http://www.talkwithkarajensen.blogspot.com/ All over Ahwatukee the red fruit of prickly pear are bursting and ready to eat! Here is how!! A tasty natural snack full of energy, not too sweet and a unique flavor that is oh so good! Video by Kara Jensen

Great taste often comes down to contrast.

Phoenix is comprised of many cultures and ethnicities. Eating habits and oral habits vary among various cultures, and these habits may affect overall oral health. Betel nut is a gourmet fruit that is popularly chewed in Asia. According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, the fruit acts as a psychoactive drug and gives a person a feeling of stress reduction, feelings of well-being and heightened awareness. The 2009 U.S. Census Bureau shows that Asians comprise 2.6 percent of the Arizona population. Thus, it is important to know that betel nut is a major cause of oral cancer and is the fourth most commonly abused substance in the world.

Phoenix is comprised of many cultures and ethnicities. Eating habits and oral habits vary among various cultures, and these habits may affect overall oral health. Betel nut is a gourmet fruit that is popularly chewed in Asia. According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, the fruit acts as a psychoactive drug and gives a person a feeling of stress reduction, feelings of well-being and heightened awareness. The 2009 U.S. Census Bureau shows that Asians comprise 2.6 percent of the Arizona population. Thus, it is important to know that betel nut is a major cause of oral cancer and is the fourth most commonly abused substance in the world.

The Sun City Garden Club far exceeded its goals for this citrus-gleaning season, collecting more than 700,000 pounds of fruit.

Citrus drive coordinator Pete Petersen had set a goal for Citrus Drive 2011 of 500,000 pounds of fruit to surpass the 460,000 pounds collected last year.

The Sun City Garden Club far exceeded its goals for this citrus-gleaning season, collecting more than 700,000 pounds of fruit.

Citrus drive coordinator Pete Petersen had set a goal for Citrus Drive 2011 of 500,000 pounds of fruit to surpass the 460,000 pounds collected last year.

It is universally known that fruits and vegetables are good for our health and should be eaten every day. In fact, "5-a-Day for Better Health" encourages consumption of at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Unfortunately, most Americans don't even get this much. Have you ever attempted to eat 10 servings of fruits and vegetables in one day? What would this look like? Think of a serving as the amount that can fit in the palm of your hand and note this example day of eating:

[Question] ||| "My 2-year-old dislikes fruits and vegetables, but I want her to get these important nutrients. How can I help her develop her taste for them?"

This program sponsored by the Ahwatukee Board of Management and the Ahwatukee Recreation Center will benefit the St. Mary’s Food Bank and will begin on Monday, Jan. 24 and continue through Friday, Apr. 1.  Drop off any excess quality fruit you may have left over when pulling fruit from your citrus trees at the Ahwatukee Community Center, 4700 E. Warner Road or the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Dr. and it will be donated to St. Mary’s Food Bank for their food programs.