Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! Whether you have a hot date, are celebrating Galentine’s Day, or are showing some self-love – what better way than to treat yourself to a guilt-free healthy and relaxing night in?
So light some candles, break open that Good & Fugly fruit box, and add these to your Valentine’s Day picnics and desserts!
Strawberries
One of the first fruits that may come to mind when planning a date night or a romantic picnic is strawberries. With their vibrant red colour and heart-like shape, there’s natural chemistry between strawberries and romance. It’s not a new trend to make this correlation, either! In ancient Greece, strawberries were a symbol of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. You absolutely can’t go wrong with some chocolate-coated strawberries. Not only are they sweet and delicious, but they demonstrate to your significant other that you care about your health (just as much as you care about them, of course). With an average of only 64 calories per cup, they’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants that benefit blood sugar control and heart health (no pun intended)! Just one serving is packed with 160% of an adult’s daily recommended intake of vitamin C - talk about going above and beyond!
Pomegranates
Pomegranates are yet another sweet way to proclaim your love through the language of fruits. Similarly to strawberries, the association of pomegranates with romance is also rooted in ancient history. Brides in Rome would wear pomegranate wreaths during their weddings! If you’re cooking dinner for your significant other this Valentine’s Day, don’t look any further than kale and pomegranate salad for a delicious and romantic side dish. What better way to show you care than by using a superfood absolutely filled with antioxidants and vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B6, and B9. Pomegranates are considered good for your skin, digestion, and circulatory systems (yes, this fruit will literally get your blood pumping).
Cherries
Another fruit that is perfect for Valentine's Day is cherries. With a deep red colour that evokes passion and love, cherries have long symbolised affection and intimacy - a trend that very much continues today. Cherries are actually rich in melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and mood, which can help you and your partner relax and enjoy your night together. Moreover, cherries reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, improve brain function, and strengthen the immune system! With this in mind, you can use cherries to make a mouth-watering pie, a refreshing smoothie, or a simple fruit salad – Or, you can just eat them fresh and enjoy their natural sweetness and flavour. Cherries are another succulent way to contribute some romance and health benefits to your Valentine’s Day.
Chili Peppers
Okay, this one isn’t a fruit, but we had to add it because while it might be a slightly less conventional way to spice up your Valentine’s Day, chilli peppers are an intensely romantic food. Did you know that chillies are also known to release endorphins (the “happy hormones”) that make you feel good and reduce stress? Chillis also contain capsaicin, a chemical that stimulates nerve endings and increases blood flow. So If you’re feeling adventurous this Valentine’s Day, add some heat and flavour to any dish, from soups and curries to desserts like chocolate and ice cream!
Lemons
Finally, if you’re looking for a fruit that can add some zest to your Valentine’s Day, lemons will do the trick. As well as being one of the most refreshing fruits out there, they also have a long history of being used in love potions and spells (good news for the manifesters). In some cultures, lemons are believed to attract love and happiness, and to cleanse negative energy (perfect for forgetting that ex?). You can use lemons in many ways to spice up your Valentine’s night in, such as making lemonade, lemon sorbet, lemon bars, or even lemon chicken. Lemons are also great for your health, as they are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Plus, lemons can help you freshen your breath, which is always a bonus when you’re planning to kiss your sweetheart!
So when you can’t get a last-minute dinner reservation, don’t panic! You can have just as romantic – and probably healthier – of a fruit-fueled night of Valentine’s love. You can find the above-mentioned fruit all in one place in a Good & Fugly fruit or mixed fruit & veg box – the cheapest and most sustainable way to eat healthy and do good. Happy Valentine’s Day from the Good & Fugly team!
Photo Credit: Marco Verch
