Saturday, January 30, 2016

$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

Friday, January 29, 2016

Oranges From Your Yard

Although Citrus is a subtropical genus, northern gardeners can grow lemons, oranges, and other citrus trees in containers to enjoy fresh fruit. Standard-size orange and grapefruit trees can grow 18 to 22 feet tall, whereas dwarf varieties only grow 8 to 12 feet tall. Most citrus varieties are self-fertile, so only one tree is necessary. On average, fruit bearing begins when the trees are between 3 and 6 years old; however, exact timing will depend on the type of citrus (lemons, oranges, grapefruit, etc.), the cultivar, your climate, the health of the plant and its care, and other factors. Flowering is not seasonal, but occurs during warm weather and regular rainfall. Flowers and fruits may coincide.

Planting

Citrus trees should be planted in a sunny and wind-protected area.

In the citrus belt, trees can be planted at any time, however, spring is the best time for container grown plants.

Standard-size trees should be spaced 12 to 25 feet apart and dwarf trees should be set 6 to 10 feet apart. The exact distance depends on the variety. The bigger the fruit, the farther the distance.

If the soil is not well-drained, plant the trees on a slight mound to prevent waterlogging.

To plant citrus trees inside from seeds, remove the seeds from the desired fruit. Soak the seeds overnight in water and plant them ½ inch deep in moist potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or wrap and let it sit in a warm and sunny spot for a few weeks until the seeds start to grow. Then, remove the plastic but keep the pot near a warm and sunny window.

Care

A few weeks after planting, and for the first few years (before bearing age), feed the tree a balanced (such as 6-6-6) fertilizer.

For newly bearing trees, provide nutrients to continue branch and leaf growth but also to replace nutrients lost by fruit forming. A citrus blend is ideal.

Check manufacturer’s directions, or ask a garden nursery, as to how often and how much to apply during each year of a tree's growth.

Mulches are not recommended for citrus trees, but if trees are located in a cultivated plant bed where mulch is used, keep at least 12 inches of bare ground between the tree trunk and the mulch. Pre-emergent herbicides may be used to prevent weed seeds from germinating.

Fruit thinning is unnecessary.

Are you looking for Oranges 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

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Nutritional Breakdown Of Oranges

One medium orange contains 80 calories, 0 grams of fat, 250 milligrams of potassium, 19 grams of carbohydrate (14 grams of sugar and 3 grams of dietary fiber) as well as 1 gram of protein. One orange provides 130 percent of your vitamin C needs for the day, 2 percent of vitamin A needs, 6 percent of calcium.

Oranges also contain thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, selenium and copper. Because of their high vitamin C content (over twice the daily need) oranges are associated with boosting the immune system.

Oranges also contain choline, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids.

Choline is an important nutrient found in oranges that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.

Zeaxanthin and carotenoids have antioxidant effects and have been shown to have an inverse relationship with overall cancer rates and prostate cancer in particular.

How To Incorporate More Oranges Into Your Diet

Keep a bowl on the kitchen table or counter stocked with fresh fruit from the season. Seeing the fruits readily available will likely cause you to choose them as a snack more often rather than raiding the cupboards for a less healthy snack.

Make a fruit salad with strawberries, pineapple, mandarin oranges and grapes.

Add some orange slices to your salad at lunch or dinner. Compliment the oranges with walnuts or pecans, a crumbled cheese and a light balsamic or citrus vinaigrette dressing.

Make your own juice! Nothing tastes better than freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning. When you make your own, you can be sure there are no added preservatives or sweeteners.

There are a variety of orange types on offer that can aid in various conditions from heart health to diabetes.

Oranges should be picked at their peak of ripeness because unlike some other fruits, they do not ripen or improve in quality after being picked. Oranges should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

While it is hard to find good fruits and vegetables in the winter, it is the perfect time to buy citrus. Winter is the peak season for oranges and other citrus fruits.

There are many different types of oranges available such as navel, mandarin, cara cara, blood oranges, Valencia and Seville oranges just to name a few. Some are very sweet and others have more of a sour taste.

Are you looking for Oranges 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

Asian Style Orange Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken soup, the favorite soup for most folks is a soup made from chicken, simmered in water, usually with various other ingredients. The classic chicken soup consists of a clear broth, often with pieces of chicken or vegetables; common additions are pasta, dumplings, or grains such as rice and barley. Chicken soup has acquired the reputation of a folk remedy for colds and influenza, and in many countries is considered a comfort food. But we have an Asian style that uses fresh squeezed orange juice to add a bright flavor to the standard fare. We think this will be a new family favorite.

Ingredients

1 quart chicken broth
1 cup Sunburst Oranges Fresh Squeezed orange juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
12 ounces dried Asian-style noodles, such as soba
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup snow peas
½ cup carrots, thinly sliced
½ cup cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Hot pepper sauce to taste, optional

Directions

Heat the chicken broth in stockpot; add orange juice. Bring to low boil; add soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger; reduce heat to low. 

Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water. Toss noodles with vegetable oil. 

Divide noodles evenly among four large soup bowls; add chicken broth mixture. 

Top with chicken, snow peas, carrots, cilantro and green onions. Serve with hot pepper sauce, if desired.

Yield: Makes 4 Servings

Are you looking for fresh citrus 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

Monday, January 25, 2016

Learn How Oranges Are Helping To Fight Leukemia

It seems like each and every day we read about new research into the health benefits of oranges. So when we write about “Learn how oranges are helping to fight Leukemia” I am sure you thought that we were going to do a story on the latest research into oranges.

Something like this from the Daily Mail in Britton. Oranges 'cut cancer risk'
by Tim Utton, Daily Mail

An orange a day is the best bet for keeping cancer away, according to scientists. Researchers believe eating the citrus fruit can cut the risk of some examples of the disease by up to 50 per cent. They also found that consuming an extra serving can reduce the risk of a stroke by 19 per cent. As well as providing vitamins and fiber, citrus fruits boost the immune system and fight the growth of tumors. But few Britons are consuming enough fruit and vegetables to gain the full benefit.

Only 13 percent of men and 15 percent of women eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, according to the Department of Health. The latest study found that consuming citrus fruits could cut the risk of mouth, larynx and stomach cancers by up to 50 percent. These cancers alone kill more than 8,000 Britons a year.

Well, not this time. Do you know that buying organic will make sure that a $5.00 donation goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society? Sunburst Oranges, through our Plucky Organic brand, is teaming up with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-California Southland Chapter to help them find a cure for blood cancers. $5 from every box of organic oranges sold will be donated directly to them.

The LLS exists to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. We are the voice for all blood cancer patients and we work to ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients. The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS recognizes that finding cures is not enough; we need to ensure that patients have access to the treatments, services and providers they need to live longer, better, healthier lives. LLS is dedicated to removing barriers to care.

What Sunburst & Plucky Do

We at Sunburst Oranges have several lifetimes of experience growing, packing and selling citrus. Now, through Plucky Brand Organics, we're using those human resources to help educate and support those in need of medical attention and financial assistance from the charitable organizations we support.

Use this hyperlink to go directly to our page and take advantage of this great life-saving offer. http://sunburst-oranges-plus.myshopify.com/collections/the-leukemia-lymphoma-society-lls

Are you looking for chocolate 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

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Dark Chocolate Increases Attention And Alertness

If it is good for you we need to understand what Dark means. Dark chocolate is also known as "bittersweet" or "semisweet" chocolate. It contains a high percentage (> 60%) of cocoa solids, and little or no added sugar. Dark chocolate has a rich, intense flavor, and is found in chocolate bars, candies and baking chocolate.

There is some good news for the chocolate lovers out there: a new study carried out by researchers from Northern Arizona University reveals that the intake of dark chocolate with at least 60 percent cacao could be the key to improving attention and alertness and get you through the afternoon slump.

"Chocolate is indeed a stimulant and it activates the brain in a really special way," said Dr. Larry Stevens, a professor of psychological sciences at Northern Arizona University. "It can increase brain characteristics of attention, and it also significantly affects blood pressure levels."

The study was published in the journal NeuroRegulation and sponsored by American chocolate manufacturer the Hershey Company. The study is actually the first of its kind to investigate the influence that chocolate has on brain activity and attention using the electroencephalography (EEG) technique. With EEG, it is possible to take images of the brain's activity while performing cognitive tasks.

For the study, Stevens and his team recruited 122 volunteers aged between 18 and 25. They were all given one of the following options: chocolate with high cacao content (60 percent), chocolate with low cacao content (0 percent), high cacao chocolate with added L-theanine (the amino acid found in green tea), high-sugar water, low-sugar water, or just plain water. They examined the EEG activity, mood and blood pressure of all participants before and after consuming one of the six options while performing certain cognitive tasks. Both the group that ate the chocolate with 60 percent cacao and the one with added L-theanine outperformed the groups that did not eat dark chocolate at all.

"A lot of us in the afternoon get a little fuzzy and can't pay attention, particularly students, so we could have a higher cacao content chocolate bar and it would increase attention," Stevens said. He further notes that only dark chocolate that contains at least 60 percent cacao will boost alertness and attention, not the sugary, milky stuff a normal chocolate bar provides. Stevens and his team also found that eating dark chocolate raises blood pressure. That's where the chocolate/L-theanine combination kicks in: L-theanine acts as a relaxant that lowers blood pressure.

"L-theanine is a really fascinating product that lowers blood pressure and produces what we call alpha waves in the brain that are very calm and peaceful," Stevens said. "We thought that if chocolate acutely elevates blood pressure, and L-theanine lowers blood pressure, then maybe the L-theanine would counteract the short-term hypertensive effects of chocolate." Although the combination isn't available yet, Hershey, who supported the project, is interested in making this new form of chocolate. Stevens hopes that this study will encourage other manufacturers to do their research on the effects of cacao 

Are you looking for chocolate 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

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Chocolates In The News

So what is happening with Chocolates around the workd.  Here are two stories that caught our attention.

Nestle Can’t Trademark KitKat Shape

Nestle has lost a long-running court battle to trademark the four-finger shape of its KitKat chocolate bar in Britain.

The Swiss food giant first tried to register the trademark in 2010, but the application was opposed by rival chocolate maker Cadbury U.K. Ltd. The case was previously dismissed by other courts including the European Court of Justice. Britain's High Court on Wednesday upheld those decisions, ruling that the shape of a KitKat bar has not "acquired a distinctive character" enough to satisfy trademark requirements.

Nestle said it was disappointed by the ruling and planned to appeal the decision. It argued that the shape of the four-finger snack has been used in Britain for more than 80 years and is well-known to consumers. "We believe that the shape deserves to be protected as a trademark in the U.K. and are disappointed that the court did not agree on this occasion," the company said.

It's not the first time Cadbury and Nestle have tussled over confectionery in a British court. In 2013, Nestle won a court battle over Cadbury's attempt to register the purple shade of its chocolate wrappers as a trademark.

McDonalds Introduces Chocolate On Fries In Japan

If you thought chocolate covered potato chips were all the rage, McDonald’s is upping the ante with chocolate covered fries. McDonalds in Japan is testing French fries smothered with not just one type of chocolate sauce, but two: chocolate with cacao flavor and white milk chocolate.

Called McChoco Potatoes, the limited-time menu item will be available staring January 26. According to a release, the company says it “makes for a great dessert” by creating a “wonderful salty and sweet harmonious taste.” McDonald's Japan often tests new menu items for the company and if they are successful there, they're sometimes introduced to other markets. Over the years, McDonald's Japan has rolled out items such as the 48 piece McNuggets and the shrimp burger.

No word on if the McChoco Potato will ever hit the U.S.  But if there are plans to introduce it, they'd better hurry up before the chocolate shortage hits.

Are you looking for chocolate 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

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Best Chocolate Brownie Recipe

How could we bring to the surface the best recipes published in the first quarter-century? Would a taste be possible? No so we tried to narrow it down a bit and here is one we think is sure to please.


Ingredients

3/4 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup butter, melted and divided
1/2 cup boiling water
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
one-bowl buttercream frosting 
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

One-Bowl Buttercream Frosting
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2-2/3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat butter in medium bowl. Add powdered sugar and cocoa alternately with milk, beating to spreading consistency (additional milk may be needed). Stir in vanilla. Makes about 2 cups frosting.

Directions

Heat oven to 350° Fahrenheit 
Grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan or two 8-inch square baking pans.

Stir together cocoa and baking soda in large bowl; stir in 1/3 cup butter. Add boiling water; stir until mixture thickens. Stir in sugar, eggs and remaining 1/3 cup butter; stir until smooth. Add flour, vanilla and salt; blend completely. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into prepared pan.
    
Bake 35 to 40 minutes for rectangular pan, 30 to 35 minutes for square pans or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Frost with Buttercream Frosting. Garnish with chocolate chips, if desired. Cut into squares. Makes about 24 brownies.

Are you looking for the perfect wholesome fruits 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

Monday, January 18, 2016

I Have A Dream In Honor Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In honor of the Martin Luther King Day we thought it would be fitting to revisit his famous speech. "I Have a Dream." It is a public speech delivered by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 1963, in which he calls for an end to racism in the United States. Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, the speech was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Beginning with a reference to the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed millions of slaves in 1863, King observes that: "one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free". Toward the end of the speech, King departed from his prepared text for a partly improvised peroration on the theme "I have a dream", prompted by Mahalia Jackson's cry: "Tell them about the dream, Martin!" In this part of the speech, which most excited the listeners and has now become its most famous, King described his dreams of freedom and equality arising from a land of slavery and hatred. Jon Meacham writes that, "With a single phrase, Martin Luther King Jr. joined Jefferson and Lincoln in the ranks of men who've shaped modern America". The speech was ranked the top American speech of the 20th century in a 1999 poll of scholars of public address.

King had been preaching about dreams since 1960, when he gave a speech to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) called "The Negro and the American Dream". This speech discusses the gap between the American dream and reality, saying that overt white supremacists have violated the dream, and that "our federal government has also scarred the dream through its apathy and hypocrisy, its betrayal of the cause of justice". King suggests that "It may well be that the Negro is God's instrument to save the soul of America."

On November 27, 1962, Dr. King gave a speech at Booker T. Washington High School in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. That speech was longer than the version which he would eventually deliver from the Lincoln Memorial. And while parts of the text had been moved around, large portions were identical, including the "I have a dream" refrain. While researching the link between references to dreams by Dr. King and Langston Hughes for his book "Origins of the Dream" (published February 3, 2015), Professor Jason Miller found a transcript of the speech. In the fall of 2013, Professor Miller was contacted by the Braswell Public Library in Rocky Mount, informing him that they were in possession of a recording of the speech. In August 2015, after having been restored and digitized, the recording of the 1962 speech was presented to the public by the English department of North Carolina State University.

Dr. King had also delivered a "dream" speech in Detroit, in June 1963, when he marched on Woodward Avenue with Walter Reuther and the Reverend C. L. Franklin, and had rehearsed other parts.

The March on Washington Speech, known as "I Have a Dream Speech", has been shown to have had several versions, written at several different times. It has no single version draft, but is an amalgamation of several drafts, and was originally called "Normalcy, Never Again". Little of this, and another "Normalcy Speech", ended up in the final draft. A draft of "Normalcy, Never Again" is housed in the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection of the Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center and Morehouse College. The focus on "I have a dream" comes through the speech's delivery. Toward the end of its delivery, noted African American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson shouted to King from the crowd, "Tell them about the dream, Martin." King stopped delivering his prepared speech, and started "preaching", punctuating his points with "I have a dream."

Do you have a dream about finding the perfect wholesome fruits 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






Friday, January 15, 2016

Sunburst Oranges Talks Orange Blossom Honey Benefits

As most everyone knows without bees we could not pollinate our citrus crops.  There is a magnificent by-product of having bees do our pollinating and it is the most wonderful tasting honey.

Just like eating Sunburst Oranges, eating our Sunburst Orange Blossom Honey has many beneficial properties.

The healing powers of honey have been used for centuries, but you might be surprised how many health benefits you can get from this kitchen staple. This golden liquid has been shown to help fix ailments ranging from a pesky cough to a painful wound.

However, children under the age of one should never consume honey, raw or pasteurized.

Did you know that the ancient Egyptians not only made offerings of honey to their gods, they also used it as an embalming fluid and a dressing for wounds? On that last point, at least, they were on to something.

Today, many people swarm (pun intended) to honey for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Holistic practitioners consider it one of nature's best all-around remedies.

Ancient Olympic athletes would eat honey and dried figs to enhance their performance. This has now been verified with modern studies, showing that it is superior in maintaining glycogen levels and improving recovery time than other sweeteners.

Even the Bible has a direct reference to honey.  “My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:” — King Solomon – Proverbs: 24:13

In the laboratory, honey has been shown to hamper the growth of food-borne pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella, and to fight certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both of which are common in hospitals and doctors' offices.

Recent research shows that honey treatment may help disorders such as ulcers and bacterial gastroenteritis.

When shopping for honey and you'll see that some are lighter, others are darker. In general, the darker the honey, the more antibacterial and antioxidant power it has.

Please visit our Honey page: www.sunburstoranges.com/#!local-honey/cp92

Pure, California Honey created in the Orange Blossoms of the San Joaquin Valley.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to 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

Latest Health Research On Honey

Honey has a long medicinal history. The ancient Egyptians not only made offerings of honey to their gods, they also used it as an embalming fluid and a dressing for wounds. On that last point, at least, they were on to something.

Today, many people swarm to honey for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Holistic practitioners consider it one of nature's best all-around remedies.

But outside of the laboratory, claims for honey's healthfulness are unproven -- except in the area of wound care and, to a lesser extent, cough suppression.

Here's the truth behind the claims about honey's health benefits -- and an important warning. Never Give Honey to an Infant

Honey is natural and considered harmless for adults. But pediatricians strongly caution against feeding honey to children under 1 year old.

Is Honey Antibacterial?

In the laboratory, honey has been shown to hamper the growth of food-borne pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella, and to fight certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both of which are common in hospitals and doctors' offices. But whether it does the same in people hasn't been proven.

Honey For Treating Burns

Honey has been used to heal burns and prevent infection for thousands of years. It has been used as a wound cover in studies on treating burns and is found in many licensed medical products. There is evidence to support the benefit of honey in healing and sterilizing infected wounds. Promising results show that honey may reduce burn-healing time. However, many studies were conducted by the same researchers, who compared honey dressings to other treatments such as potato. More evidence is needed in this area.

Using Honey As A Cough Remedy

Honey may be an inexpensive treatment for cough in children with upper respiratory tract infections (URIs). Although honey may have few side effects, there are conflicting reports. The use of honey may cause cavities, hyperactivity, sleep problems, bacterial infection, or effects on the heart. High-quality research is needed before a conclusion may be made.

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

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Fun Facts About Honey & Honey Bees

We all know that bees are involved in pollination of some of our food crops.  Many have heard that the honeybee population is having issues related to several factors, but here is a group of facts to give you more background on the kife of bees.

80% of the pollination of the fruits, vegetables and seed crops in the U.S. is accomplished by honeybees.

Honey bees have five eyes, of which 2 are compound eyes made up of thousands of tiny lenses.

Bees have been producing honey for at least 150 million years.

A cave painting depicting an androgynous figure robbing honey out of the hive was found in the Cave of the Spider in Valencia, Spain. It is estimated to be 15,000 years old.

Honey stored in air tight containers never spoils. Sealed honey vats found in King Tut's tomb still contained edible honey, despite over 2,000 years beneath the sands.

A queen is the largest bee in the hive. She can lay up to 2,000 eggs per day, twice her own body weight per day.

Drones have no stinger. They do no real work. Their only purpose is to mate with virgin queens.

The area now comprising Israel and the Palestine autonomous region is often referred to as "the land of milk and honey." (Exodus 3:8)

German peasants were required to give their feudal lords a payment of honey and beeswax.

Europeans brought the European Honeybee to America in 1638. The Native Americans referred to the honeybee as the "White Man's Flies," because wild swarms always preceded the arrival of the white man.

Bees must visit approximately 2 million flowers to make 1 pound of honey.

Bees have to fly over 55,000 miles to make 1 pound of honey.

On average a worker bee will make 1/12 teaspoon of honey in her lifetime.

Two tablespoons of honey would fuel a honey bee flying once around the world.

Honey bees will visit between 50-100 flowers during one nectar collection trip.

The bee's brain is oval in shape and only about the size of a sesame seed, yet it has remarkable capacity to learn and remember things and is able to make complex calculations on distance travelled and foraging efficiency

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

Honey Spice Chicken Thighs

Every so often we find a great price on chicken thighs at our local supermarket. When you do this a great recipe for your family. Use 10 chicken thighs in the package and froze the other ones for later use. Try to find thighs that are good sized, so figure it out at one thigh per serving, two if smaller sized. Also, I experimented with skin on and skin removed thighs and, I have to say, the skin off were much better!

If you’re not into spicy, you can leave out the cayenne and this recipe will still be excellent! The seasoning glaze is a great mix of sweet, smokey, and garlicky. The cayenne just gives it an extra kick.

Ingredients

    10 (4 pounds) chicken thighs
    ⅓ cup Sunburst honey
    1 tablespoon cider vinegar
    1 tablespoon chili powder
    ½ tablespoon garlic powder
    ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
    ½ teaspoon cumin
    ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, combine everything except the chicken thighs (honey, cider vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, cumin, and salt). Stir until combined.

Remove the skin from the chicken thighs if desired. Place the chicken thighs either on a roasting pan or a baking sheet covered with foil. A roasting pan can be simulated by placing wire cooling racks over a baking sheet to allow juices to fall below the chicken. Brush the honey spice mixture over the surface of the chicken thighs, using about half of the total honey mixture.

Place the chicken thighs in the fully preheated oven. Roast for about 20 minutes. Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and use the remaining honey spice mixture to brush on a second coat. Return the chicken to the oven and roast for another 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Notes
Do not brush any of the honey spice mixture onto the chicken after it is finished cooking because it is contaminated with raw chicken. Use all of it prior to the last 20 minutes of cooking.

This recipe is super easy to prepare and requires little attention, so you can use the extra time to prepare a salad or whatever side dishes you want!

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

Friday, January 8, 2016

Try Our Super Saver Boxes To Get Your Fresh Oranges

Medium Super Citrus Saver
18 California Sweet Navel Oranges delivered to your door at no additional shipping costs. $21.95

Large Super Citrus Saver
24 California Sweet Navel Oranges delivered to your door at no additional shipping costs. $29.95

Can ship anywhere in the US including Military Bases... Send a little Sunshine to Support Our Troops.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.



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

Thursday, January 7, 2016

California Navel Oranges Best During The Winter

California navel oranges are considered by many to be the best oranges in the world for eating out of hand. And they are at their best during the winter months. They have a meaty flesh, their thick rinds are easy to peel, the segments separate easily, and they don’t have seeds. 

All navel oranges have a navel at the blossom end, an opening with a convoluted interior that looks like a “belly button.” Some have a very small navel; others have a larger one. If you’re in doubt, inspect several in the bin. A quick poll will identify the variety. 

Originally planted in the 1930s on Sky Valley Ranch, Heirloom Navel Oranges gave California its reputation for having the best tasting citrus in the world. This rare variety gets its unique flavor from the perfect combination of climate, soil, sunshine, and special root stock. A true heirloom fruit, they taste like no other oranges on the market.

Do you know how to select oranges? Whatever the variety, look for oranges that are shiny and heavy in the hand. It’s a primary rule for a number of fruits, but it’s especially important for oranges. Check the scent – the orange should smell good. Except for Robinson tangerines, the rind should never feel puffy, that is, it shouldn’t feel like there’s any space between it and the flesh. There should be no spotting, no signs of shriveling, no white patches on the rind, and no fermented smell.

You’ll have better luck coming home with good oranges if you learn which varieties are in season when, and keep a simple guideline in mind when you’re selecting them at the market. Oranges and all citrus fruit should be heavy in the hand for its size. This simple test is your most reliable guide for citrus fruit.

Oranges are loved across the world, and just as unique as their name is (there is no other word that rhymes with it!) this fruit has some amazing benefits for your beauty as well. Leave aside your beauty woes and let this fruit work its natural magic on your skin.

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

Five Popular Types Of Commercial Oranges

Did you know that the orange fruit itself is actually a type of a berry, and its flavors can vary from sweet to sour. The first orange trees in the United States were planted in the mid-1800s and today the fruit is cultivated worldwide in warm, sub-tropical climates where the temperatures range between 60°F - 85°F. Thanks to its worldwide abundance, orange juice is now the most popular fruit juice in the world, and the orange fruit ranks 4th in terms of overall fruit popularity.

There are actually more than 600 different types of oranges growing around the world today, a few are almost wild while most are carefully cultivated. When it comes to cash crops. Here are five types of commercial oranges that are by far the most popular and profitable types in the world today.

Valencia Oranges are best known as the orange juice oranges, but they are also great to eat too. Valencia oranges have thin skins, a few seeds, and are very juicy. The Valencia’s were named after the Spanish city of Valencia when they were first introduced in California, and they remain an important citrus crop in that state today.

Navel Oranges are the most common variety of oranges in the U.S. and are sweet and seedless. Navels have thick skins and a characteristic dimple on one end that resembles a human navel. Navel oranges are a seedless variety that is propagated through the use of cuttings.

Mandarin Oranges are a type of tangerine that is small, mild and sweet. They have a long growing season from January into May and are mainly sold in jars or cans today, although fresh mandarins are catching on.

Seville Oranges are sour oranges well-suited for making marmalade and are also used in cooking, cocktails and salad dressings. Seville oranges are small and have a short season starting in December and ending at the start of February.

Clementine Oranges are small oranges and sweet in flavor. They are seedless and perfect for snacks or used in fruit displays. Clementines have a short November to January growing season.

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

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Orange-Soaked Bundt Cake

This amazingly moist and delicious cake is adapted from a long time favorite family recipe. You'll need a thin skewer to poke holes in the cake. Serve the cake garnished with slices of peeled oranges macerated with a little confectioners sugar.

Ingredients

For The Cake:
    10 oz. (2-1/4 cups) all-purpose flour; more for the pan
    2 cups sugar
    1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    6 oz. (12 tablespoon) unsalted butter, softened; more for the pan
    3/4 cup canola or other mild-flavored oil (check for freshness before using)
    1-1/2 tablespoon finely minced lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
    1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    3/4 cup strained fresh squeezed orange juice
    5 large eggs

For The Syrup & Glaze:
    1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
    1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
    1 cup confectioners' sugar, divided

Directions

Heat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit Butter and flour a 10-inch tube pan or 12-cup bundt pan.

To Make The Cake

Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and soda into the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the butter and mix on low speed until fine crumbs form. Change to the whisk attachment. With the machine running on medium speed, whisk in the oil, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Whisk in the eggs one at a time and then increase the speed to high and whisk the batter until light, about 3 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl if necessary. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.

To Make The Syrup and Glaze

While the cake bakes, whisk together in a small bowl the orange juice concentrate, butter,  and 1/2 cup of the confectioners' sugar. When the cake is done, set the pan on a rack to cool for 5 minutes. With a thin skewer, poke the cake all the way through to the bottom of the pan in about 100 places. Pour 1/3 cup of the syrup over the cake and let stand for 1 hour before removing the cake from the pan. (At this point you can wrap the cake in plastic and hold for up to 3 days at room temperature; in fact, the flavor only improves.) Cover the remaining syrup with plastic and store at room temperature.

When ready to serve, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar into the remaining syrup. Set the cake on a rack over a baking sheet and pour the glaze over the cake. Let stand for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. 

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