New Year’s Eve Traditions

What are you planning for your New Year’s day dinner? Many folks have turkey, ham or prime rib but there are many more go to main courses for the first day of the new year. In fact around the world food is the main feature in many celebrations.

 Did you know that on New Year's Eve, Mexicans pop a grape for each stroke of midnight? Each grape is representing a page of the calendar ahead. If one is bitter, watch out for that month! Other popular fruits to eat include the pomegranates, with its many seeds standing in for prosperity.

For many, January 1 offers an opportunity to forget the past and make a clean start. But instead of leaving everything up to fate, they enjoy a meal to increase their good fortune? There are a variety of foods that are believed to be lucky and to improve the odds that next year will be a great one. Traditions vary from culture to culture, but there are striking similarities in what's consumed in different pockets of the world: The six major categories of auspicious foods are grapes, greens, fish, pork, legumes, and cakes. Whether you want to create a full menu of lucky foods or just supplement your meal, we have an assortment of recipes, guaranteed to make for a happy new year, or at the very least a happy belly.

Are you a fan of Pork? The custom of eating pork on New Year's is based on the idea that pigs symbolize progress. The animal pushes forward, rooting itself in the ground before moving. Roast suckling pig is served for New Year's in Cuba, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, and Austria, Austrians are also known to decorate the table with miniature pigs made of marzipan. Different pork dishes such as pig's feet are enjoyed in Sweden while Germans feast on roast pork and sausages. Pork is also consumed in Italy and the United States, where thanks to its rich fat content, it signifies wealth and prosperity.

Well no matter what, we think that adding fresh fruit as part of your dinner. As part of the meal or eaten alone fresh fruit is not only tasty but very good for you as well.

Are they foods that are on the list of not to eat? Yes there are; there are also a few to avoid. Lobster, for instance, is a bad idea because they move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks. Chicken is also discouraged because the bird scratches backwards, which could cause regret or dwelling on the past. Another theory warns against eating any winged fowl because good luck could fly away.

Now that you know what to eat, there's one more superstition, that is, guideline, to keep in mind. In Germany, it's customary to leave a little bit of each food on your plate past midnight to guarantee a stocked pantry in the New Year. Likewise in the Philippines, it's important to have food on the table at midnight.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and gift 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

New Year’s Resolutions Getting Healthy

Are you resolving to get healthy in 2016? Do you know adding oranges to your diet can go a long way toward helping you achieve that goal.

Juicy and sweet and renowned for its concentration of vitamin C, oranges make the perfect snack and add a special tang to many recipes; it is no wonder that they are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Oranges are generally available from winter through summer with seasonal variations depending on the variety.

Oranges are round citrus fruits with finely-textured skins that are, of course, orange in color just like their pulpy flesh; the skin can vary in thickness from very thin to very thick. 

Oranges Have Healing Phytonutrients

In recent research studies, the healing properties of oranges have been associated with a wide variety of phytonutrient compounds. These phytonutrients include citrus flavanones (types of flavonoids that include the molecules hesperetin and naringenin), anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and a variety of polyphenols. When these phytonutrients are studied in combination with oranges—vitamin C, the significant antioxidant properties of this fruit are understandable.

But it is yet another flavanone in oranges, the herperidin molecule, which has been singled out in phytonutrient research on oranges. Arguably, the most important flavanone in oranges, herperidin has been shown to lower high blood pressure as well as cholesterol in animal studies, and to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Importantly, most of this phytonutrient is found in the peel and inner white pulp of the orange, rather than in its liquid orange center, so this beneficial compound is too often removed by the processing of oranges into juice.

Available year round the, oranges are the most common citrus fruits consumed in India. They are not only popular for their raw pulpy slices, juicy nature, and tangy and sweet flavor but also for their goodness of vitamin C. Sometimes called the golden apple, oranges offer numerous benefits covering health as well as beauty aspects. 

Healthy eating tip: When you cut an orange, make sure you do it in a way that the inner peel doesn’t come off since it is very nutritious and has higher amounts of hesperidin than the flesh itself.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and gift 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

From Our Family To Yours

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” 
 ― Charles Dickens

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 

Do Something Good Everytime You Have An Opportunity

Tis The Season Of Giving

Sunburst Oranges is giving $5 from every box sold goes directly to the American Liver Foundation

Our Plucky Brand Oranges will donate $5 Dollar to the American Liver Foundation for every box of oranges sold.

Get fresh organic oranges delivered right to your door and help the American Liver Foundation raise funds for liver disease education and research.

Buy a box of delicious Plucky Brand Organic Oranges and taste how good it feels to give.

http://sunburst-oranges-plus.myshopify.com/collections/american-liver-foundation

Join Sunburst Oranges and Orange is the New Liver in raising funds for the organization that helps the most important organ in your body – the Liver.

The American Liver Foundation's Mission is to...

“Facilitate, advocate, and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.”

Organic Oranges ALF Donation – Large Box

$ 39.60

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

Holiday Decorating With Orange Slices

Do you want to literally spice up your home with a very fun and cost effective holiday treat? Decorating with orange slices.

 The holiday season tends to bring out the traditionalist in all of us, whether you’re following in your family’s time-honored classics or making new traditions of your own! When it comes to holiday decorating, incorporating dried orange slices is a great old-school method to bring a vibrant note of color to your living space. Bonus, they’re SO easy to make, and inexpensive too! In addition to a recipe for the orange slices, I’ve got some tips on how to use them in simple ways to add some holiday spice to your décor that works from Thanksgiving through New Years!

To make the dried oranges, you’ll need

Sunburst Naval oranges

Confectioner’s sugar, optional

Wire cooling rack and sheet pan

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, slice your orange(s) into very thin slices, discarding each end. Arrange the slices on the cooling rack – the space between the wires will keep the oranges from sticking. For a little more gloss to your oranges, you may choose to dunk them into confectioner’s sugar, placing them sugar-side-up on the rack.

Of course if you have a dehydrating cabinet you can use it rather than your oven. If you have time you can even air dry them. But don’t do it too soon or you lose the aroma and they can begin to grow fuzzes so either the oven or a dehydrator is the best way.

Make a holiday wreath, or evergreen swag! To wire your orange slices, use a lightweight floral wire and poke through the outer edge of flesh right up against the rind. Slide the slice to the middle of the length of wire, and twist to secure the wire around the rind. Pair the orange slices with gold and brown floral accents like berries, twigs, and pinecones, and be sure to finish it off with a beautiful ribbon bow.

As you may have seen in yesterday’s blog you can also use them as ornaments for your tree as well.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and gift 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 Trifle Christmas Dessert

Are you looking for a new dessert for this Christmas Holiday? Do you want a fruity flavored and tasty dessert for your holiday guests? Well, we are happy to present this one for your dinner. We think your guests will find this one to be a favorite for many of your special events.

Ingredients

2 Sunburst oranges, peeled, pith removed, sliced and then chopped into small pieces
1 teaspoon Grand Marnier
16 ounces of natural yoghurt
3 tablespoons caster sugar
2 teaspoons navel orange zest
8 sponge fingers
7 liquid ounces freshly squeezed Sunburst navel orange juice
4 ounces of frozen raspberries
Extra orange zest, for garnish

Directions

Mix orange pieces with Grand Marnier and set aside. Whisk yoghurt with sugar and orange zest until smooth and creamy.

For each 350ml capacity serving glass or dish, dip one biscuit in navel orange juice, break it into large chunks and place in the bottom of the glass. Spoon 2 heaped tablespoons of yoghurt mix over biscuits. Sprinkle on one-quarter of the oranges and raspberries, then repeat with dipped biscuit and yoghurt. 

Repeat for the remaining three serving portions

Chill for 2 hours. Top with orange zest and serve

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and gift 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

Christmas Tree Traditions

Yes it is that time of year and most homes are sporting a Christmas tree or two.  In fact I know several homes that have as many as 100 (Yes, 100) Christmas trees. And just what are Christmas trees? They are a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer such as spruce, pine or fir, traditionally associated with the celebration of Christmas. An artificial Christmas tree is an object made to resemble such a tree, usually made from PVC plastic.

In the past trees were traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, oranges, nuts or dates. In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles, which with electrification could also be replaced by Christmas lights. Today, there are a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garland, tinsel, and candy canes. An angel or star may be placed at the top of the tree, to represent the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.

The custom of the Christmas tree developed in early modern Germany with predecessors that can be traced to the 16th and possibly the 15th century. It acquired popularity beyond Germany during the second half of the 19th century. The Christmas tree has also been known as the "Yule-tree", especially in discussions of its folkloristic origins.

While it is clear that the modern Christmas tree originates in Renaissance and early modern Germany, there are a number of speculative theories as to its ultimate origin. Its 16th-century origins are sometimes associated with Martin Luther.

It is frequently traced to the symbolism of evergreen trees in pre-Christian winter rites, especially with the story of the Donar Oak and Saint Boniface.

We are fond of many decorations that are naturally made.  Along with dried fruits, Gingerbread cookies can make wonderful ornaments.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, "The use of evergreen trees, wreaths, and garlands to symbolize eternal life was a custom of the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews. Tree worship was common among the pagan Europeans and survived their conversion to Christianity in the Scandinavian customs of decorating the house and barn with evergreens at the New Year to scare away the devil and of setting up a tree for the birds during Christmastime."

If you are looking for the perfect gift for 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

Oranges Used To Combat Mercury

Recent marine studies have shown that a polymer derived from orange peels could potentially “suck up” mercury in the ocean. It’s been labeled as non-toxic and inexpensive, the Holy Grail for cleaning up pollution (and just about for anything else). The mastermind, Justin Chalker from Flinders University, is excited for the applications that the polymer, a chain of molecules, could be used for. So what’s the big deal?

Mercury, is a heavy metal, and while it is harmless in its elemental form it is harmful in liquid as used. Traditionally used in thermometers and home decorations, mercury was seen as the magical liquid metal, under standard conditions. However, industrial dumping in Minamata Bay, Japan, proved that forms of mercury in the environment was far from innocent: the whole town was swept with poisoning as a result of industrial dumping.

Through bacteria and UV rays, elemental mercury (Hg) transforms to methylmercury (CH3HgCl for the science-y people), which is able to accumulate in people. This buildup of mercury affects people in many ways, but most notably in the nervous system and brain. Considered a neurotoxin, mercury hampers people’s movement and causes birth defects, leading the World Health Organization to list it as one of the top ten toxins. Methylmercury’s ability to persist and accumulate in the human body by circumventing the cell’s security guards (glutathione) which usually remove toxins attributes to its potency.

This is why there is so much buzz around Justin Chalker’s new polymer: the product has the potential to remove mercury from the ocean, cleaning up mercury from the waters, the fish we eat, and the human body.

Beyond direct dumping as was the case with Minamata, mercury can get into the ocean by traveling through the air after getting released from burning coal. Burning coal accounts for 50% of the mercury released into the atmosphere, this mercury precipitates out of the atmosphere into the ocean, and wind up in fish. The good news is the US announced new carbon regulations aimed at reducing carbon, especially from coal power plants, and that we’ve got hope in oranges.

If you are looking for the perfect gift for 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

Holiday Cocktails Made Using Sunburst Navel Oranges

Bling Out

Most bartender will tell you that keeping navel oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits well stocked is essential to having a good night at your holiday parties. There are dozens of delicious cocktails that have fresh squeezed citrus juices as bright elements of your drinks. The juice always has to be fresh squeezed if it’s going to taste great, so this holiday season make sure that you order plenty navel oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits well before the holiday parties start. 

The citrus fruit makes for a delicious cocktail garnish and the juice will make your holiday cocktails good enough to make even the most finicky guest smile. Here are some fun holiday cocktail ideas that you can use to make your next holiday party the best one you’ve ever thrown:

The Mistletoe Martini 
To make this delicious cocktail start with a high quality vodka. Mix with freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, and chilled cranberry tea. The blush color of the drink and the sweet taste will have your friends and family kissing you for creating such a delicious drink. You can make a non-alcoholic version for the kids by substituting ginger ale or club soda for the vodka.

Bling Out
Non-alcoholic version – take 1 Part Simple Syrup - 2 Whole Black Currant - Sparkly grape Mix with freshly squeezed orange juice Muddle black currant and simple syrup in a mixing glass. Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 

Peach Pomegranate Martini 
This refreshingly light holiday cocktail uses pomegranate liquor as a base so it also has a beautiful color. Mix equal parts pomegranate liquor and peach schnapps together with freshly squeezed juice from navel oranges or from tangerines. Add a little sugar and use some candied orange rind for a beautiful garnish. Your guests who prefer light cocktails will love this drink because it has such a light taste.

English Christmas Punch 
This traditional punch can be made with or without alcohol and it’s a beautiful way to create a Christmas atmosphere for your holiday party. If you’re a Christmas traditionalist and you love the elements that are commonly associated with Christmas. You will just love this delicious punch that has been used to celebrate Christmas for generations. 

To make English Christmas Punch combine your favorite dark rum in equal parts with a delicious dry red wine. Add in some very strongly brewed tea, freshly squeezed orange juice from navel oranges, sugar, and a little lemon juice. Heat until warm through and serve warm. Your family and friends will find it easy to get into the holiday spirit after a glass or two of this wonderfully traditional holiday punch.

If you are looking for the perfect gift for 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

Historic American Christmas Dinner Menus

Have you ever wondered what Christmas dinner would be like in say 1685?  Have you ever wondered if you could recreate one of these great traditional meals? Here is a dinner for you to practice on. 

Yes, you will need to research and convert some of the items mentioned. I think they were planning on feeding an Army.

"A Bill of Fare for Christmas Day, and how to set the Meat in Order: Please note that spelling is per the original book.

Oysters. 
1. A collar of brawn 
2. Stewed Broth of Mutton marrow bones
3. A grand Sallet 
4. A pottage of caponets 
5. A breast of veal in stoffado 
6. A boil'd partridge 
7. A chine of beef, or surloin roast 
8. Minced pies 
9. A Jegote of mutton with anchove sauce 
10. A made dish of sweet-bread 
11. A swan roast 
12. A pasty of venison 
13. A kid with a pudding in his belly 
14. A steak pie 
15. A hanch of venison roasted 
16. A turkey roast and stuck with cloves. 
17. A made dish of chickens in puff paste
18. Two bran geese roasted, one larded
19. Two large capons, one larded 
20. A Custard.

"The second course for the same Mess. Oranges and Lemons. 
1. A Young lamb or kid. 
2. Two couple of rabbits, two larded. 
3. A pig souc't with tongues. 
4. Three ducks, one larded. 
5. Three pheasants, 1 larded. 
6. A Swan Pye. 
7. Three brace of partridge, three larded. 
8. Made dish in puff paste. 
9. Bolonia sausages, anchoves, mushrooms, Cavieate, and pickled oysters in a dish. 
10. Six teels, three larded. 
11. A Gammon of Westphalia Bacon. 
12. Ten plovers, five larded. 
13. A quince Pye, or warden pye. 
14. Six woodcocks, 3 larded. 
15. A standing Tart in puff-paste, preserved fruits, Pippins &c. 
16. A dish of Larks. 
17. Six dried meats tongues. 
18. Sturgeon. 
19. Powdered Geese. Jellies."

These were taken from The Accomplisht Cook, Robert May, facsimile 1685 edition [Prospect Books: Devon] 2,000 (pages in the book are unnumbered)

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy chocolates 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

$5 Donated to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Per Box

Sunburst Oranges is helping to fund the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - The $5 LLS Donation Organic Orange!

Sunburst Oranges in conjunction with Orange is the New Liver is offering delicious, hard to find, California organic oranges with $5.00 from each box sold donated to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - fighting blood cancers.

someday is today

Make your purchase have even more meaning and remember when yu purchase for yourself or as a holiday gift you can make it a life saving act.

$5 Give HOPE with a donation to LLS from each box of Plucky's Organic Oranges purchased!

If you are looking for the perfect gift for 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

Are You On The List?

No, not that list.  We leave that up to Santa.  We our checking our list to make sure we are getting out all of the last minute holiday gifts. Did you know that we have many more items than just citrus fruit?

We have flavored black teas, chocolates, jams, marmalades, honey and nuts.  I might add you will have to look long and hard to find anything that is near to our delicious flavors and quality.

Of course we have lemons, pomegranates and many types and different combinations of oranges that are ready to ship out by USPS Priority mail.

When it comes to our chocolates the creation of the Sunburst Orange Truffle is the newest of these mouth-watering delights.

All of our caramels, toffee, nuts and chews and truffles are handmade daily with only the freshest and finest ingredients. Some of the ingredients are grown right here in the San Joaquin Valley of California.

Our Black Teas are unsurpassed in quality and chosen under the scrutiny of an expert, only the finest ingredients go into Sunburst teas.

Our teas are packaged in transparent pyramid sachets made of bio-degradable and compostable starch material. The string and tag are attached by ultrasonic sealing without the use of glue.

We have chosen a select line of ‘Black Teas’ to complement all of our citrus, fruits, honey, preserves, candies and nuts.

Sunburst Oranges is proud to bring you this fine orange blossom honey from the heart of the California citrus belt. Enjoy the delicate nuances of orange in all your favorite recipes. Savor the essence of sweet citrus while relaxing with your favorite tea.

The honey is a perfect complement to your favorite tea or lemonade – it's light and fragrant characteristics are sure to please the palate.

The Naked Nut brand seeks out the best of what California and the local San Joaquin Valley has to offer... wrapping it up for you with a smile.

All of our Natural Raw 8 oz packages of Nuts and Dried Fruit are available for purchase to enjoy all the health benefits they provide. 

Visit sunburstoranges.com so you can fill your shopping cart with our wonderful selections and bring them into your home for the holidays!

If you are looking for the perfect gift for 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

How To: Make Orange Trees Produce Sweeter Oranges

Did you know that sweet oranges, or round oranges, are some of the most popular home orchard fruits in the country? These trees grow from 25 to 50 feet tall to provide dark green foliage, sweet orange blooms and a full fruit harvest over summer for gardeners who care for them. Without the right amount of sun and nutrition, though, orange trees fail to bloom and grow oranges. To encourage your orange tree to produce sweet, juicy oranges, follow some specific care guidelines during planting and growth.

Plant your orange tree in the right site, where it will receive full sun for six to eight hours every day. The tree won't bloom or bear fruit if it doesn't get the right amount of sunshine. If you can move your orange tree, do so. If you can't move the tree, prune away any surrounding foliage to open up the area.

Increase the orange tree's nutrition by amending the soil around its trunk with a mix of quick-draining soil and organic compost. Add a dose of fruit fertilizer to the orange tree's soil in early spring to promote growth and blooming.

Water orange trees with 2 to 6 inches of water a week. In a desert climate your tree will require more water than in a sunny but wetter location. Increase your watering when the tree begins blooming and bearing fruit, as increased water at that time will encourage bigger, juicier oranges.

Fertilize orange trees with fruit-specific or phosphorous and potassium fertilizer at the start of the fruiting period to encourage better fruiting and ripening. Orange trees require additional resources to bear fruit, and will bear larger, sweeter fruit if the right nutrition is available.

Given a good variety, oranges generally become sweeter as they ripen. The color of the peel can be an indicator of ripeness, so leave the fruit on the tree until it's developed good color and the fruit gives with a squeeze.

Cool weather before harvesting also tends to sweeten the fruit. The lack of chill can influence the sweetness of the taste.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy chocolates 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

Why Do Oranges Get Put In Christmas Stockings?

What do you find in your stocking on Christmas morning? Aside from the requisite candy canes and fun stocking stuffers, I always know there will be an orange resting in the toe of my stocking. What I thought was simply a sweet family tradition actually has a lot more meaning, and it's very interesting.

Our grandfather started the tradition in my family when my mother was young. My mother continued it with me, and my family remembers finding an orange in their stockings at Christmas. We think this would be a great tradition to start with your family. We have only recently learned the origins of this tradition, it is something I've looked forward to every Christmas morning.

We've uncovered several different explanations for how the tradition of placing an orange in stockings came to be. 

St. Nicholas and His Sacks Of Gold

One explanation for this tradition stretches back hundreds of years to St. Nicholas, who was born in what is now present-day Turkey. He inherited a large sum of money, but devoted his life to helping others, and eventually became a bishop.

According to the story, St. Nicholas learned of a poor man who wasn't able to find suitors for his three daughters because he didn't have money for a dowry. St. Nicholas traveled to the house, and tossed three sacks of gold down the chimney for each of the dowries. The gold happened to land in each of the girls' stockings which were hanging by the fire to dry. The oranges we receive today are a symbol of the gold that he left in their stockings.

A Treat During the Great Depression

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, money was tight, and many families simply didn't have the means to buy gifts. Instead, it was such a treat, even a luxury, to find things like a sweet orange and some walnuts in your stocking on Christmas.

Oranges Were Once A Scarce Treat

Some also offer the idea that fresh oranges were hard to come by, especially in the north, so finding one of these fruits in your stocking was a huge treat, and a way of celebrating the holiday.

Have you received an orange in your stocking on Christmas morning? 

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy chocolates 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 Infused Mashed Potatoes

Here's a nice variation on regular mashed potatoes. I really enjoy them with a pork loin roast and fruit salad. Bring something new to your holiday table this year.

Ingredients

1⁄4 cup butter
2 cups chopped onions (or less if you don't care for onion)
1⁄2 cup sour cream
3⁄4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon salt
3 pounds baking potatoes
orange zest (to garnish)

Directions

Melt butter and saute onions.
   
Cook peeled potatoes until tender; mash and add sour cream and orange juice using mixer.

Stir in onions and salt.

Garnish with orange zest.

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

Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941

“A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”: FDR Asks for a Declaration of War. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, stunned virtually everyone in the United States military. Japan's carrier-launched bombers found Pearl Harbor totally unprepared.

Japan intended the attack as a preventive action to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with military actions the Empire of Japan planned in Southeast Asia against overseas territories of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States. There were near-simultaneous Japanese attacks on the U.S.-held Philippines, Guam and Wake Island and on the British Empire in Malaya, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The attacks - from troop landings at Kota Bharu, Malaya, to the air attacks ranging geographically from Hong Kong to Pearl Harbor - took place over seven hours.

The attack commenced at 7:48 a.m. Hawaiian Time. The base was attacked by 353 Japanese fighter planes, bombers, and torpedo planes in two waves, launched from six aircraft carriers. All eight U.S. Navy battleships were damaged, with four sunk. All but Arizona were later raised, and six were returned to service and went on to fight in the war. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, an anti-aircraft training ship, and one minelayer. 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed; 2,403 Americans were killed and 1,178 others were wounded. Important base installations such as the power station, shipyard, maintenance, and fuel and torpedo storage facilities, as well as the submarine piers and headquarters building (also home of the intelligence section) were not attacked. Japanese losses were light: 29 aircraft and five midget submarines lost, and 64 servicemen killed. One Japanese sailor, Kazuo Sakamaki, was captured.

The attack came as a profound shock to the American people and led directly to the American entry into World War II in both the Pacific and European theaters. The following day, December 8, the United States declared war on Japan. Domestic support for non-interventionism, which had been fading since the German attack on France in 1940, disappeared. Clandestine support of the United Kingdom (e.g., the Neutrality Patrol) was replaced by active alliance. Subsequent operations by the U.S. prompted Germany and Italy to declare war on the U.S. on December 11, which was reciprocated by the U.S. the same day.

From the 1950s, several writers alleged that parties high in the U.S. and British governments knew of the attack in advance and may have let it happen (or even encouraged it) with the aim of bringing the U.S. into war. However, this advance-knowledge conspiracy theory is rejected by mainstream historians.

There were numerous historical precedents for unannounced military action by Japan. However, the lack of any formal warning, particularly while negotiations were still apparently ongoing, led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to proclaim December 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy". Because the attack happened without a declaration of war and without explicit warning, the attack on Pearl Harbor was judged by the Tokyo Trials to be a war crime.

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

5 Dollar Donation To The American Liver Foundation

Have you seen our latest news?

$5 from every box sold goes directly to the American Liver Foundation

Our Plucky Brand Oranges will donate $5 Dollar to the American Liver Foundation for every box of oranges sold.

Get fresh organic oranges delivered right to your door and help the American Liver Foundation raise funds for liver disease education and research.

Buy a box of delicious Plucky Brand Organic Oranges and taste how good it feels to give.

http://sunburst-oranges-plus.myshopify.com/collections/american-liver-foundation

Join Sunburst Oranges and Orange is the New Liver in raising funds for the organization that helps the most important organ in your body – the Liver.

The American Liver Foundation's Mission is to...

“Facilitate, advocate, and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.”

Organic Oranges ALF Donation – Large Box

$ 39.60

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

4 Million Pounds Of Oranges Stolen In Polk County Florida

State investigators say they have made an arrest in the largest case of citrus theft they have ever investigated, accusing Brad Reiter of Winter Haven of stealing 4 million pounds of fruit, worth more than $500,000. Of the three victims, Michael Whaley of Bartow was the smallest grower, losing a relatively small 180 boxes to Reiter, when compared to more than 44,000 boxes lost by Gabriel Family Partners.

"He has picked my fruit in the past probably eight or ten years," said Whaley. He says Reiter would visit the 5-acre, 750-tree grove next to Whaley's home, and his men would pick as many as 2,000 boxes of oranges.

Every year, the money would arrive soon after. Every year, that is, until last. "He said 'I'll be back,'" recalled Whaley. "Well he didn't come back that day. I bugged him about paying me, he said, 'I'll get around to it.'" Whaley says he's owed $1,000 for 180 boxes.

But Gabriel Partners says they were ripped off by Reiter Citrus for 250-times as much fruit. The Agriculture Department, which announced the arrest on Friday, says they were left holding the bag for 44,438 boxes of oranges. They say Reiter sold the fruit to others and didn't pay.

"I think he's a thief," said Whaley. "I can't believe he would do something like that to somebody, especially farmers." Whaley says no matter the size of the company, the theft hurts. After he had a stroke in 1993, the orange groves were his second home. "I did my own spraying, I did my own herbicide," he said. "I didn't really feel like doing it, but I got out here and did it anyway because I knew it would help me physically, and mentally."

Last year, a disease turned his oranges green. He says the suspect had picked every bit of his last good crop. "I know I am not a big time farmer, I know I am just a little rinky-dink farmer, but that's beside the point, at least I tried to do something with what I have got here."

The citrus greening, and the emotional toll of the theft, has him ready to rip out the orange grove, and plant a new fruit. Whaley was one of two victims who were smaller operations, with the other losing 570 boxes of fruit. Gabriel Family Partners did not want to comment.

If convicted of the four felony charges against him, Reiter faces twenty years behind bars. He is being held at the Polk County jail.

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

Yuzu New Super Fruit With Super Flavor

Is yuzu the new superfruit? This rare and costly citrus from Japan predicted to be next big thing. It's been called the world’s sexiest fruit and it’s a darling of chefs, yet you may never have heard of it.

So brace yourself for the super taste of yuzu, a rare and costly citrus fruit from Japan, which is predicted to become as popular here as oranges. It tastes like a cross between a lemon, mandarin and grapefruit and is finally being accepted into Western cuisine, where it is being used to flavor everything from beer and chewing gum to vinegar and cocktails.

It is widely stocked in Asian food shops and is expected to hit supermarket shelves early next year.

Nationwide chain Yo! Sushi is adding a sashimi dish to its menu at the end of November featuring thinly sliced premium salmon with a tart salsa made of yuzu. Executive chef Mike Lewis says: ‘Yuzu looks like a tangerine and tastes similar to a floral lime. ‘It has three times more vitamin C than a lemon, which makes this dish super-healthy.’

Sound the klaxons another ‘superfood’ has arrived! But what is yuzu and what do you ‘yuzu’ it for? We’ll show you how to enjoy this great citrus that has been loved in Japan for centuries and the real facts behind the hype. So join us as we … discover yuzu!

Okay so you’ve got some yuzu, what on earth do you do with it? Well, for starters if you do get hold of a whole yuzu, don’t stick your teeth straight in! A little yuzu goes a long way, and unlike a mikan tangerine, it’s a bit too sour for most people to want to dig in with no-prep. Yuzu is usually prepared as an accent juice or peel or preserved as a sweet or liqueur.

Yuzu juice can also be fantastic in dressings. Its light and refreshing tang makes it great on both vegetables and meat, and adds a really summery touch to dishes lacking a bit of pizzazz. Ok, so we’re going to let you in on a little secret that even fancy food columnists don’t seem to have cottoned on to – yuzu kosho. Made from yuzu peel and pepper (chilli that is, regardless of what the internet may tell you!) Yuzu kosho is salty, citrusy and with a refreshingly peppery bite. You can mix it into dressings and sauces, use as a marinade for meats, you can even pop some on your ramen! If we could only have one condiment (including Kewpie!) this would be it.

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