The luscious flesh of these fruits, which range in color from pale green to deep orange, make a delicious fruit salad. Orange fruits are an excellent source of beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant which converts in the body to vitamin A—important for healthy skin and good vision.

1 cup seedless grapes

2 mangoes—-peeled and flesh cut into cubes

½ honeydew melon—peeled and flesh cut into cubes

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons water

Variation: For a simple, yet exotic, warm fruit compote, combine the grapes, mango and honeydew melon in a saucepan with ½ cup of either orange or pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 3 drops of vanilla essence and a pinch of cinnamon (add 2 tablespoons Cointreau or rum if desired). Simmer gently, covered, for 10 minutes, stirring now and then. Serve the warm compote topped with a scoop of ice cream, fresh or frozen yogurt, or sorbet for a refreshing temperature contrast.

Mango with Lime Syrup & Toasted Coconut. A sweet and simple Thai dessert. Perfect for cooling the palate after a hot Thai curry.   Melon Salad with Ginger Syrup. A refreshing fruit salad made with two types of melon and drizzled with a sweet and tangy ginger syrup.   Tropical Fruit Salad. A mixture of sweet, juicy mango, creamy banana, papaya and pineapple.

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