A Mexican Twist on a Veggies and Fruit Snack

I am going to introduce you to a Mexican culinary secret that will revolutionize your after-school snack. Throw out the goldfish crackers, and bring on the fresh produce…. with a $1 bottle of seasoning:

Fruit with Tajin: mango, pineapple, oranges, watermelon.

On street corners, plazas, markets, and beaches in Mexico, there are small stands selling fruits and vegetables: cucumbers, jicama, mango, coconut, papaya, watermelon, and pineapple are the most common that I have seen. You choose which fruit or veggies you’d like, and then the vendor will squeeze a couple of limes on top, and sprinkle with a special chile powder. It is the most refreshing snack– healthy “fast food” that everyone loves. You can create this at home with the Mexican seasoning “Tajin.” Tajin is a combination of chile, lime and salt and can be bought in many local supermarket (in the produce section) or purchased on-line, usually for around $1 (USD). Dieters love it because it has virtually no calories, yet packs in a lot of taste and kids love it because the tangy and salty flavors mixed with the sweetness of the fruits are just so delicious!

A fruit stand in Guadalajara, Mexico. Photo credit: Maria Francisca (used with permission).

It is NOT spicy at all, so no burning of little tongues, and you only need a sprinkle of it to get the flavor. If I sound like a commercial, it is only because my kids will consume plates and plates of veggies and fruits (and beg for more) when I douse them with lime juice sprinkle a bit of Tajin on top (or dip them in hummus, but that is for another post). In addition to the foods I listed above, try it on celery, carrots, apples, oranges, over black beans, in quesadillas, or another of our favorites: in vegetable soup. Bring a little piece of Mexico into your kitchen by introducing your kids to the quintessential Mexican combination of lime, chile and salt. ¡Buen Provecho!