[Article updated on 19/09/2023]
Fruits and vegetables are needed by the body as micronutrients and a source of various vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber which are important for the growth, development and good health of the body. Some vitamins and minerals contained in vegetables and fruits have the function of antioxidants, so they can reduce the incidence of nutrition-related non-communicable diseases. In the following lines, I take you on a discovery of fruits and vegetables in G.
Before reading on
I’m not an expert in this field, but I am passionate about nutrition and health.
The articles you’ll find on my site are the result of in-depth research that I’d like to share with you. However, I would like to stress that I am not a health professional and that my advice should in no way replace that of a qualified physician. I’m here to guide you, but it’s important that you consult a professional for specific questions or medical concerns. Your well-being is important. So be sure to consult the appropriate experts and take the best possible care of yourself.
Currant
Gooseberry is the fruit of the gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa), a shrub belonging to the Grossulariaceae family. The fruit is a false edible berry that is hairy in appearance and usually green in color, although there are sometimes red and dark purple variants. Gooseberries are also widely used in cooking. It can be consumed in the form of fresh fruit or processed. The berries are aromatic, juicy and sweet when fully ripe. With its juice you can make refreshing drinks, syrups, jams or jellies. Unripe fruits can be used as a condiment in fish dishes.
Red currant is very rich in active ingredients such as pectins, fiber and vitamins (including vitamin C). There are also organic acids such as tartaric acid, malic acid, salicylic acid, as well as different types of polyphenols. Like other berries, redcurrants have a low calorie intake (around 40 kcal per 100g of fresh fruit).
Giraumon
Giraumon or giromon is a fruit vegetable. It is the fruit of a variety of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima). Widely consumed in the West Indies, giraumon has a lumpy and thick skin. The weight of the fruit generally ranges from 2 to 5 kg, although fruits weighing close to 7 kg can be found. The fleshy pulp of floury consistency has an aromatic, almost sweet flavor. It is excellent for making soups, salads and mashed potatoes.
In Haiti, giraumon is used to make the famous Independence soup. Giromon pulp is low in calories (15 calories per 100 grams) thanks to the presence of a high concentration of water (94%) and a very low percentage of simple sugars. Like all orange-red vegetables and fruits, giraumon is particularly rich in vitamin A and minerals such as potassium, calcium and phosphorus. It also contains lots of vitamin C, lots of fiber and beta-carotenes.
Morello cherry
Morello cherry is a type of cherry with a slightly more acidic flavor than the sweet cherries we know. From a botanical point of view, they are different species. Indeed, morello cherries belong to the Prunus Cerasus species, as opposed to sweet cherries belonging to the Prunus Avium species. Compared to other cherries, the Morello cherry fruit is small and has an intense color close to black. This type of cherry is grown mainly on the coasts of Croatia. Their sour and bitter taste makes fresh consumption unpleasant and therefore not very widespread.
Morello cherries are mainly used in cooking, in the preparation of desserts, jams, syrups and especially an excellent, very famous liqueur: maraschino. Morello cherries contain good amounts of vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, calcium and phosphorus. They don’t contain many calories. The fruit has diuretic properties. It can help with arthritic disorders, kidney problems or gout. It has a moderate laxative action and helps prevent free radicals, thanks to the action of flavonoids.
Grenade
Pomegranate is the fruit of the pomegranate tree (Malum granatum), a deciduous shrub of the Lythraceae family. Red-purple in color, the pomegranate is a berry, the size of which ranges between that of a lemon and that of a grapefruit. 5 to 12 cm in diameter, this fruit with a thick shell has a rounded shape. Pomegranates can be squeezed to obtain thirst-quenching juices. They can also be used in fruit salads or to make delicious jellies, thirst-quenching drinks, slushies and jams. Pomegranate syrup is called “grenadine” and is the base of many cocktails.
In some countries, the juice is also used to prepare meat. Very rich in water (78%), the pomegranate has an average carbohydrate content (13.5%), while the lipid and protein contents are low. It also contains a good amount of fiber (4%), as well as numerous mineral salts (iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, selenium and calcium). Vitamins include vitamins B, A, C, E and K.
Guava
Guava is the fruit of the guava tree (Psidium guajava), a shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family. The fruits, generally 4 to 12 centimeters long, are round or oval depending on the variety. Guavas have a strong and typical scent, similar to lemon zest but less pungent.
The outer skin may be rough or smooth. The pulp inside has a color that ranges from off-white to dark pink. The flesh has a sweet and sour taste. The skin is edible, but many prefer to cut the fruit in half to eat the pulp with a spoon. The seeds are particularly hard and it is best to avoid chewing them so as not to damage your teeth.
Guava is an ideal ingredient for many recipes: juices, ice creams, vinaigrettes, creams, desserts. It is a good source of vitamin A and in a lower proportion of vitamins B. The fruit also contains large amounts of vitamin C (much more than oranges), concentrated especially in the skin.
Grenadilla
Grenadilla or grenadelle is the fruit of Passiflora ligularis, a climbing plant belonging to the Passifloraceae family. The plant is native to the Andean countries at a latitude close to the equator. The flavor is quite unusual because it is very sweet but, at the same time, sour. In the West, grenadilla is neither very well known nor very widespread. Those who taste it for the first time, however, can no longer do without it. It is generally used in yogurts, cocktails, exotic fruit salads or to garnish desserts.
Grenadilla is also consumed in the form of smoothies. Absolute amateurs simply cut the fruit in half and eat its contents with a teaspoon. Like most orange and yellow fruits, pomegranate is rich in vitamin C and is therefore perfect for preventing seasonal ailments. It also contains good amounts of vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, E, K), potassium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and iron.