When most people think of fruit, they think of orchards. And when most people think of orchards, they think of trees. But the reality is some of the healthiest and best tasting fruits don't come from trees.
For example, you won't find these "super fruits" in a tree: strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Grapes, tomatoes, and watermelons all grow on vines. And even though some people have heard of or even believe in pineapple trees, these succulent fruits actually perch on a plant that more closely resembles a cactus.
So what do all of these non-tree fruits have in common? They're delicious, nutritious, and packed with tons of essential vitamins and minerals.
One of the Most Delicious Fruits That Don't Grow on Trees - Strawberries
The strawberry is considered by many to be one of the most important small fruits grown in North America. They are grown in every state in the United States and every province in Canada. Most strawberries are grown on a farm, but some of the sweetest berries are actually found in the wild.Strawberry plants are fruits that don't grow on trees and they prefer rich soils, and the richer the soil, the larger the crop. The best strawberries come from areas that are cool and moist climate. They do not do well in warm temperatures. Most plants are planted in the spring for a rich summer crop. However, in some areas, they can be planted in the fall for rich berry taste later in the season.
Strawberries grow close to the ground in groups of three. The fruit starts out as a greenish white color, but matures into a rich red colour when ripe. Once ripen, the white petals of the flower fall off and the tasty fruit begins to grow and ripen.
Unlike most fruits, which carry seeds on the inside, strawberries have seeds on the outside skin. However, strawberries do not use the seeds to reproduce. Instead, the plant sends out slender growths called "runners." They grow out from the main plant and take root in the soil.
Nutritional Information for 1 cup fresh Strawberries
| Calories | 50 |
| Protein | 1.0 g |
| Fat | 0.0 g |
| Sodium | 0.0 mg |
| Carbs | 13 g |
| Fiber | 3.0 g |
| Vitamin A | 0% RDA* |
| Vitamin C | 140% RDA |
| Calcium | 2% RDA |
| Iron | 2% RDA |
Raspberries
Raspberries are considered one of nature's super fruits and one of the best fruits that don't grow on trees. They are packed with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. In fact, raspberries have one of the highest ranking fiber contents of all the plant foods. Fiber accounts for close to 20 percent of the berry's total weight. Raspberries are also an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber. They are rich in B vitamins, folic acid, copper and iron.Among all the fruits, the strawberry has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants strength amongst all fruits. Raspberries are high in ellagic acid, which can stop the growth of cancer cells and actually eliminate the progress of some cancers. They are a delicious berry and have tons of health benefits.
This delicious little berry packs one heck of a healthy and beneficial punch. The oil in raspberries can protect your skin from the sun, which can prevent cancer and help to reduce wrinkles. And because they are so high in fiber, they can help you lose weight. Fiber helps slow down your digestive process, which makes you feel full longer. The trace mineral manganese keeps your metabolism rate high, which helps burn fat.
Raspberry Wrinkle Reducing Mask
- Mix 1 cup of plain yogurt and 2 cups of fresh raspberries.
- Blend the mixture until it becomes completely smooth.
- Apply the mixture to your face
- Leave on for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
| Calories | 65 |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Fat | 0.8 g |
| Sodium | 1.2 mg |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Vitamin A | 0% RDA* |
| Vitamin C | 53% RDA |
| Calcium | 3% RDA |
| Iron | 4% RDA |
Blueberries
In the US, blueberries are second only to strawberries in terms of popularity. Their popularity stems not only from the fact that they are a tasty little bite of deliciousness, but also because they have one of the highest antioxidant content among all fruits and vegetables.Although most people enjoy blueberries in baked dishes, such as pies, pancakes, muffins, and cakes, the raw blueberry provides the best flavor and the greatest nutritional and health benefits.
Blueberries can help you fight off diseases because they are packed with antioxidants. They can also help you lose weight, reduce cholesterol levels, and trim belly fat. The intense blue color in blueberries comes from high levels of anthocyanin, which can help prevent hypertension.
Anthocyanins have also been linked to improved memory function. Blueberries also have high levels of pterostilbene, which has been shown to help fight colon cancer by suppressing colon tumor growth. It also has key anti-inflammatory markers.
| Calories | 84 |
| Protein | 1.0 g |
| Fat | 0.0 g |
| Sodium | 1.0 mg |
| Carbs | 21 g |
| Fiber | 3.6 g |
| Vitamin A | 2% RDA* |
| Vitamin C | 24% RDA |
| Calcium | 1% RDA |
| Iron | 2% RDA |
Blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are true super foods. Naturally sweet and juicy, berries are low in sugar and high in nutrients - they are among the best foods you can eat.
Grapes
Grapes fall into three different categories: table, wine, and raisin. Table grapes are the grapes are eaten as is, usually while fresh; wine grapes are, of course, used in wine; and raisin grapes are used to make dried fruit. The table grapes are usually white or red and include such varieties as Thompson Seedless, Flame, Muscat, Niagara, and Concord.Grapes are packed full of phytonutrients, which have been liked to longevity. One of the most important phytonutrients is resveratrol, which is found primarily in grape skins. Grapes also have a very low glycemic index, which can lead to a better blood sugar balance and better insulin regulation.
Nutritional Information for 3/4 cup fresh Grapes
| Calories | 90 |
| Protein | 0.0 g |
| Fat | 0.0 g |
| Sodium | 15.0 mg |
| Carbs | 23 g |
| Fiber | 1.0 g |
| Vitamin A | 0% RDA* |
| Vitamin C | 2% RDA |
| Calcium | 2% RDA |
| Iron | 0% RDA |
Watermelons
Watermelons are a sweet, refreshing summer-time favorite. But they are also a great source of phytonutrients. Like tomatoes, they are high in lycopene, which is very important for cardiovascular health. It is also believed that lycopene is important for bone health. Watermelon also contains high amounts of citrulline, which, once absorbed into the human body, converts intoarginine. Arginine can help improve blood flow and may actually help prevent excess accumulation of fat.But when eating watermelons, keep this in mind: some of the best nutrients don't come from the red fleshy part; they come from the light-colored flesh found on the rind. In fact, while all parts of the watermelon contain antioxidants, flavonoids, lycopene, and vitamin C, it has been shown that the highest concentrations of those nutrients are found in that light-colored flesh. The ripeness of the fruit is also important when it comes to the concentration of such nutrients as lycopene. The redder the fruit, the higher the concentration of lycopene.
| Calories | 46 |
| Protein | 0.9 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 1.5 mg |
| Carbs | 11 g |
| Fiber | 0.6 g |
| Vitamin A | 17% RDA* |
| Vitamin C | 20% RDA |
| Calcium | 1% RDA |
| Iron | 2% RDA |
Tomatoes
There are hundreds of different tomato varieties, but some varieties have much higher nutrient levels than others. Though most people choose tomatoes based on flavor and appearance, it's also important to take a tomato's antioxidant capacity into consideration. Most tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, but the New Girl, Jet Star, Fantastic, and First Lady varieties seem to have higher than average levels.Tomatoes are an important factor in heart health. Studies have shown that fresh tomatoes can help to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Tomatoes are also an excellent source of lycopene, which has been linked to bone health.
| Calories | 18 |
| Protein | 0.9 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 5.0 mg |
| Carbs | 3.9 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Vitamin A | 16% RDA* |
| Vitamin C | 22% RDA |
| Calcium | 1% RDA |
| Iron | 1% RDA |
Pineapple
Pineapple, orananas fruit, is actually made up of several different fruits that develop when they are fused together around the central core. Each fruitlet can be identified by an "eye," the rough spiny marking on the pineapple's surface.Fresh pineapple is low in calories, but still contains a lot of minerals and vitamins that contribute to a healthy body. The fruit contains bromelain, which helps digestion and protein absorption. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and anti-cancer properties. Pineapple is also an excellent source of Vitamin C, which helps maintain the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones.
| Calories | 82 |
| Protein | 0.9 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Sodium | 1.7 mg |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2.3 g |
| Vitamin A | 1% RDA* |
| Vitamin C | 131% RDA |
| Calcium | 2% RDA |
| Iron | 2% RDA |
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