FRUIT NEWS

November 2011

 

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Fruit Industry News

From late-November onwards, banana prices are forecast to drop, as larger volumes of fruit arrive onto the market from farms in the banana-growing belt between Innisfail and Cardwell, which were wiped out by Cyclone Yasi in February. Prices have gradually fallen as Queensland fruit has trickled onto the market in the last six weeks; however prices are still x4 as high as this same time last year! As we proceed into the warmer weather, you can expect to see a few more of this long awaited fruit in your boxes.

 

Summer favourites, peaches and nectarines from early low chilled areas have appeared in the market – regular grocery shoppers will have noticed this early fruit available in stores. It is not so sweet and ripens quickly, however this is normal for this early season fruit. As the temperatures warm up we can expect to see larger, sweeter fruit become available.

 

Fruit at Work Signature and Corporate clients can look forward to peaches and nectarines in their fruit mix over the next few weeks, with numbers increasing as we get further into the season. Mandarin’s are also finishing up for the season, so expect some changes to the mix.

 

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Snowgoose Product Update

 

Early season Mangoes are also available via our sister brand, Snowgoose. Boxes retail from $65 and are a great buy for that special person, or as a thank you gift. Please visit www.snowgoose.com.au to view the entire range.

 

Snowgoose customers will also be pleased to see that the Christmas range, including Cherries, Mangoes, Peaches and Lychees, are now available on our Christmas Preview page – www.snowgoose.com.au/christmas.html

 

Beat the rush and be remembered - get your Snowgoose Christmas gift orders in before the first of December and receive a “Happy Holidays” branded lid, valued at $10.00, for free! Offer only available on request and until stocks last – so get your orders in early! Please view the website for more information, or contact our office to take us up on this great deal.

 

Further on the branded lids front, any businesses out there considering getting personalised logo branding on their Snowgoose Christmas gifts this year, there are further incentives for getting your bulk orders in early – please contact our sales team for more information. As always, we encourage you to get your orders in early to avoid any disappointment.

 

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Fun Facts 

 

Everyone seems to have an iPhone or some similar device these days, with aps a-plenty; but have you heard of the latest fruit-game craze, Fruit Ninja? Players will enjoy slashing and splattering as much fruit as possible in this fast, fruity game.

 

The premise is that fruit is ‘thrown’ up into the screen and users need to quickly move their finger over the pieces of fruit to slice them in half. More info on this (very) addictive game can be found here, www.fruitninja.com

 

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Tips & Tricks

 

Apples – we keep hearing they are so beneficial for us, but what makes them so great? Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits:

 

Weight loss

Apples are high in nutrients but low in calories. As the flavour is sweet, munching on an apple can often replace the desire to indulge in a chocolate biscuit...or two.

They are also low GI (28 to 24) and bulky, which helps contribute to satiety.

 

Allergies

The polyphenols found in apples can help alleviate sneezing and some of the other symptoms of respiratory allergies.

 

Cholesterol and heart health

Five food types are often recommended for better cholesterol including oatmeal, oat bran and other sources of soluble fibre such as apples, pears, barley and prunes. Eating apples daily has been found to lower LDL cholesterol by up to 23 per cent.

 

Cell health

Many varieties of apple are high in free radical fighting antioxidants - if eaten with the peel. Free radicals cause damage to cells of the body leading to lots of chronic diseases. They are produced naturally by normal metabolism but their production is accelerated by smoking, drinking and pollution in the environment.

 

Bowel health

Apples are high in dietary fibre which provides an important nutrient source for the cells of the bowel plus the healthy bacteria that reside there. Make sure you eat the peel for best results.

 

Risk of strokes

High intake of apples and pears has been found to help protect against stroke – if eaten with the peel. An increase in consumption of as low as 25 grams per day can be linked to a 9 per cent reduction in the risk of stroke. An average apple weighs around 140 grams.

 

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Recipe of the Month

 

Talking about how great apples are, thought I would end the report today with an easy and yummy apple recipe!!

 

Best Apple Crumble Ever

Serves 6

 

4 apples - peeled, cored and sliced

90g soft dark brown sugar

125g plain flour

155g caster sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg, beaten

2 tablespoons butter, melted

 

• Preheat oven to 190ºc
• In a 23cm baking dish, mix sliced apples with brown sugar. In a large bowl, mix together flour, caster sugar, cinnamon and salt. In a small bowl, beat together egg and melted butter. Stir into flour mixture. Spread evenly over apples.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes or until topping is golden and crisp
• Serve with whipped cream or icecream and enjoy!