By: Bluma Gordon, Lubicom Marketing Staff

Leftover platters of dried apricots. Untouched candied Jelly.

While we might associate Tu Bishvat mainly with leftover fruit, we can make it a more memorable and meaningful holiday for the family with a little creativity. Enjoy these kid-friendly activities with your family while infusing the day with holiday spirit.

EXOTIC DRAGON FRUIT SALAD

Easy to make and eye-popping, this fruit salad recipe contains new shehecheyanu fruits to try.

Makes: 4 servings

You’ll need:

• 2 ripe dragon fruits (Should be bright pink or red in color and slightly firm)

If you don’t see dragon fruit in your local grocery shop or Asian fruit store, you can purchase it here.

• Assorted fruits of your choice (One each of kiwi, star fruit, mango, melon, sliced watermelon or clean strawberries*)

Directions:

Step 1: Slice each dragon fruit horizontally in half. Run a metal spoon along the edges of the skin and scoop the flesh out whole.

Step 2: Slice the flesh of the dragon fruit into chunks or triangles. Slice the other fruits as well.

Step 3: Fill the empty dragon fruit bowls with the mixed cut fruit.

Step 4: Serve cold and enjoy!

Get the recipe!

GRILLED FRUITS ON SKEWERS

Add a flavorful twist to both new fruits and old favorites.

Makes: 4 servings

You’ll need:

• 4 wooden skewer sticks
• Honey or natural maple syrup
• Olive or coconut oil
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Fruits of your choice (One each of star fruit, pineapple, kiwi, clean strawberries*, plum, nectarine)
• Yogurt, for dipping (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 20 minutes to avoid charring during grilling.

Step 2: Cut the fruits into neat squares or triangles, about a 1/2 inch in thickness, and thread them onto the skewers.

Step 3: Glaze with honey or natural maple syrup and coconut or olive oil. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.

Step 4: Grill for about ten minutes, turning over occasionally. Remove once the fruit is soft with visible grill marks.

Step 5: Prepare yogurt in a bowl for dipping, if desired.

Get the recipe!

FRUIT LEATHER FUN

A fun activity that makes a healthy, attractive fruit snack. It’s also a great way to repurpose leftover fruits after Tu Bishvat.

Makes: 6 servings

You’ ll need:

• 3 cups of fruit of your choice
• Fruit blender (Here’s a cheap option)
• Parchment paper and pan
• Honey or agave + lemon juice
• Decorative knife or scissors

Directions:

Step 1: Remove the skins and seeds or pits from the fruits. Cut into large chunks.

Step 2: Blend the fruits in a blender. Don’t over blend.

Step 3: Add honey or agave and lemon juice, to taste.

Step 4: Spread the blended fruit onto a parchment paper. Spread should be ⅛ to a ¼ inch thick. Smooth over with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake for 4-6 hours, at 125 degrees.

Check the fruit leather for readiness. It should not be tacky, and the edges should peel away easily from the parchment paper.

Step 6: Get creative! Here’s some inspiration for wrapping your oven-fresh fruit goodies once they cool:

• Cut them into long horizontal strips using a decorative knife or pair of scissors. Roll the leather neatly, tie a ribbon or cut strips of parchment paper around each wrap, and serve in a neat little glass.

• Use metal cookie cutters to make fun fruit leather shapes. Bonus if you use fruit-shaped cookie cutters like these!

• Cut the leather into short and thin horizontal strips, and roll each strip tightly. Make little tootsie rolls by wrapping each individual piece in parchment paper and then gathering and twisting the ends of each roll, candy-wrapper style.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Get the recipe!

There’s no need to worry if your treats aren’t completely devoured. They last for two to four weeks when stored at room temperature, and up to a year when stored in the freezer. To freeze, roll up the leather and wrap in plastic wrap.

ASIAN FRUIT SPRING ROLLS

Adding this innovative Asian twist makes even standard fruit salad exciting!

Makes: 4 Spring Rolls

You’ll need:

• A mix of fruits of your choice (¼ watermelon, one each of dragon fruit, mango, and kiwi, mint leaves✳)

• 2 rice paper wrappers or spring roll wrappers (Get it here)

• Your favorite fruit or ice cream dessert sauce (optional)

• Chopsticks (optional)

• Green paper ribbon (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the fruit.

• Cut the fruit into squares or strips.

Step 2: Prepare the wraps.

• Soak each spring roll wrap in a large bowl of warm water for a few seconds. Remove once the wrap is flexible. It should feel slightly sticky and bend easily.

Step 3: Fill and roll your wraps.

• Place a few spoonfuls of fruit in the center of each wrap.

• Roll the side closest to you toward the center and wrap it over the filling. Stop rolling and tuck it gently underneath the filling.

• Roll the two opposite sides over the top of the first wrap. It should stick to the wrap easily.

• Continue rolling the wraps from the first side until it’s completely wrapped.

Step 4: Prepare the wraps for eating.

• Cut each wrap in half.  Tie with green paper ribbon, if desired.

• Serve with your favorite fruit, ice cream, or dessert sauce.

Get the recipe!

This year, say goodbye to plates of leftover fruit and say hello to fruit-filled activities and satiated tummies. We hope you enjoy Tu Bishvat and the sense of hope and renewal the holiday brings!

Please note: To properly clean and check infested strawberries and mint leaves, see OU’s guidelines here.