Apples ... did you know?

• Rub cut apples with lemon juice to keep slices and wedges creamy white for hours.
• Store apples in a plastic bag in the refrigerator away from strong-odored foods such as cabbage or onions to prevent flavor transfer.
• In ancient Greece, tossing an apple to a girl was a traditional proposal of marriage; catching it was acceptance.
• Three medium-sized apples weigh approximately one pound.
• One pound of apples, cored and sliced, measures about 4 1/2 cups.
• Purchase about 2 pounds of whole apples for a 9-inch pie.
• One large apple, cored and processed through a food grinder or processor, makes about 1 cup of ground apple.

Peaches ... did you know?

• The peach originated in China and is considered to be the tree of life. Peaches are symbols of immortality and unity. Peach blossoms are carried by Chinese brides.
• To this day China remains the largest world producer of peaches, with Italy second. California produces more than 50% of the peaches in the United States (and grows 175 different varieties).
• True wild peaches are only found in China. The wild fruit is small, sour and very fuzzy.
• Peaches are a good source of vitamins A, B and C.
• A medium peach contains only 37 calories.
• You can ripen peaches by placing them in a brown paper bag for two to three days.
• Sliced, fresh peaches should be tossed in lemon or lime juice to prevent browning.
• The juice from peaches makes a wonderful moisturizer, and it can be found in many brands of cosmetics.
• Like the plum and the apricot, the peach is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae), distinguished by its velvety skin.

Blackberries … did you know?

• It takes more than 400 Navaho blackberries to make a pound. It takes only 70 from Kiowa.
• The fruit from blackberry bushes have been used to cure many ailments. The berries were especially used for respiratory ailments and coughing.
• Wild blackberries are relatives of the rose. Just like a raspberry, the blackberry is called an "aggregate fruit" because each berry is really a cluster of tiny fruits.
• The blackberry is actually an ancient fruit, prescribed by the Ancient Greeks for gout.
• Blackberries are considered to be an astringent because of their high tannin content.
• Antioxidants in blackberries are vitamins C and E, and may provide protection against cancer and chronic disease. 
• Blackberries are a natural source of salicylate, an active substance found in aspirin. Blackberries are a source of soluble fiber.
• Blackberries are really good for the digestive system and aging properties. Testing shows that do not loose their antioxidant power when cooked and processed in jams. 
• You don't need to eat a lot of blackberries to get the antioxidant benefits, a half cup a day of fresh or frozen will do.