6 truly seasonal superfruits

Superfoods should come from nature, not processing plants. “All real whole fruits are super fruits,” says Corinne Dobbas, RD. “The term ‘super fruit’ has become more of a marketing ploy, than anything, by infomercials and food companies. When it comes to real, whole, unprocessed food—you can't go wrong.”

A variety of compounds in fruit work together to keep us healthy, Dobbas says. Antioxidants equip the body to fight free radical damage and delay the aging process, while fruit’s fiber content supports satiety and regulates digestion, she says. “Eating any type of fruit provides a great source of fiber, which not only aids in digestion, but is important for good heart health too!” Consuming solid fruit, not juice, may cut risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

These nutritiously stellar fruits are currently in their prime. Catch them while you can.

Grapefruit
Grapefruit is groovy for your skin and cholesterol levels. “Studies have shown that grapefruit helps lower your ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and deep red varieties are loaded with antioxidants to help fight inflammation and keep your cells healthy,” Dobbas says. Grapefruit keeps the complexion glowing via collagen-producing vitamin C.

Fruity Fix: Add grapefruits, walnuts, and feta to spinach salad.

Papaya
This island fruit contains a digestive enzyme called papain, which also works as a meat tenderizer, Dobbas says. “Just cut the papaya so the flesh is exposed and rub it over the meat you plan to cook!” For healthy eyes, vitamins A and C in papayas are key.

Fruity Fix: Serving papaya with greens helps the body unlock and easily absorb iron, Dobbas says. Slice it up in sweet salsa or your cereal bowl.

Avocado
Say what? “Although not sweet, avocados are a fruit!” Dobbas says. “They’re also a source of good fats, which helps decrease bad and increase good cholesterol.” Did you know that bananas aren’t the only potassium source in the produce section? Avocados are also rich in the mineral, she says.

Fruity Fix: Not just for guac! Mashed avocado is a healthy swap for mayo, and lends creaminess to smoothies and even mousse.

Cactus Pear
Cactus pears, aka prickly pears, are native to Mexico and making waves in the U.S. “It’s a great source of antioxidants from the vitamin C, and it’s also a source of calcium, which is essential for good bone health,” Dobbas says.

Fruity Fix: Peel the fruit and slather it on whole-wheat toast. “It’s a great fruit to make a jam with,” Dobbas says.

Kiwi
“Kiwis pack a powerful punch!” Dobbas says. This fuzzy fruit is stacked with nutrients to fight inflammation and boost the immune system, she says. “Their fiber keeps our digestion system in check, our tummies full and our heart healthy.” Eating kiwifruit before bedtime has been shown to enhance sleep quality for those suffering sleep issues.

Fruity Fix: Swirl kiwi into yogurt, or, “Grab a spoon and eat right out of the fuzz,” she says.

Pear
Bartlett, Bosc, Anjou, Asian Pear—so many ways to enjoy this high-fiber fruit (one medium pear contains 6 grams of fiber to help meet your minimum RDV of 25-30 grams.) “Besides being packed with vitamins and minerals, they have the powerful antioxidant quercetin in their skin, helping prevent against cancer and keep your heart healthy,” Dobbas says.

Fruity Fix: Add sliced pears to oatmeal or cheese platters.