One of summer's best offerings is juicy fresh fruit, but don't limit yourself by only serving it cold. Some of your favorite fruits take on a whole new level of yum when they land on the grill. Here are some fruits to try the next time you fire up your BBQ or grill pan, and some tips for serving.
TIP: Before you grill any fruit, be sure to start with a clean grill. Scrape it, brush it, and let it scorch clean for several minutes before placing any fruit on it. The last thing you want is fruit that tastes like meat or fish!
Stone Fruits
Apricots, peaches, plums and nectarines are amazing on the grill. Simply halve them, remove the pit, and give them a light brush of olive oil before placing on a hot grill. About 2-3 minutes per side is ideal. Serve them alongside grilled meats, or cold cheeses, or even with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Melon
Your favorite melons take on a deep, rich flavor with some char from the grill. Leave the rind on watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and other obscure melons for best results. A little sprinkle of brown sugar before you place them on the grill will produce a candied effect; however, straight on the grill and then a sprinkle of salt or honey and lemon zest. Two minutes per side is adequate for a one-inch thick slice.
Pineapple
If you thought it was impossible to turn pineapple any sweeter, you were wrong. Grilled pineapple is delicious as a topping on a burger or a dessert unto itself. Cut thick slices or wedges and place directly on the grill for about three minutes per side.
Tomatoes
Technically a fruit, tomatoes are delicious on the grill. Slice in half and grill only on the skin side for about 2-3 minutes or until char marks appear. Serve on pasta, or with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Bananas
Your summer banana split has a great new flavor with grilled bananas on the bottom. Slice bananas in half lengthwise and spray with cooking spray before grilling for about 2 minutes per side. Remove the peel and top with your favorite ice cream and toppings.
TIP: Grilling is a great place for experimentation. If you think a favorite fruit might be good on the grill--give it a try!
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Fruits (and Tips) for Summer Grilling
One of summer's best offerings is juicy fresh fruit, but don't limit yourself by only serving it cold. Some of your favorite fruits take on a whole new level of yum when they land on the grill. Here are some fruits to try the next time you fire up your BBQ or grill pan, and some tips for serving.
TIP: Before you grill any fruit, be sure to start with a clean grill. Scrape it, brush it, and let it scorch clean for several minutes before placing any fruit on it. The last thing you want is fruit that tastes like meat or fish!
Stone Fruits
Apricots, peaches, plums and nectarines are amazing on the grill. Simply halve them, remove the pit, and give them a light brush of olive oil before placing on a hot grill. About 2-3 minutes per side is ideal. Serve them alongside grilled meats, or cold cheeses, or even with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Melon
Your favorite melons take on a deep, rich flavor with some char from the grill. Leave the rind on watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and other obscure melons for best results. A little sprinkle of brown sugar before you place them on the grill will produce a candied effect; however, straight on the grill and then a sprinkle of salt or honey and lemon zest. Two minutes per side is adequate for a one-inch thick slice.
Pineapple
If you thought it was impossible to turn pineapple any sweeter, you were wrong. Grilled pineapple is delicious as a topping on a burger or a dessert unto itself. Cut thick slices or wedges and place directly on the grill for about three minutes per side.
Tomatoes
Technically a fruit, tomatoes are delicious on the grill. Slice in half and grill only on the skin side for about 2-3 minutes or until char marks appear. Serve on pasta, or with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Bananas
Your summer banana split has a great new flavor with grilled bananas on the bottom. Slice bananas in half lengthwise and spray with cooking spray before grilling for about 2 minutes per side. Remove the peel and top with your favorite ice cream and toppings.
TIP: Grilling is a great place for experimentation. If you think a favorite fruit might be good on the grill--give it a try!
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