Saladi Ya Matunda (African Tropical Fruit Salad) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 oranges, peeled and sectioned and cut in half
2 mangoes, peeled, pitted and diced
1 fresh pineapple, cored and diced
1/2 cantaloupes, made into melon balls using a small melon baller or 1/2 diced melon
4 bananas, peeled and sliced
1 lime, juice of, only
grated coconut, garnish
roasted peanuts, garnish
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Preparation

To make simple syrup: bring water and sugar (1 cup each) to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until syrupy, stirring. Refrigerate until ready to use.
In a large glass bowl (or salad bowl), combine fruit, tossing gently.
Stir in lime or lemon juice and enough of the simple syrup to desired sweetness.
Cover salad and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, stirring once.
Refrigerate until serving time.
Serve in individual bowls, garnished with coconut and peanuts.