What to do with leftover fruits {and a fruit punch recipe}

What happens when you have a ton of leftover watermelon, raspberries, peaches, strawberries, and blueberries? Being that fruits are currently in season, it is so easy to go wild with some fruit purchases. I can’t even count how many times I’ve bought an abundance of summer delectable and then realized they have been sitting in my fridge or even on my counter about to turn bad – I’ll admit it. So today I’m sharing what to do with leftover fruits and a fruit punch recipe!

Did you know that fruits that sit out can develop cultures of bacteria so please make sure that you store summer fruits properly. Here are some creative ways to use fruits before they go bad this summer!

Filled fruits or fruits with a crumble on top are probably the easiest way to get rid of that pesky leftover fruit. Take some cream cheese, chocolate, whipped cream, crumble topping or nut butter spread and fill those suckers up. This is a wonderful treat to take to work or a party. You really can’t go wrong with any fruit and the above filler combination. I bet you will find yourself eating just as many as you try to give away. These 5 ingredient ginger baked plums are a great way to use stonefruit.

 

Plan yourself a little BBQ and grill your favorite fruits and veggies together. Pineapple, watermelon, peaches, and mango grill extraordinarily well! If you haven’t tried this combination then you are really missing out. The smokiness of grilling actually lends itself kindly to the sweetness of your fruits. You can even sprinkle on a little pepper or salt before grilling. This is particularly helpful in our situation as tender or aged fruits can have a more full bodied flavor which is perfect for cooking and grilling. I like to make grilled pork and peaches – it’s a great combo! What are you favorite things to grill?

I am a dried mango addict. I admit this, but I definitely can’t stop. There is something wonderful about the sweetness and texture of drying some fruits. I suggest sprinkling some sugar and maybe even vanilla or cinnamon on your fruits and laying them outside on a towel or in a container to dry. I personally, am in love with plain dried fruits as well, but giving your treats a little extra zing is always a good thing (rhyme intended).

Another quick and easy treat is to concoct some decadent adult desserts. It is so easy to throw some raspberries, chocolate ice cream, and a little wine, beer, or spirit into a blender then place the mixture in the freezer. If you have little popsicle trays or molds that is definitely a bonus. I just bought these silicone popsicle molds and love them! It shouldn’t take too long for these to freeze up and they are absolutely heavenly for a hot summer day.

And last, but certainly not least, you can take your leftover fruits, muddle them together and make a summer fruit punch-ade. With a little sugar and maybe soda water this is really a delight. Another trick I like to do (hint hint-it’s easier too) is to muddle a little bit of fruit and then add some ice and a little bit of my favorite fruit soda – such as pomegranate and orange San Pellegrino (I find it at my grocery store, but they also sell it on Amazon here and it is so so soooo good). I’m sure these would freeze up into some tasty pops as well if you’re into that. It makes such a great refreshing fruit punch.

Those are my absolute five favorite summer fruit uses. Some runner ups include making homemade jams, fruit leather and even using them as compost for my garden.

What do you like doing best with fruit? We can’t allow the death of these tasty morsels to be in vain. Use that fruit!

Post credit-recipe and photography by Philia Kelnhofer, post written by Trisha Miller. Trisha is a freelance writer from Boise, ID. She is a dedicated vegan and all-around food lover. She spends her time writing, gardening, video gaming, and hanging with her cats, her twitter handle is @thatdangvegan . This post contains an affiliate link, if you purchase amazon products through my store at no cost to you,  I will earn a few pennies. All thoughts and opinions are as always mine alone. Happy summer!