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Growing up in the Southeastern U.S.,mbananas were both an exotic fruit and an everyday staple of snacks, desserts, and lunches. It was unheard of to go to a restaurant buffet and not see a generous portion of Banana Pudding with alternating golden circles of cookies and banana slices.

Here are some fun facts about Bananas from http://www.eatmorebananas.com:

• Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber.
• Bananas have no fat, cholesterol or sodium.
• Bananas are great for athletic and fitness activity because they replenish necessary carbohydrates, glycogen and body fluids burned during exercise.
• There is no such thing as a banana tree. Bananas grow on plants.
• Bananas are not grown commercially in the continental United States. They are grown in Latin and South America from countries like Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia, Honduras, Panama and Guatemala.
• Bananas are available all year-round. They are harvested every day of the year.

Unexpected Nectarines

Tart and juicy, nectarines are an unexpected delight. Put them in cereal, on a fruit tray, or cool them in a refrigerator and pack them for lunch.

More Bing for your Buck

As a child my favorite part of a sundae was always the Marachino cherry. It was mysterious, sweet, and rare. I was only allowed to eat them when I went out with my parents, which wasn't often. One afternoon a friend of mine gave me cherries as a snack. I remember sitting in her parent's kitchen feeling surprised and dismayed when I bit down on the cherry and discovered the stone. I was reluctant to each cherries after that. It seemed like too much work.

Now that I've grown up I can appreciate the beauty and variety of cherries. They are an unexpected addition to snack mixes, cookies, and sauces. Cherries are a hearty fruit with a firm texture. Fresh cherries ship well and have an excellent shelf life. Try our Florida cherries for a tart treat anytime.