can have an even larger detrimental effect, as these chemicals can end up in the ground water from which some people's water supplies are drawn.

But what is in these wonderful fruits that are plentiful at this time of year?  1 cup of fresh sliced strawberries packs a powerful punch of vitamin C, providing more than the daily requirement for the average adult. Watermelon contains a good helping of lycopene, which is a form of carotene and is known for its antiozidant properties. Blueberries contain a number of different phtyochemicals which have been found to have antioxidant effects, and blueberry consumption may even help prevent urinary tract infection.  Each fruit with its vivid color and unique flavor brings a slightly different combination of essential nutrients and phytochemicals.  Different colored fruits provide different phytochemicals, many of which have antioxidant and other beneficial properties.  Eat a variety of colors, when dining, allowing yourself to get the benefit of the plethora of phtochemicals nature provides in such a sweet, delicious package.