| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 145 | 0g | 0g | 36g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 28g | 4g | 1g | 0g |
One of the dishes that genuinely speaks to my heart, and indeed my taste buds, is the vibrant Aratiles Fruit Salad. This riotous celebration of sweet, tangy, fruity goodness is nothing short of an indulgent summertime delight. The unique blend of tropical fruits harks back to my roots while the addition of a touch of Southern flavor– from the generous drizzle of honey– is just the right nod to the eclectic Afro-Southern fusion I adore.
With every spoonful, I’m taken on a culinary journey from Atlanta to West Africa, exploring the sweet connection between my upbringing and Nigerian heritage.
The Magic of Flavors
The Aratiles Fruit Salad, despite its seemingly simple nature, is a bustling marketplace of flavors. The symphony between the rich sweetness of the Aratiles and the citrusy tang of lime, the comforting familiarity of apples and grapes with the tropical allure of mango and pineapple, and the cooling freshness of mint, delivers a sensory experience that is hard to resist.
Similar dishes, such as an African fruit salad typically laden with mangoes and pineapples, share family traits with our Aratiles Fruit Salad. But while there may be resemblances, what sets this recipe apart is the starring role played by the Aratiles fruit – not commonly seen, but absolutely delightful in its fragrant sweetness.
Healthful Delight
Aside from being delightful to the palate, the Aratiles Fruit Salad is packed with nutritional substance. Aratiles, also known as Jamaican cherries, are an excellent source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Strawberries, apples, and bananas bring in a good dose of dietary fibers. Pineapples are rich in bromelain, an enzyme with strong anti-inflammatory properties, while grapes and mangoes are flavor-packed sources of essential vitamins and minerals. And let’s not forget that mint leaves are good for digestion and honey is a healthier alternative to processed sugar. This medley of fruits isn’t just a feast for the eyes and taste buds, but also a boost for the immunity system.
Imagine serving this alongside fried plantains or perhaps some classic Southern cornbread. The balance of sweetness from the salad with the savory flavor profiles of these dishes is simply divine!
So, why do I love the Aratiles Fruit Salad? Because it’s a warm embrace of my culinary heritage – each bite reminds me of the beautiful blend of cultures I come from and celebrates the flavors I hold dear. It’s food for the soul – healthful, delightful, and truly, a fruit lover’s dream.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Aratiles fruit
- 1 cup of diced pineapple
- 2 diced apples
- 1 cup of grapes, halved
- 1 diced mango
- 1 cup of diced strawberries
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1/3 cup of honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh mint leaves
Method
Step One
Firstly, prepare all the fruits. Wash the aratiles fruit, pineapple, apples, grapes, mango, strawberries, and bananas. Dice the pineapple, apples, and mango. Slice the bananas and cut the grapes in half. For the strawberries, remove the stems and cut them into small pieces.
Step Two
Place all the diced fruits in a large salad bowl. Include the aratiles fruit as well. Give a good stir to mix the fruits together.
Step Three
In a smaller bowl, combine the honey, lime juice, and chopped fresh mint leaves. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
Step Four
Drizzle the honey-mint dressing over the fruit salad in the large bowl. Toss the fruit salad gently to make sure all pieces are coated evenly with the dressing.
Step Five
Cover the salad bowl with cling wrap and place it in the fridge for about an hour. This allows the fruits to absorb the flavors of the dressing.
Step Six
After chilling, give the salad a quick stir before serving. Enjoy your refreshing and sweet Aratiles Fruit Salad!
