Citrus Fruit Baskets: The Great, Healthy Gift All Year Long
April 23, 2009 by Ken Turino, Senior Editor
Filed under Citrus Baskets, Fruit Baskets, Gift Baskets, Shopping
Pictured: Citrus Gift Basket Ready for Delivery
Almost everyone loves citrus fruits of some kind, and one of the most popular and practical gift options, especially in today’s health conscious society, is the citrus fruit basket. Citrus fruits contain essential vitamins, such as Vitamin C and many others, and are an important food source. Among the most common and delicious citrus fruits that go into a citrus fruit basket are grapefruit, orange, clementine, tangerine, mandarin, lemon, lime, and kumquat, as well as other fruits that are fresh and available in the United States all year long.
Many gourmet citrus baskets also include pears, figs, apples or grapes as well as nuts, crackers and cheese to add a variety of taste as well as aroma and an elegant look. Attractively decorated citrus baskets filled with delicious fine fruits and other goodies can be found for anywhere from US$20 to $100 with an easy search on the Internet. But it’s easy to make and customize your own citrus fruit baskets.
Citrus fruit baskets make excellent gifts for almost any special occasion or event. The most popular times to send citrus fruit baskets are Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah because they are not only a celebration of life but great for responsibly feeding visitors who drop by your home or office.
A citrus fruit basket can also be enjoyed on more personal holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. A citrus fruit basket in the lunchroom on Secretary’s Day is a sight that will bring a smile of appreciation to every office worker’s face and make him or her feel truly valued by their company.
Other appropriate times to send a delicious, nutritious citrus basket are a birthday, wedding or anniversary, graduation, or the birth of a baby. The gift of a citrus fruit basket as condolence and sympathy in a time of grieving is more practical than sending flowers. Sending a citrus basket to a mourner allows him or her to focus more on grieving rather than having to provide food and snacks for visitors paying respects.
The gift of a citrus fruit basket is thoughtful, smart and economic and can lead to years of return on your investment, whether you send it to a business or to a family.
Many guides are available online for creating your own citrus fruit basket. It’s not at all difficult to find the main citrus fruit ingredients, and many people who do it themselves find that it’s and interesting and fulfilling task. In fact, some of them have enjoyed it so much that they have gone on to start their own citrus basket making companies.
You’re limited only by your imagination!
A Citrus Fruit Basket Is a Great Gift for Any Special Event or Holiday
April 23, 2009 by Ken Turino, Senior Editor
Filed under Citrus Baskets, Florida Oranges, Fruit Baskets, Gift Baskets
Fresh Citrus Gift Basket: Perfect for Any Occasion
Sending a citrus fruit basket as a gift for almost any special occasion is a smart and economic investment and always appreciated by the recipients.
Whether it’s a holiday like Christmas or Hanukkah, a special event such as the birth of a baby, a graduation, a wedding anniversary or as condolence in a time of grievance, an attractively decorated citrus basket filled with a variety of delicious fine fruits along with other goodies really shows you care. It’s easy to make a citrus fruit basket on your own, but if this is not an option, you can find the citrus basket gift you need on the Internet for anywhere from US$20 to $100 with an easy online search.
One of the great things about citrus fruit baskets is that the main ingredients are usually easily available in the United States all the time. The most common citrus fruits that go into a citrus fruit basket are grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, tangerine, clementine, mandarin, kumquat, pummelo and sometimes other more exotic citrus fruits. Most gourmet citrus baskets also include apples, pears, figs and grapes to add a variety of taste, as well as aroma and an elegant look. Nuts, crackers and cheeses can also be added (as appropriate to the occasion) to make the citrus fruit basket even more inviting.
Citrus fruits have an interesting history that go far back to ancient times. Before the fruits became known as important food staples containing essential vitamins, such as Vitamin C and numerous others, the fragrance of citrus trees, including their fruits and flowers, perfumed rooms, were thought to repel insects, believed to be remedies for poisons and to sweeten breath. Historians claim that Alexander the Great brought the first citrus trees and shrubs to Greece from India in 4th Century BCE. Citrus fruits are shown in many ancient art works, such as relics of the early Christian tile mosaics in the churches of the Emperor Constantine in Istanbul, Turkey. Christopher Columbus is credited with bringing citrus fruits to the New World in 1493.
Almost everyone loves citrus fruits. A citrus fruit basket is a celebration of life, and the gift of a citrus fruit basket is an expression of love and caring. It’s also a very useful gift, especially in a time of mourning when the recipient can focus more on grieving rather than providing food and snacks for guests. In fact, a citrus fruit basket is hit in any party situation or gathering — so why not send one to yourself, whether your party is for 100 people or only two!
A Fruitful Diet: The Many Benefits of Fresh Citrus & Fruit
Fresh Fruits are Recommended for a Daily Healthy Diet
Looking for something to turn back your internal clock by increasing your vitality and improving your appearance?
Of course there’s no Fountain of Youth, but research suggests that nature has provided us with an answer that comes very close — fruit. It almost seems too simple: Eat fruit; fool Mother Nature.
Yet studies show that by eating four to five servings of fruit each day, you can improve your chances of staying healthy and vibrant as you age. That’s because fruit is loaded with phytochemicals, which are natural compounds that may help slow the aging process and reduce the risk of many diseases.
Phytochemicals fight to protect your overall health by providing antioxidant effects, stimulating your immune system, modulating the metabolism of your hormones, and acting as antibacterial and antiviral agents. Get too few of these marvelous compounds and you set yourself up for premature aging, as well as placing yourself at risk for some cancers, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cataracts, osteoporosis and urinary tract infections. But if you eat the recommended amount of fruit each day, you improve your odds for a healthier life.
If you think “eat more fruit” means you should just have another slice of strawberry pie, it’s time to explore the variety of offerings Mother Nature has provided in her fruit basket:
* APPLES
Granny Smith, Jonathan, Macintosh, Red Delicious — there are many different varieties of apples. Whether you like them tart or sweet, apples are a good source of vitamin C and fiber. (One medium apple has 5 grams of fiber.)
* APRICOTS
Apricots are “stone-fruit” and are related to the plum and peach. Buy apricots that are orange-yellow — that indicates ripeness. They spoil quickly so if you don’t eat them right away, freeze them for later. Apricots contain vitamin A, which you need for healthy skin and to protect against infections.
* BANANAS
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, and vitamins C and B6. Store bananas at room temperature, never in the refrigerator. (The cold makes the fruit decay from the inside.)
* BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries have more antioxidant power than any other fruit or vegetable, giving them remarkable anti-aging potential. Research suggests that blueberries protect against the effects of age-related deterioration of the brain, such as short-term memory loss. Blueberries are also a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
* CANTALOUPE
Cantaloupe is high in vitamins C and A and a good source of potassium and folate. Folate is linked to the prevention of birth defects (such as spina bifida), heart attacks, stroke and colorectal cancer.
* CHERRIES
Cherries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
* DATES
Don’t mistake dates for dried fruit — they’re not, even though you’re likely to find them in the dried fruit section at the supermarket. Sometimes known as “the candy that grows on trees,” dates are a good source of fiber.
* GRAPEFRUIT
Grapefruit is high in fiber and vitamin C, and a good source of vitamin A. Just one-half a grapefruit counts as one serving of the recommended four to five servings of fruit per day.
* GRAPES
Grapes are not only high in vitamin C, they contain the phytonutrient “reservatrol,” which is known for its potent antioxidant properties, as well as providing protection against cancer and heart disease.
* KIWIFRUIT
Kiwifruit may look a little funny — it’s brown and fuzzy on the outside; bright green on the inside with tiny black seeds — but it’s high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber, vitamin E and potassium. You’ll know kiwifruit is ripe when it’s slightly soft to the touch and has a fragrant smell.
* MANGOES
This tropical fruit has a flavor that’s often described as tasting like oranges, peaches and pineapples all in one. You’ll know you have a ripe, delicious mango when you can detect a pleasant scent of pine and peach from the stem (no fragrant aroma usually means no flavor). Mangoes are high in vitamin A and a good source of vitamin C.
* ORANGES
Oranges are the largest citrus crop in the world, with navel oranges and Valencia oranges the two most common varieties. One orange contains all the vitamin C your body needs for the day.
* PAPAYAS
Papayas are a tropical fruit that are rated as one of the most nutritious. They’re high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber and folate. As an additional treat, the black seeds found inside a papaya are edible and have a spicy, pepper-like flavor.
* PEACHES
Ever wonder why peaches smell so great? The peach is a member of the rose family and has a similar sweet fragrance when ripe. Peaches are a good source of vitamin C.
* PEARS
There are more than 3000 varieties of pears; Bartlett being the most popular. Pears ripen better off the tree, so ripen your pears in a brown paper bag at room temperature. Pears are a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
* PINEAPPLE
When selecting a fresh pineapple don’t look for shell color — that’s no indication of ripeness. (A green pineapple can be just as ripe and sweet as a pineapple with a golden shell.) Look for a pineapple that has a fresh appearance with deep green leaves, and remember to refrigerate it when you get home to preserve freshness. Pineapple is high in vitamin C.
* PRUNES
Prunes are actually dried French plums, and just eight of them make one serving of fruit for the day. Eat them right out of the bag for a healthy snack — they’re high in fiber and a good source of vitamin A.
* TANGERINES
One of the most distinctive features of tangerines is that when they are peeled, the segments of fruit separate easily, making them an excellent snack food for kids! Tangerines are high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber.
* WATERMELON
Whether seedless or full of seeds, watermelons are high in vitamins C and A.
Remember that whole, fresh fruit is better than canned fruit or fruit juices, but any fruit is better than no fruit. It’s a sweet treat or an excellent side dish or dessert, comes in its own easy-to-open packaging, and best of all, can provide your body with unsurpassed health benefits.
Visit MyOnlineHealthArticles.com for a vitamin C fact sheet and many other natural health articles.
Fat Burning Foods – The Truth Behind Grapefruit and Citrus Fruits
April 23, 2009 by Ken Turino, Senior Editor
Filed under Citrus Oil, Citrus Products, Fitness, Florida Oranges, Grapefruit, Health, Lifestyle, Recipes
According to an array of research and studies, many citrus foods-specifically grapefruit-help the body to burn fat. For example, the Nutrition and Medical Research Center at Scripps Clinic in San Diego initiated research and studies that prove how the simple consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice led to a significant loss in body fat and weight. While a fad-diet from the 1980s, titled the “grapefruit diet,” may have been the first source of the grapefruit fat burning rumors, experts and scientists are uncovering new information that supports the fruit’s powerful effects!The Fat Burning Benefits of Grapefruit
Whether you drink a simple glass of pure grapefruit juice, or if you enjoy the fruit in its whole form, consumers of grapefruit experience significant fat burning benefits. In examining a clinical study of this fruit, leading researcher Dr. Fujioka created a trial wherein 100 obese individuals were monitored as some participants consumed grapefruit while others did not. While engaging in this trial, participants did not make any changes to their diet or exercise habits, other than those who were required to add a daily serving of grapefruit. Dr. Fujioka broke the participants into three groups, and studied their fat burning processes by implementing specific grapefruit requirements:
- The first group did not consume any grapefruit
- The second group ate half of a grapefruit before each meal, three times each day
- The third group drank grapefruit juice before each meal, three times each day.
According to Dr. Fujioka’s results and reports, the two groups who consumed grapefruit before each meal lost an average of 3.6 pounds over the course of 12 weeks! When comparing this to the group abstaining from grapefruit, the non-citrus eaters only lost an average of half of a pound during the 12 weeks.
Additional Benefits of Grapefruit
While grapefruit has been proven to work as a fat burning food, consumers of grapefruit will also experience additional health benefits. According to Dr. Fujioka’s study, individuals who consumed his allotted amounts of grapefruit each day also experienced decreased levels of insulin, which is a hormone that regulates the body’s metabolism, energy, and blood sugar levels. An excess of insulin can actually lead to serious illnesses, such as diabetes; therefore, a steady diet of grapefruit can actually prevent the development of this health disorder.
When examining how grapefruit provides consumers with fat burning and health benefits, some suggest that the lower insulin levels are the main catalyst for enhanced fat burning abilities. Essentially, as grapefruit stabilizes energy levels and insulin levels, the body is able to maintain a more stable energy state. Oftentimes when faced with an energy crash or feelings of fatigue, the body will jump into a hunger-mode, as the body will seek out sugary and unhealthy foods to receive an immediate and fast energy boost. When engaging in these habits, individuals are choosing foods that lead to weight gain. In contrast, when individuals experience more stable blood sugar levels, the body is able to regulate its energy, burning up fat cells in order to invigorate and boost the body.
Additional Citrus Fat Burning Foods
While grapefruit has been the most researched and verified fat burning citrus product, some studies indicate that other citrus foods can also lead to fat burning effects. For example, lemon and oranges may also promote enhanced fat burning processes; however, these fruits are less clinically supported than the powerful grapefruit benefits. When choosing to incorporate grapefruit into your diet, enjoy the whole fruit or purchase a juice with no additives, sugars, or concentrates. Fresh squeezed and all natural grapefruit will deliver the greatest fat burning benefits.
John Hartie is a recognised authority on fat burning foods, his website, http://www.bestfatburningfood.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on everything you will need to know about fat burning foods.
What to Look for in Nutrient Rich Oranges
April 23, 2009 by Ken Turino, Senior Editor
Filed under Citrus Varieties, Florida Oranges, Honeybell Oranges - Honeybells, Navel Oranges, Temple Oranges, Valencia Oranges
Pictured: Oranges Prepare to Be Processed for Fresh Squeezed Florida Orange Juice
Oranges contain a range of nutrients that encompass more than just Vitamin C. Oranges contain foliate, fiber, antioxidants, potassium, thiamine calcium and magnesium. It is estimated that one orange can provide as much as 2/3 to all of the daily requirements of Vitamin C.
Oranges are such a versatile fruit tree that this evergreen is widely grown in Florida, Arizona and California. Orange trees can be found in not only sweet orange groves but also as part of an overall landscaping plan. The hearty bitter variety of orange tree tends to be found in landscaping design.
Being the United States third most popular fruit yielding only to apples and bananas is not the oranges only claim to fame. Orange blossoms are pungently sweet and the scent is commonly used in colognes, perfumes and soaps.
When buying oranges look for firm round oranges that seem heavy for there size. This heaviness is an indication that the orange is full of juice.
Some green in oranges may be acceptable. When oranges are left on the tree to ripen they may uptake some of the chlorophyll used by the tree. This will only strengthen the sweetness of the orange.
After you get your oranges home they can be kept in either the refrigerator or on the counter. Oranges will keep well for up to two weeks. Avoid extra moisture when storing oranges never store oranges in plastic bags for this will encourage growth of mold.
|
Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating gourmet recipes. She has extensive experience cooking with easy to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She is also the publisher of a no cost bi-monthly gourmet newsletter. Her newsletter is always fun and informational packed with tips and trivia you can use everyday. Sign up for her newsletter and learn more about Gourmayeats Weekly Recipe Club at http://www.gourmayeats.com |
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Your Gift Basket
April 23, 2009 by Ken Turino, Senior Editor
Filed under Fruit Baskets, Gift Baskets, Shopping
A Lovely Packaged and Presented Fruit Gift Basket, in the Shape of a Christmas Tree. Image: Hale Groves
Editors Note: This article describes mistakes to avoid when you are creating your own gift basket package.
The idea of sending a gift basket is a unique and economical way of sending a gift to someone. Nearly everyone loved to receive a gift filled with their own personlized taste and uniqueness.
You can present a gift basket for any occasion really to anyone of any age groups It is also not very difficult to do, as you do not need any special skills to send the perfect gift basket — other than understanding the gift recipient well.
In fact, the gift container–often a basket itself–can contain speciality wrapping paper, and decorations for the gift basket, not to mention, anything can go along with the gift basket as it is sure to bring a sweet smile to the recipient’s face when they see their treats bundled up as the perfect gift idea.
Still, creating a gift basket is not always easy. There are common mistakes that could be made when creating your own.
The first would be the lack of proper packaging material which may spoil the entire look at a single glance. When you are making budget decisions, make sure you include an appropriate amount to spend on your packing material.
You can always go for a cheaper one to wrap a gift basket, but make sure to use it to hold the product nicely, protect it and at the same time give a good look to the entire gift basket.
The next mistake while making a gift basket is the use of wrong sized basket, which can make the entire package look bad, cheap and even sparse. Always use a bigger gift basket and you can easily fill up the left over space by putting in silk cloths, gift papers, candles or other things which adds to the beauty of it rather than spoiling the entire look of the gift basket.
Incorrect arrangement of the items in the gift basket is yet another common mistake which is usually committed by people. Make sure you undergo a good arrangement plan . For this, you need to place the taller items along the middle or back and the shorter ones along the sides or front. Also note that the weight distribution of all the items inside the gift basket is equally distributed so that it is balanced well.
Yes, anyone can create their own gift basket but the final touch is what makes it appear extra special.
Wrapping the gift basket is the most important final step before presenting it to someone special. For this make, sure it is securely packaged and the perfect bow or ribbon is affixed to it in the right place.
Make use of subtle ideas like these to finally send the most beautiful gift basket you have ever created!
The Idea of Sending Fruit Baskets
April 23, 2009 by Ken Turino, Senior Editor
Filed under Fruit Baskets, Gift Baskets, Shopping
Fruit Baskets like this make a wonderful gift idea!
Sending fruit baskets for a special gift occasion is a brilliant idea which many people use today. It is also considered to be one of the most frugal and cost-effective ways of saying “I Care About You.”
You can fill a fruit basket with any seasonal fruit, or you can wisely choose different varieties depending on the occasion that you are giving this special basket. With perfect decorations and wrappings all bundled together nicely, the fruit basket is sure to add attention and attraction in every way.
If you cannot reach out personally to the recipient to give them the fruit basket, you still have some choices. You can easily send a fruit basket through different fruit gift basket services which will help you deliver your gift to your loved ones. One great service is Citrus Country Groves, located in Florida.
Today, you can sit right at home and shop online, and use the gift fruit shipping services to send fruit baskets to just about anywhere.
While checking out online or at your nearby retailer to send fruit baskets, make sure they suit your pocketbook . Prices can range from as low as $9.99 to as high as several hundred dollars, (plus shipping and handling charges).
Meanwhile, the fruit basket should also be liked by the recipient and therefore, it is important to make the right selection of fruits depending on the likes and dislikes of the recipient.
You can get likes and dislikes from your friends and family who might be helpful to you in sharing what the gift recipient really enjoys receiving!
Apart from fruit, you can also add teddy bears, cheese, chocolates, cakes and wines into the fruit basket to make it as attractive and lovely as possible.
While sending the fruit baskets, you can also select the right decoration according to your likes from picking up the wrapping sheets to the ribbons which are placed for the final finish.The occasion for which the fruit basket is sent also plays an important role in determining how the gift must be packed. If you are not well aware of these special aspects, several online resources and companies would certainly help you to bring the best to your loved ones as a real surprise!
