Make a heart-healthy menu with flavorful fruit recipes

Heart-healthy foods can play a role in healthy aging. Whether you enjoy them by the handful as a refreshing snack or use them to add color, crunch and a touch of sweetness to a meal, grapes are a heart-healthy option that make eating better easy.

Grapes of all colors — red, green and black — are a natural source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols. At just 90 calories per serving, they also contain no fat, no cholesterol and virtually no sodium.

With a juicy burst of flavor, grapes show how simple it can be to make good-for-you-dishes that also taste great. Even though California grapes are a snacking staple in most kitchens, you may not realize how versatile they can be for cooking. For example, grapes add a sweet touch to a crunchy yogurt salad and complement the bold spice on a skewer of grilled shrimp. Fresh, flavorful grapes even put a tangy, fresh twist on a soothing glass of iced tea.

Find more delicious recipes to make healthy eating easy at GrapesfromCalifornia.com.

Zahtar Shrimp and Grape Kabobs

Servings: 6

2 tablespoons zahtar

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

36-40 large shrimp (about 2 pounds), shelled and deveined

1 cup whole green California grapes

1 cup whole red California grapes

In medium bowl, combine zahtar, garlic, thyme, vinegar, honey, salt, pepper and olive oil. Whisk to combine. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

Thread shrimp and grapes onto skewers. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high.

Grill skewers, turning once, until shrimp are lightly charred and cooked through and grapes are caramelized but firm, about 2-3 minutes per side.