Variety is the spice of life—and it might also be the secret to turning the tide on childhood obesity. New research from Harvard University found that kids exposed to a variety of healthy foods have better odds of maintaining a healthy weight than their peers.
Unfortunately, not all parents have easy access to a range of fresh fruits and vegetables for their kids. Schools can help by bringing local, seasonal produce into cafeterias and classrooms. This February, consider skipping candy and offering students a buffet of red and pink fruit for Valentine’s Day.
Here are ten options available in February from California and beyond.
Fun Fruits for Valentine’s Day
1. Valentine Pummelos
These large pear-shaped citrus fruits are part pummelo (also spelled pomelo), part blood orange, and part mandarin. They’re bright yellow on the outside and pinkish-red in the middle. To show students the source of the fruit’s name, slice one in half and turn it upside down—each half looks like a heart!
2. Cara Cara Navel Oranges
Cara Cara navel oranges are bright pink inside thanks to the health-giving antioxidant lycopene. Like their fellow navels, they’re sweet and seedless. They originally hail from Venezuela and have wonderful dark berry flavors.
3. Blood Oranges
Blood oranges are native to the Mediterranean (specifically the Italian island of Sicily) and can help boost the immune system and fight infections. Cut them open to show off the dark red fruit inside, which has notes of sweet-tart raspberry.
4. Rio Red Grapefruits
The Rio Red grapefruit has a pretty pink blush on the outside, and its juicy pink segments pack a sharp citrus tang with a subtle sweetness. Grapefruits are the only known citrus to originate in the Americas, and this particular variety was created in Texas.
5. Strawberries
Not only are strawberries sweet and heart-shaped but they’re also packed with immune system-boosting Vitamin C. They’re also a perfect fruit for Valentine’s Day: In ancient Greece and Rome, they were symbols of the goddess of love.
6. Arkansas Black Apples
The gorgeous Arkansas Black apple has such deep red skin that it almost looks black. Its tart, complex flavor mellows into sweetness the longer it’s stored. By February, it’s a sweet and healthy treat.
7. Crimson Gold Apples
This crunchy, tangy apple’s origins are a bit mysterious, but it appears to be a crab apple hybrid developed in 1930s California by Albert Etter. Crimson Golds are usually on the smaller side, with yellow skin covered by a bright red blush.
8. Pink Lady® Apples
Sweet, firm, and crunchy, this apple is a cross between a Lady Williams and a Golden Delicious. It’s a healthy treat high in fiber, Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
9. Red D’Anjou Pears
These dark maroon pears are juicy with a fresh, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor. Like other pears, they’re an excellent source of fiber.
10. Red Dragon Fruits
This fruit offers more than a cool name and striking appearance (bright red skin on the outside, white flesh on the inside speckled with tiny, black, edible seeds). Dragon fruit is also high in Vitamin C and other antioxidants, with a crunchy texture and sweet flavor similar to a pear or kiwi.
Where to Order School Fruit for Valentine’s Day
Incorporating just a few of these fruits into your Valentine’s Day celebration can make a difference for the kids you care about. Don’t miss this opportunity! You can order fruit for Valentine’s Day and more for your school(s) through The FruitGuys Farm-to-School Program.