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

COMBINE all the fruit in a serving dish. MIX the sugar and water until dissolved and toss gently with the fruit to coat. SERVE by itself or with a scoop of ice cream, fresh or frozen yogurt, or sorbet .

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.

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