WSU Extension's Food$ense Program

Are you grilling this summer? If so try grilling some fruit for a healthy dessert.

Fresh fruit is a healthy and simple dessert any time of year, and the fresh flavors are enhanced further by placing the fruit over a fire. Grilling extracts fruits’ natural sugar by caramelizing the surface.
Another alternative is fruit kebabs. Soak bamboo skewers in water for 15-30 minutes to keep them from burning when grilled. Then thread fruit onto the skewers (alternating different fruits looks nice),

Hard fruits like apples, pears, and pineapples are the easiest to grill since they hold their shape and texture while cooking. Softer fruits like peaches, nectarines, plums and mangoes will become soft and mushy if overcooked. You will need to be more attentive of these kinds of fruit. Either way, pick a fresh firm fruit that is just short of being perfectly ripe. You will want a fruit that is solid enough to hold together and maintain its texture on the grill.

With many fruits you can simply cut them in half. Split bananas lengthwise (leave the peals on to hold them together) and cut apples, pears and similar fruits down the middle and remove the seeds and core. Typically, with most fruits you can leave the peels on. This helps hold them together whether you eat the skin or not. Melons and citrus should be cut into slices to expose the flesh to the flame.

1.Using a clean grill (you don’t want your fruit to taste like hamburger) preheat grill to medium-high. Rub grill grate with oil to keep fruit from sticking.

2. Grill fruit for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through and caramelized grill marks appear.

Enjoy!