8 Summer Fruits to Give Children, Don't Forget While Offering Fruits in Summer

Are cherries good for toddlers? Is Lychee good for toddlers? What is the best food to eat in the summer? These questions always pop-up in every parent's mind at the start of summers. From mangoes, cucumber to jackfruit, here is our list of top 8 super fruits for this summer. This list, compiled from suggestions from the parents, not only has the benefits of the fruits but also an interesting recipe that you could try at home. Of all the sweet things you can find, fruits undoubtedly make for the healthiest snack. They are not only delicious but are rich in nutrients, fiber, vitamins and minerals which help strengthen the immune system and help boost energy. 

From mangoes, cucumber to jackfruit, here is our list of top super summer season fruits. This list, compiled from suggestions from the parents, not only has the benefits of the fruits but also an interesting recipe that you could try at home.

8 Super Summer Season Fruits for Your Child

We asked our fellow parents to name one summer fruit that their child relishes. The following were the top 8 fruits preferred by most parents.

#1. Cucumber: Cucumber makes for a refreshing snack for summer whether it is served sliced, cut lengthwise into sticks or into small chunks. Cucumber contains 96% water and very little vitamin, minerals, and fiber but still makes for a very good snack.

Parentune Tip: Store cucumbers in a plastic wrap in the fridge. If they are stored with other fruits, they tend to turn yellow and age faster.

#2. Mangoes: Mangoes are packed with Vitamin A and C, and have cancer preventing beta carotene. The deeper the color of the flesh, the higher is the carotenoid levels. Here is the recipe: Takes 10 minutes to prepare. Good for 3 little tummies.

Ingredients:

• Yogurt: 2 cups
• Peeled and chopped ripe mango - 2 cups
• Sugar - to taste

Blend mango pieces and sugar in a blender. Add the yogurt and blend again until smooth. You may also add rose water at this stage. Serve chilled.

Parentune Tip: For children, who do not like drinking milk or milk products, try making mango lassi for them. They will enjoy the delicious drink on a hot day and will also benefit from the dairy in the yogurt that goes into the lassi.

#3. Watermelon: Rich in vitamin A and C, and antioxidants, watermelons make for a delicious summer snack. They also contain lycopene that protects the skin against sun damage.

Parentune Tip: Try watermelon sorbet recipe. I made this for my children on a hot day last summer and it was such a hit that I had to make it for her friends too when they came visiting us.

• Watermelon: Cut into small chunks and freeze.
• Water: about a ½ cup for half a watermelon

Add the frozen chunks of watermelon into the blender. Add the water little by little and blend until smooth and sorbet texture (it should be an icy mix like slush). Scoop and serve. Do not add sugar as watermelons are naturally sweet.
 

#4. Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries are packed with flavonoids which provide antioxidant benefits. One cup serving of strawberries contains more Vitamin C than an orange and are high in folic acid.

Parentune Tip: Try this delicious strawberry smoothie for 2.

• 3 cups of milk
• 1 cup thick yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 8 to 10 strawberries

Blend all the above ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy. Serve chilled.
 

#5. Papaya: Papaya is rich in potassium and vitamins A and C. It improves the immune system and helps reduce the occurrence of cold and cough. It also contains a protein called papain, which is a digestive enzyme. Papayas prevent constipation and aids in digestion. [Read - Should We Feed Papaya to Toddler?]

Tip: Serve papaya cut into cubes or make a fruits salad or custard with other cubed fruits such as pineapples, bananas, apples, chopped raisins, and cherries.
 

#6. Chikoo: Also known as Sapota, they are high in nutrients such as vitamin C and A, sodium, and potassium electrolytes. It effectively treats diarrhea and vitamin A found in the fruits helps improve vision.

Parentune Tip: Try this delicious chikoo milkshake recipe.

• 4-5 chikoos, peeled, de-seeded and crushed
• 1 and ½ glass chilled milk
• Honey to taste
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Ice Cubes

In a blender, mix all the above ingredients except ice-cubes and blend them at high speed. In two glasses, place 2-3 ice cubes and a 2-3 spoon of ice-cream. Now, pour the milkshake in these glasses. Finally, garnish the glasses with few finely chopped pieces of chikoo on the top and serve.
 

#7. Jackfruit: This fruit is rich in energy, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins and free from saturated fats or cholesterol, making it one of the healthy summer seasons treated to relish. It is known to cure ulcers and indigestion. 

Parentune Tip: If your child does not like to eat the raw jackfruit bulbs, you may cook them by adding them to a vegetarian or non-vegetarian dish to benefit from the goodness in the fruit.
 

#8. Banana: Bananas are found all year round and are filled with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Bananas if eaten regularly contribute to improved eyesight, healthy bones and provides with a quick energy boost. 

Parentune Tip: Take a banana along when stepping out as it is easy to carry, is mess free and provides for one of the healthiest snacks.

What to Keep in Mind While Offering Fruits to Child in Summer?

A few suggestions to keep in mind when offering your child a fruit this summer:

1. A fruit can never be substituted with a fruit juice. When a fruit is juiced it loses its fiber content and increases the concentration of sugar. Make juices and smoothies an occasional treat for your child.
2. Cut fruits just before serving them and store the uneaten pieces in the refrigerator.
3. Ensure to wash and wipe the fruits thoroughly before serving. This will help remove any insecticide or pesticide from the skin of the fruit.
4. Eating fruits right after a meal is not a great idea, as it may not be digested properly. The nutrients may not be absorbed properly either. So wait for 30 minutes after a meal to let your child eat a fruit.
5. Avoid giving your child packaged fruit juices as they are high in added sugar and contain very little of the original fruit.

Hope it will help you & your child. 

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