Make A Battery From An Orange

While we have touched on these projects in previous blogs here is an update on several new uses for orange based generated electricity.

This orange battery was built by photographer Caleb Charland as part of his ongoing alternative energy photographs using fruit, vegetables, and other objects to create light for his long-exposure photographs. The electricity powering the lightbulb inside the orange is generated through a chemical reaction between citric acid and the zinc nails inserted into each wedge. 

I think this is by far the most lovely piece he’s done in the series, but before you start work on a bunch of orange lights to keep on the nightstand, the light generated was so dim this particular photograph required a 14 hour exposure.

A link to his website http://calebcharland.com

As you may know citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits, can be used to generate electrical currents. The citric acid in these fruits combines with electrodes, such as copper and zinc, to generate electricity. Acting as a power cell, these fruits can power small devices such as LED lights and basic digital clocks. Creating an orange battery as a science project is a valuable way for your children to gain hands-on experience with how electricity is made and how it functions in a very basic circuit.

What You Need:
1 Orange
1 Copper nail, 2 inches long
1 Galvanized zinc nail, 2 inches long
1 Small light bulb with a 2-inch lead
Electrical tape
Micro Ammeter (optional)
Alligator clips

Directions

Squeeze the sides of the orange to loosen the juice inside and prepare it for the experiment.

Insert both the copper and galvanized zinc nails into the orange. The nails should be 2 inches away from one another with the tips in the center of the orange.

Take a small light bulb and remove the insulation from the leads, or bulb wires, which must be at least 2 inches in length; the bare wires must be exposed. An LED holiday light works well for this purpose.

Wrap one of the exposed wires around the galvanized zinc nail that is sticking out of the orange. Secure it with electrical tape if necessary. Repeat with the other end of the wire, wrapping it around the copper nail.

Watch as, once the second wire is attached, the orange generates enough electricity to make the small light bulb light up.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Orange Coffee Cake Recipe

Today is National Coffee Day! Are you one of the millions who will celebrate? What goes great with Coffee? Coffee cake of course. I may be a bit partial but I think that orange coffee cake is the very best.

Ingredients

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 12-ounce cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (10 count)
1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed Sunburst Oranges orange juice

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, pecans, and zest; set aside. Separate the biscuits. Place about 3/4 teaspoon cream cheese in the center of each biscuit. 

Fold each biscuit in half over the cheese, pressing the edges to seal. Dip the biscuits in melted butter, then dredge in the granulated sugar mixture. Place the biscuits, curved-side down, in a single layer in the hollows of a lightly greased 12-cup bundt pan, spacing them evenly (do not stack). 

Place any remaining biscuits around the tube, filling any gaps. Drizzle any remaining butter over the biscuits, and sprinkle with any remaining sugar mixture. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown. Immediately invert the cake onto a serving platter. 

Combine the confectioners' sugar and orange juice, stirring well; drizzle the glaze over the warm cake. Serve fresh and warm.

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 10 to 12 servings

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Farmers In Japan Growing Heart Shaped Oranges

Last year the story was that farmers in Japan were growing octagon shaped oranges by using a frame to force the orange to grow into the octagon shape. Well, not to be out done farmers in Yawatahama are using a similar technique to grow oranges into a heart shape.

Farmers in Japan are growing these heart-shaped mandarin oranges with extra tender care and a wood and aluminum triangular form.

Yawatahama is a city located in the southwestern part of Ehime Prefecture, Japan, and has the largest fish market on Shikoku. The Mikan is the featured agricultural product. Now it seems they feel that growing these heart shaped mandarin oranges will help increase sales.

Watch Video by clicking below.

Fruits with a twist
Farmers in Ehime Prefecture are betting on a special trick to conquer more customers.
Posted by NTV News24 English on Friday, September 4, 2015

The farmers tell Nippon TV News24 Japan that they had about a 60 percent success rate with the method last year, yielding approximately 250 heart-shaped oranges. They hope this will help them sell more oranges. One thing is for sure: Heart-shaped citrus will go over way better with your significant other than a square watermelon this Valentine's Day.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Orange Musical Instruments

As our regular readers know on Wednesday we feature stories that are of a humorous nature or feature oranges being used in an unusual manner,

This week the plan was to see if oranges were used as musical instruments. So a quick trip through Google lead to nada, zip, nothing. From what we didn’t find, it seems that while musical instruments have been made from nearly everything else on the planet no one has ever used an orange to make music with. 

Oh, we found lots of uses of the color and name orange when it comes to musical related items and selling of the same. And yes, in the city and county of Orange there are many musical links.

So here are just three of the “orange” musical related finds that resulted from the “orange musical instruments” search.

Orange Amplifiers Rockerverb 50 MK II 50W Tube Guitar Amp Head Orange

All Valve, channel-switching amplifier with ultra-transparent effects loop and valve-driven reverb. This amplifier utilises a two stage clean channel with a four stage dirty channel. The Clean Channel delivers a super rich clean tone with beautiful harmonic overtones. It is a non-master channel, much like vintage Orange amps, and when cranked the power section breaks up faster, delivering the most classic British crunch imaginable. The Dirty Channel is four stages of unadulterated filth, but it is NOT a one-trick pony. Move the Gain knob from 0 to 10, and as you do you'll find a variety of Orange tones, from metal to fusion, rock to blues...there's even some country in there. Improvements include mid EQ control on clean channel, more transparent FX loop, larger, more usable reverb with additional ECC83 preamp valve to power it and #L34 output valves.

Percussion Plus Plastic Maracas - Real Toy Musical Instruments

Quality instrument Great sound Plastic maracus on a wooden handle 1 x pair 181 g 

Manufacturer's Description - Percussion Plus bright orange plastic maracus - Product Description - These colorful plastic Maracas offer a bright tone. 

Extremely popular across the board of musical styles & the number one choice in schools these Maracas sound great & also look fantastic with a bright orange finish.


Retro Belt-Drive Turntable With USB-to-PC Connection and Rechargeable Battery

The PVTT2U is a unique record player that incorporates compact and stylish form with versatile function. This multifunction turntable plays 33, 45, and 78 RPM records and lets you turn your vinyl records into digital music files using your PC. The unit's USB port allows you to connect this turntable to your computer and digitize your music using the included Audacity audio editing software. This unit also has a built-in rechargeable battery that uses the USB port to charge - connect it to your computer or use an AC-USB adapter (not included). Inside, on the front-end you'll find two stereo speakers for audio playback. Stereo RCA output allows you to connect this turntable to your home audio system for even bigger sound while your record spins. It's all packed into an elegant and portable briefcase-style design that is sure to add some style to your sound.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391 

Using Oranges In Jerk Chicken

The bright citrus flavor of oranges enhances many dishes from main meals to desserts. Because oranges are high in vitamin C, they are a very healthy food to cook with. Used in a marinade or sauce, oranges add a sweet-tart flavor to meat, seafood and tofu. Oranges are also a versatile ingredient in desserts, as they pair well with sweet spices and chocolate.

There are two commonly held theories regarding how the name "Jerk" came to be used. One is that it originates from the Spanish word "Charqui", used to describe dried meat. Over time this term evolved from "Charqui" to "Jerky" to "Jerk". Another theory is that the name derives from the practice of jerking (poking) holes in the meat to fill with spices prior to cooking. Nowadays, the word "Jerk" is used as a noun to describe the seasoning applied to jerked food and as a verb to describe the process of cooking used.

Hot, succulent Jamaican Jerk Chicken is a tropical treat. You'll love the heat and flavor of this fiery marinade.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken - cut into parts
4 oranges, juiced (Reserve Pulp)
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions, chopped
1 1/2 cups chopped green onions
6 cloves garlic, chopped
2 habanero peppers, chopped (optional to taste)

Directions

Place chicken in a medium bowl. Cover with orange juice and water. Set aside.

In a blender or food processor, place orange pulp, nutmeg, salt, brown sugar, thyme, ginger, black pepper and vegetable oil. Blend well, then mix in onions, green onions, garlic and habanero peppers until smooth.

Pour most of the blended marinade mixture into bowl with chicken, reserving a small amount to use as a sauce for serving. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Preheat an oven 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook 45 minutes or until done... depends on oven.

Cover with remaining marinade mixture, serve. You can microwave for 30 seconds to take the chill of the mixture.

Preparation 20 minutes
Cooking 45 minutes
Ready In 3 hours 20 minutes

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Sunburst Oranges Home of the Plucky Brand

Plucky Brand is Proud to be part of the ever-growing social media family of Sunburst Oranges. Doing good for people and pets in need of help is our 'soul purpose' in life. Utilizing Facebook and Shopify goes hand-in-hand with that mission. Thanks for taking the time to visit us at our Shopify Facebook page: 

We have different and special items that are not on our main website sunburstoranges.com

We feature all our great products as well as items from our Liver Walk sponsorships and Artwork by those artists we feature. Like the SK Stehelin Gallery of Three Rivers CA.

“Of all the plants spread by Nature upon the surface of the globe, there are none more beautiful than those we know under the names of citron, lemon, and orange trees, which botanists have included under the technical and generic name of Citrus. These charming trees are both useful and ornamental. No others equal them in beauty of leaf, delightful odor of flowers, or splendor and taste of fruit. No other plant supplies delicious confections, agreeable seasonings, perfumes, essences, syrups, and the valuable acid so useful to colorers.”

Georges Gallesio: Traité du citrus, 1811 translated from French in 1876 expressly for “The Florida Agriculturist"

Support Our Troops
Do you know someone in the military currently serving our country? Show your support and let them know they are remembered. Whether a husband, a friend, a father, a son, daughter or other family member, the arrival of a box of delicious oranges will brighten the day and bring a smile to all who share. 

Sunburst Oranges is a thoughtful and delicious way to say ‘Thanks’! Choose from the medium or large box with no additional shipping costs. 

Get the Party Started!
A box of Sunburst Oranges shipped in our super-saver value pack is the perfect size for events and get-togethers. Try a box at your next family reunion, block party, church gathering, beach party, company picnics, a camping trip or just to have at home or the office.

A box of oranges complements almost any occasion. And a healthy treat when it is your turn to bring the snacks for your Little League or youth football team.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Chocolate May Prevent Brain Loss, Alzheimer's

Just in time for International Chocolate day a new study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, said that certain nutrients in chocolate can help prevent age-related neurodegenerative disorders and maintain brain health in elderly.

According to researcher and neurology professor Giulio Maria Pasinetti, polyphenols are the micronutrients present in large amount in cocoa that can help maintain brain health. The benefits associated with the compound are so well established that experts believe it could even lead to the production of “chocolate pills” someday.

“There is growing interest in developing a cocoa extract, and potentially certain dietary chocolate preparations, as a natural source to maintain and promote brain health, and in particular to prevent age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease,” says Pasinetti in the review.

During the study, the researchers discovered that consumption of cocoa polyphenols reduces the formation of harmful proteins, including beta-amyloid and abnormal tau aggregates. Such proteins are known to accumulate in the brain and cause damage. The accumulation results in loss of synapses and hence makes the connections between nerve cells dysfunctional.

The researchers further claim that dietary polyphenols can cross the blood-brain barrier and can easily access the brain areas that are associated with the progression of the Alzheimer's disease in the elderly. One such polyphenol metabolite is quercetin-3-O-glucoside that modulates the neuropathogenic mechanisms associated with beta-amyloid.

It is estimated that nearly 35.6 million people had Alzheimer's in 2010. The number is expected to double by 2030. Since the current treatment methods available only target the cognitive decline in patients and do not slow down the progression of the disease, the researchers believe that the potential benefits associated with consumption of cocoa nutrients should be taken a bit seriously.

The health benefits of chocolate have also been explored in previous studies, highlighting its protective power against heart disease, gas and bloating ​and a means of replenishing oxidative stress related to muscle fatigue.

International Chocolate Day is celebrated September 13th every year, according to the National Confectioners Association. The hallowed date is the birthday of Milton S. Hershey, founder of the Hershey Company It is unclear when the holiday was first celebrated.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:

Sunburst Oranges

180 South “E” Street

Porterville, CA  93257

559-561-3391

Chocolate Facts To Make You Smile

We all love the taste of chocolate, even the texture and mouth feel. Most of us probably eat it every day, or at least several times a week. It is one of the most beloved food products in the world and many would say that they cannot live without it.

Most of us probably feel we know chocolate pretty well by now, as it is a regular part of our lives. However, there are many fascinating facts about the world of chocolate that most do not know. Below are some interesting facts about chocolate, some of these facts are bizarre, some downright silly.

Just What Does Chocolate Mean
According to Hershey there is no standard in the United States for Dark Chocolate, however, there are standards for Milk Chocolate and Semisweet chocolate. In some countries the standards are different. The UK is said to have slightly higher chocolate contents in most of their confections. In the USA, however, Milk Chocolate only has to contain about ten percent chocolate liquor, whereas Semisweet chocolate has to contain at least thirty-five percent chocolate liquor. Milk chocolate, which has slightly different rules, must contain at least twenty percent Cocoa Butter.

Spending Chocolate
The history of chocolate pretty much begins with the Mayans. Cacao beans were so valuable to them that they were used as currency. It is said that ten beans could buy a rabbit, or even a prostitute. And one hundred beans were enough to buy a slave, though slavery in those days was a much different institution in many ways. When the Aztecs came along they adopted these traditions and continued using cacao beans as currency. People would buy everything from livestock, to food and tools with the beans and some people actually created counterfeit beans using clay. Generally only the richer people drank chocolate regularly though, because drinking your money is expensive.

Theobromine
Chocolate contains a higher portion of Theobromine than anything in nature. Theobromine is similar to Caffeine, but it has a milder stimulant effect. Some preliminary research has shown that it may also be helpful for suppressing coughs. While Theobromine has long been used to treat issues such as blood pressure, and is being tested for its use in fighting cancer, you can have too much of a good thing.

By The Cup
The Aztec rulers and higher class drank a ton of hot chocolate; Montezuma himself was reported to have drunk about fifty cups of chocolate a day. While a normal cup of chocolate wouldn’t contain too much caffeine, the chocolate the Aztecs drank was extremely dark, combine that with the sheer intake and he must have been incredibly wired. What is truly fascinating though is that they did not drink hot chocolate, they drank it cold. They did not drink it with sugar, and it was actually the Spaniards who first added sugar to the drink. The Aztecs would pour the mixture back and forth from pitchers until it got really foamy and believed the foam was the best part.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie Recipe

Chocolate is the rich and indulgent treat that seems too good to be true that it could actually be good for you. Indeed, studies suggest that people who regularly eat moderate amounts of dark chocolate may have lower risk of heart failure and lower incidence of high blood pressure, hardened arteries and even strokes. You can feel good about indulging in this healthy chocolate recipe (in moderation, of course!).

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/4 cup walnut oil, or canola oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped, or chocolate chips, melted
6 tablespoons of your favorite Sunburst Oranges jam

Directions

Position rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 375° Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Whisk all-purpose flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. 

Beat butter, oil, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until almost creamy the mixture may still be a little grainy. Beat in egg and vanilla; scrape down the sides and beat in melted chocolate and the ground nuts. Stir in the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon until just incorporated.

Roll about one tablespoon of dough into a ball, place on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly until it looks like a deflated basketball. Continue with the remaining dough, spacing the cookies 2 inches apart.

Bake the cookies for 6 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven and gently press your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon in the center of each cookie. Place 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite Sunburst Oranges jam in each indentation. Bake until the jam is melted and the cookie is set but still a little soft, About 8 minutes more. Cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Let the pan cool for a few minutes before baking another batch. 

Makes: About 36 cookies
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 1/2 hours

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Harvard Reports Eating Chocolate Prevents Heart Disease

Sweet! Harvard Medical School through Harvard Health Publications in June of 2015 released a report titled, Sweet dreams: eating chocolate prevents heart disease. Being a bonafide chocoholic that is great news.

A study that was based in England had the following results… middle-aged and older adults who eat up to 3.5 ounces of chocolate a day (that’s more than two standard Hershey bars) seem to have lower rates of heart disease than those who spurn chocolate altogether.

All of the large studies, including the one from Norfolk, are observational studies. That means the researchers asked questions about the participants eating habits, tracked their health, and made statistical connections. These kinds of studies can generate important insights. But they can’t prove cause and effect. It takes a randomized trial to do that.

It’s possible that people who like to eat chocolate do something else that offers heart protection, like eat a wide variety of healthful foods. One of the interesting things about this research is that participants in the non-chocolate group had higher average weight, more artery-damaging inflammation, more diabetes, were less physically active and had diets with the least amount of fat compared to chocolate eaters.

Is Milk Chocolate Okay?

Most of the previous studies on the chocolate-heart connection found that only dark chocolate offered any cardiovascular protection. In the Norfolk study, any type of chocolate, including milk chocolate, seemed to have the same beneficial effect.

Scientists aren’t sure what it is about chocolate that seems to boost heart health. It may be related to flavonoids, a type of antioxidant produced by plants. Flavonoids are found in tea, red wine, blueberries, apples, pears, cherries, and nuts.

Flavonoids are particularly abundant in cacao beans—the seeds of the cacao tree. Fermenting, drying, and roasting cacao beans yields cocoa powder, which is used to make chocolate.

Flavonoids in cocoa have been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, prevent blood clots, and fight cell damage. They’ve also been shown to help thinking skills.

Your best bet is to stick with dark chocolate. As a general rule, it has more cocoa and therefore more flavonoids than milk chocolate. It also has less unhealthy sugar and saturated fat. The higher the cocoa content of the bar, the better it is for your health. Look for bars with 70% cocoa or more.

I think I will stay with an ounce of dark chocolate every so often, with some Chocolate Therapy in between.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Remember September 11th 2001

24 Police Officers

37 Port Authority Officers

43 EMTs and Paramedics

343 Firefighters

3,018 Civilians

Never Forget

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Totals include recent deaths to due post event related illnesses.

In The News At Sunburst Oranges

We thought that today would be a good one to catch up on what has been happening at our facilities this year as far as recognitions go.

Our life's journey has brought us to where we are, has made us what we are, and will be recognized for its individual importance as it impacts others in positive ways. At Sunburst, we want to help as many individuals and helpless animals as possible through the organizations and affiliations our interests have lead us to on this journey.

Sunburst Oranges was honored this year with the very first 'Liver Lover Award' presented by the American Liver Foundation (ALF) for our sincerest interest in helping to get their message out to the masses using the miracle of social media. 

And, whenever possible, attending the ALF Liver Life Walk events with Plucky and his Pals sharing joy and wonderful Plucky Brand oranges with everyone. 

Sunburst Oranges is proud to be affiliated with the American Liver Foundation's Liver Life Walks in cities across the nation each year.

Then of course there's Morgan d' Organ (of ALF fame) working full-time to help inform and educate where liver education needs are greatest. His Facebook page, Orange is the New Liver, is Raising Awareness, Raising Funds, and Raising Spirits!

Please take a moment to visit Hedgy the Hedgehog and his friends at Hedgy's Good Deeds new Facebook page. Their mission of 'doing good where it really counts'  is a concept destined for greatness. Watch what can happen! 

Kent Robson (of Hedgy fame) and his wife Karen, founders of 4Families, have a mission to 'come alongside and equip, empower, engage, and encourage parents and their youth who are facing difficult challenges.' 4Families began after seeing many families were at their wit's end as they grappled with the challenges of a child making wrong choices.

Last but not least, we cannot forget the helpless, precious animals. Louie's Loves Facebook page is devoted to them. Janina Reed, it's founder, won't rest until she helps as many suffering and displaced pets as hours in the day will allow. Please take a moment to read about her successes.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Celebrate National Teddy Bear Day

OK as hard as I might I can’t think of a direct relationship from Oranges or any other fruit or product we sell and National Teddy Bear Day but who can resist a cute Teddy Bear. Nevertheless we offer for you the national Holiday of the Teddy Bear.

National Teddy Bear Day takes place in the US on September 9th. Initially a US specific holiday this is increasingly being celebrated by bear lovers across the world. There appears to be no record of the origin of this holiday or why this particular date was chosen - perhaps the bears themselves know?

Teddy bears are, of course, named after US President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt. The name came about after a 1902 hunting expedition. The hunt had found no game, so at the end of the day someone brought out a baby bear and suggested that Roosevelt might like to shoot it instead. Roosevelt understandably felt that this was not exactly sporting and refused. The incident was illustrated in a newspaper cartoon entitled "Drawing the Line" - which also referred to the political situation at the time. An enterprising New York toymaker saw an opportunity and brought out a cute stuffed bear named "Teddy's Bear". The rest, as the say, is history.

Today people buy teddy bears across the world, not just for young children but often for themselves as collectibles. Some early bears by well-known names such as Steiff or Gund are rare and much sought after by enthusiasts.

So if anyone deserves an annual holiday it's certainly the Teddy Bear. How they celebrate their special day depends on their owner. Some people like to take their bear out on a trip, others like to organise a toy party and perhaps even buy their bear gifts. If all inspiration fails, there's always the traditional picnic - I've never known a bear turn one down!

Confusingly there's also a National Teddy Bear Day in November. That special day was created by the Vermont Teddy Bear Company in 2000 to celebrate the contribution the teddy has made to popular culture.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Grilled Chicken Breasts with Spicy Jalapeno Apricot Jam Glaze

If you are looking for something that is sweet yet brings the heat this is the recipe for you.  You can adjust the heat by adding or removing the jalapenos slices that are added to the dish. So if spicy is where you want to go this recipe leaves you in full control.

For guests that want just a hint of spice don’t add any of the jalapeno slices to their portions. Did I mention we have the Jalapeno Apricot Jam on our website.

Ingredients

2 cups jalapeno apricot jam

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic

1 jalapeno, sliced into medallions

Real salt and freshly ground pepper

8 sliced boneless chicken breasts

4 jalapenos, sliced in half or quarters and de-seeded

(for more heat leave the seeds in place)

Directions

Combine the jalapeno apricot jam, olive oil, soy sauce, mustard, garlic and jalapenos in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper. Reserve 1/2 cup.

Preheat the grill. Brush the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook until golden brown, 6 to 7 minutes. Turn-over and continue cooking for 5 to 6 minutes. Brush both sides with the jalapeno apricot jam glaze and continue cooking until done, an additional 4 to 5 minutes.

Place the jalapeno slices on the grill and grill for 2 minutes. Turn-over, brush with the reserved 1/2 cup of Jalapeno Apricot jam glaze and grill until the jalapenos are soft, 3 to 4 more minutes.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:

Sunburst Oranges

180 South “E” Street

Porterville, CA  93257

559-561-3391

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Labor Day Legislation

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. 

By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:

Sunburst Oranges

180 South “E” Street

Porterville, CA  93257

559-561-3391

Counterfeit Honey Coming To A Store Near You

We all know that many fashion items are counterfeited.  Watches, purses, jewelry and many more items are being “knocked off” and the prices are just part of the motive.  When demand exceeds the supply lawbreakers move in to fill the void.

With growing consumer interest in locally sourced food, local honey producers expect record prices at area farmers’ markets — along with lots of questions about honey quality and authenticity. 

From October through January, agents with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized nearly a half-million pounds of illegally imported Chinese honey valued at $2.45 million. Agents intercepted illegal honey shipments worth $1.4 million in Seattle in 2010. U.S. Department of Justice officials seized 10,000 gallons of counterfeit honey from a warehouse in Salem a few years ago.

U.S. Customs and Homeland Security investigators are on the lookout for illegal honey imports from Chinese shippers who attempt to elude millions of dollars in U.S. trade tariffs by mislabeling the honey’s country of origin. In addition, Chinese honey can be tainted with illegal antibiotics and heavy metals from improper storage or diluted with such ingredients as corn syrup.

The low-priced bogus, counterfeit and illegal honey (terms all used by industry experts) gets into the American food system and is very hard to trace. In late March, inspectors intercepted 300 55-gallon drums of “contaminated” Chinese honey at the Port of Houston. It went to a landfill for disposal.

Four years ago, the European Union banned honey imports. That has created more pressure to get illegal honey into the United States, industry experts say. Large U.S. packers buy honey from around the world — China, Australia and India, as well as Argentina, Brazil and Vietnam, among others nations. In some cases, China has shipped honey to these countries for relabeling and sale in the United States.

Demand is there. Americans eat a lot more honey than domestic beekeepers can produce.

As a result, the price of wholesale honey has steadily increased the past several years from $1.90 per pound in 2012 to this year’s expected price of more than $2.50 per pound, reports the American Honey Producers Association.

To be safe you need to know the source of your honey.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391

Perfect Refreshing Drink: Honey-Ginger Lemonade

We all know that Lemonade is the perfect hot weather drink. 

But have you ever thought "I wish I could change it up a bit" or even add a touch of spice. 

They say that “Variety is the spice of life.” This recipe is a great change of pace for lemonade and it uses two of our great fresh products.

Ingredients

2 cups Sunburst Orange Blossom Honey

2/3 cup thinly sliced ginger

3 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Fresh mint for garnish

Ice cubes, for serving

Directions

Bring 4 cups water, the honey and ginger to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.

Turn off the heat and let steep for 10 minutes.

Strain and refrigerate until cold. About 2 hours.

Put 2 quarts of water, the chilled honey and ginger mixture and the lemon juice in a large pitcher and stir until combined.

Pour over ice into your favorite vintage glasses.

Use mint for garnish.

I might just mention here that the quality and taste of the water you use can make or break this recipe. If you don’t have good tasting tap water you will want to use filtered or bottled water to make this very tasty refreshing drink.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy foods to use as gifts for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:

Sunburst Oranges

180 South “E” Street

Porterville, CA  93257

559-561-3391