With September comes lunch box meals and brown bag choices. Summer gave us the rainbow colored fruits of the season served sliced, cold, and in their natural glory. No one really wants to leave this healthy, bright and tasty way behind when schedules begin anew and time gets a bit tighter and more hectic.

Fruit is still a great choice whether you are an adult or you are preparing a lunch for a child or significant other. It is moist, colorful, and just plain fun to nibble on. Being a refreshing part of any meal, it brings back energy and gives a boost to the afternoon activities. Fresh, in season, is always the first choice but “mixing” an “matching” does give variety and a “change” to whatever other goodies are in that bag or box.

Blueberries and sliced peaches love to be together. Watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew add texture, and icy goodness. If packed extra cold, they will stay nice and frosty until lunch time beckons. Raspberries and pears tantalize those taste buds and give color to a sand-wich or muffin. When you pack fruit you can give some goodies right along with it. Coconut or tiny marshmallows, nuts if diets and allergies allow, and even a sprinkling of cinnamon will make lunch time a great time.

Grapes are always welcome, but black or red rasp-berries, strawberries w/hulls, a handful of blueberries, or blackberries are a finger food and can be eaten while reading that great novel or brushing up for next class. Think about freezing berries, placing in a container with a cover, and by noon, they are eating ready and extra refreshing. Candied fruit or dried fruit are all the dessert needed on still warm fall days.

When you think fruit as part of any packed lunch, the choices are as endless as the welcome that comes with each bite. Moist, naturally sweet, and just plain good are three things that make brown bag or box lunches something to look forward to. Summer ending does not have to be the end to fruit with a meal, even if away from home. Pack it and enjoy the pleasures of the season a bit longer. The afternoons go better and appetites are perked for a great meal after school or work. An added bonus - no artificial flavors or colors -they are natural and they are just plain delicious.

By: Arleen M. Kaptur

lunch box