AICR

You may wonder how I wrte so many posts in one day. To clarify blogger was not working so had to jot the thoughts on notes ,then to transfer to blogger.

sprig, if desired, and serve immediately.

Mango

This sweet fruit provides beta-carotene and other carotenoids. Foods that contain carotenoids probably protect against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus and lung. Mangos are a rich source of vitamin C and folate. They also provide phenols, a class of phytochemicals studied for their cancer-prevention benefits.

Rice Salad with Mango and Black Beans

2 cups cooked brown rice

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained

3/4 cup diced mango, 1/4-inch cubes

1/2 cup chopped and seeded plum tomato

1/3 cup chopped green onion, white and green parts

Dressing

1/3 cup orange juice

1-2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 serrano chile pepper, or jalapeño pepper, coarsely chopped

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 Tbsp. canola oil

Salt and ground black pepper

2-3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Combine rice, beans, mango, tomatoes and green onion in mixing bowl. This step may be done up to 2 hours before serving with salad covered and refrigerated.

For dressing, in blender or bowl of mini-food processor, whirl orange and lime juice, chile pepper, cumin and oregano until chile is ground up. Add oil and whirl to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. This may be done up to 2 hours before serving, and dressing refrigerated.

Just before serving, pour dressing over salad and toss with fork to combine (if salad has been refrigerated, let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before dressing). Spoon salad into wide, shallow serving bowl, and sprinkle on cilantro. Serve immediately.

Makes about 4 1¼ cup per servings.

Per serving: 284 calories, 5 g total fat (< 1 g saturated fat), 51 g carbohydrate, 

10 g protein, 10 g dietary fiber, 201 mg sodium.

Papaya

Larger than mangos and easy to cut, melon-textured papayas provide a host of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, folate and potassium as well as beta-carotene and lycopene. Foods containing lycopene seem to protect against prostate cancer.

Papaya Salsa with Jicama "Chips"

2 cups diced papaya

2/3 cup plum tomato, seeded and chopped

1/2 cup chopped seedless European cucumber, peeled

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1 serrano or jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. sea salt

Ground black pepper, to taste

1 medium jicama

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

 

In mixing bowl, combine papaya, tomato, cucumber, onion and chile pepper, tossing gently with fork. In small bowl, whisk lime juice and cumin with sea salt and 3-4 grinds pepper until salt dissolves. Pour over salsa and toss to combine. Set aside for up to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, use paring knife to peel brown skin from jicama and cut away fibrous layer beneath it. Cut a thin slice off bottom and stand jicama on work surface. Using large knife, cut jicama vertically into 1/8- to 1/4-inch slices. Stack oval slices, including uneven ones, and halve vertically. Cut slices longer than 4 inches into thirds. Sliced jicama can be stored in bowl of water in refrigerator for up to 8 hours if not serving immediately. Drain and pat dry before using.

Just before serving, mix cilantro into salsa. Spoon salsa into serving bowl in center of serving plate. Arrange sliced jicama around it to use as dippers.

Makes 4 servings.

Per serving: 105 calories, < 1 g total fat (0 g saturated fat, 25 g carbohydrate, 2 g protein, 10 g dietary fiber, 304 mg sodium.