Pomegranates have been cherished for their exquisite beauty, flavor, color, and health benefits for centuries. From their distinctive crown to their ruby red arils, pomegranates are royalty amongst fruit. They are symbolic of prosperity and abundance in virtually every civilization. Fortunately, this treasure’s versatility and possibilities are as abundant as the juicy arils bursting forth from within.
Pomegranates are a super food that provides a concentrated source of antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect your heart, brain and body. The edible capsule around the seeds also provides vitamin B6, Vitamin C and lots of potassium.
Research:
The following is only a small selection of a plethora of research that has been conducted and is continuing to be carried out on the medicinal potential of Pomegranates:
High Blood Pressure
A 2013 pilot clinical trial presented evidence that acute blood pressure was improved with a single dose of pomegranate juice in certain individuals with high blood pressure. The group stated, “The hypotensive properties of pomegranate juice could be ascribed to the promising antioxidant properties of phytochemicals present in this complex juice.”
The same group also conducted a trail on the effects of a 2-week intake of pomegranate juice. According to their findings, the results implied a significant reduction in blood pressure, confirming results of previous studies. The group also was able to attribute results of two previous trails that did not find significant reductions in blood pressure as due to differences in inclusion criteria of the individuals selected for those studies.
They also note, “…evidence has indicated that diets rich in natural antioxidants are associated with a reduced risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular events.” In the group’s conclusion of their study they remark that while their study should not be interpreted as proof, it is motivational for further large-scale investigations. “Consumption of pomegranate juice could be considered in the context of both dietary and pharmacological interventions for hypertension.”
Lung Cancer
A 2006 study “hypothesized that PFE [pomegranate fruit extract] may afford chemopreventive as well as cancer-chemotherapeutic effects against lung cancer.” The study was conducted in the laboratory and the researchers state, “Based on the present study it is tempting to suggest that PFE and its associated antioxidants have strong potential for development as a chemopreventive and possibly as a chemotherapeutic agent against lung cancer. Thus, these could be important observations that may be useful for devising strategies for the management of lung cancer.” They concluded in depth studies were warranted as their research demonstrated the lung cancer cells were highly sensitive and growth inhibited by pomegranate juice extract.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The consumption of products containing extracts of pomegranate by arthritis patients has been increasing. However, the effectiveness of using pomegranate juice and extract for anti-inflammatory and joint damage suppression is not fully known. A 2008 laboratory study was designed to evaluate a standardized preparation of pomegranate extract on rheumatoid arthritis.
Results of the study ‘potently’ delayed the onset and reduced the incidence of the laboratory induced rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers were able to conclude, “[pomegranate extract] or compounds derived from it may be a useful approach for the prevention of onset and severity of inflammatory arthritis.”
Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy food 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.
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Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA 93257
559-561-3391
What are cara cara navel oranges? Cara cara navel oranges, are a variety of navel oranges. They were first discovered in 1976 at Hacienda Cara Cara in Venezuela and later introduced in Florida and then in California during the 1980s.
This special orange is juicy, lower in acidic taste, seedless, and, some say, has a berry like flavor. The name “cara cara” means “beloved” in Italian.
When selecting cara cara navel oranges, make sure the fruit is firm, heavy for its size, and has a pleasant sweet smell. Scars or imperfect coloring do not reveal anything about the fruit’s flavor. When storing, keep in a cool, well-ventilated place. They can last 3 to 4 days at normal room temperature and up to two weeks in your refrigerator.
While you can get oranges year round in the grocery store, and even at many farmers markets, Winter is the peek season for California’s cara cara navel oranges, and many other citrus – like blood oranges, pomelos, mandarins, and oro blanco grapefruits.
From the major growing regions, South African Cara caras are ready for market starting in August, Venezuelan fruits arrive in October and Californian fruits make their seasonal debut in late November and are available through April.
These beautifully colored beauties are bursting with vitamin C just when the cooler and damp weather has us shut up indoors and more susceptible to getting sick. Just one Cara Cara orange provides 150% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C and 30% of vitamin A. Because our bodies cannot store vitamin C, it is important for us to regularly consume it. Oranges are also an important source of fiber, especially when eaten whole.
In addition the cara cara orange is a good source of folate and potassium, and a natural source of Lycopene, the disease-fighting antioxidant that may be helpful in preventing some cancers and protecting against cardiovascular disease. Lycopene, in fact, gives the fruit its dark, rich coloring.
On a rare occasion, the trees will yield multicolored-leafed twigs instead of their usual green leaves. If the twigs are left to grow and fruit, they can sometimes produce fruits with a striped rind.
Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy fresh 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
As our regular readers know we cover all things Orange and Orange Festivals are usually very fun and help raise awareness as related to eating oranges. Yes, we know they occur all over the world but here is one that even surprised us…the Himalayan Orange Festival. The second annual one is coming up in December of this year or early in 2016, the date is a bit up in the air yet.
The 1st Himalayan Orange Festival & Rural Tourism Bazaar was held in Kolkata during January, 2015. The Festival was organized by ACT (Association for Conservation & Tourism) in collaboration with City Centre, Salt Lake.
The entire Rural Tourism communities from Darjeeling Hills, Dooars, adjoining Eastern Nepal and adjoining Southern Bhutan took active participation in the event. This was the first of its kind of event being inaugurated by Chief Guest. Bhikku Bodhipala, Guests of Honour, The Consulate Generals of Nepal and Bhutan, Special Guests, Madhu Neotia and Shekhar Das. There were several happenings with orange as the core area of interest. The event was initiated at Kolkata with the 100 years Birth Anniversary of Maitreyi Devi, the then lady from the Cinchona Plantations of Mungpoo organized to send two baskets of oranges to the ailing Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at Calcutta (Kolkata), who described them as the best gifts of his life. Hence, this was a gift from the people in the hills to the people of Kolkata.
The Rural Tourism community leaders, who were there at the festival as individuals, travel companies, Destination Associations and NGOs decided to get together in the platform of ACT and formed the first Community Tourism Council called the Himalayan Orange Tourism Council, in short the ACT-HOT Council on the 8th of January, 2015 at a meeting hosted by Jaldapara Jungle Camp at Madarihat.
Finally, in a meeting at Chota Mangwa, near Takdah, held on the 7th of February, 2015 and hosted by Darjeeling Blossoms, the final shape to the Governing Committee was made possible with the Pillar Organizations.
A documentary film on Lohagarh, a destination in India Terai was released at the 2nd HOT council meet at Chota Mangwa. There was a community based Tea Tourism connectivity which was made by Council member, Shankar Mandal and a community meeting with the presence of the HOT council members, who helped in the launching of Lohagarh Friends of Environment, along with the first Homestay on 22nd February 2015. This was the first Homestay in Indian Terai.
So if you are looking for an orange related reason to visit the Himalayan area you have one now.
Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy fresh 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
If you are looking for a great fresh summer salad with a clean citrus taste we have one for you to try at your next family meal night.
Fresh oranges are peeled, thinly sliced crosswise, and then tossed with onions, olives and a fragrant vinaigrette made with cumin, curry, cilantro, and mint. The result is a startlingly colorful first course that is sure to jazz up any weeknight meal.
Ingredients
6 oranges (about 2 1/2 inches wide, 2 ½ pounds total; see note)
6 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
Spice blend (see below)
1 mild red onion (6 ounces), peeled and sliced (see note)
1/2 cup finely slivered fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Real Salt to taste
About 1/2 cup black olives such as kalamata
Fresh mint leaves and fresh cilantro leaves, rinsed
Note: Juice-orange slices hold together better than those from navel oranges. If you are using a hot onion, put slices in a bowl and mix with 4 cups cold water, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 1 tablespoon salt; gently squeeze the slices, separating the rings. Let stand 10 minutes, then drain, rinse, and drain again.
Spice Blend: Combine 3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds or ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika or mild ground dried chili, 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns or 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves, 1/4 teaspoon curry powder, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon; if using whole spices, whirl mixture in a grinder or small food processor to a powder.
Directions
With a small, sharp knife, cut peel and white membrane from oranges. Slice the oranges crosswise 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick and discard seeds.
In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons vinegar with olive oil and sugar. Stir in the spice blend.
In a wide, shallow bowl, gently mix orange slices, onions, slivered mint, and chopped cilantro. Pour in dressing and mix gently. Taste and add salt and more vinegar if desired.
Scatter olives, mint leaves, and cilantro leaves over the top. Spoon salad and dressing onto plates.
Serve promptly.
Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy fresh 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
It is well know that Navel oranges are one of the most common varieties of sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). They are sweet, seedless, and have thick pebbly skins. Both the skin and the flesh of navel oranges are good for you.
The many health benefits navel oranges offer are linked to their high concentration of antioxidants and other health promoting nutrients including vitamin C (ascorbic acid), hesperidin, limonene, narirutin and beta-cryptoxanthin that are abundant in these oranges. The health benefits of navel oranges range from anti-cancer and anti-asthma effects to the ability to support healthy collagen formation. Collagen is what gives skin a smooth, wrinkle-free appearance. All navel orange varieties provide more or less the same benefits, so pick the one that you feel tastes best. Common navel orange varieties include Late Lane, Becks, Fukumotos, Cara Cara, Barnfields, Chislets, Washingtons, Newhall, Fisher, and Atwood.
Oranges Protect Against Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer
Almost all citrus fruits contain hesperidin, a health promoting flavonoid, but sweet oranges such as navel oranges are particularly rich in hesperidin. Hesperidin is known to act as a strong antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical assault. People following an anti-cancer diet plan should also pay attention to this powerful flavonoid: it has also been shown to provide protection against some cancers, including human breast cancer and androgen-dependent prostate cancer, by suppressing cancer cell proliferation.
Dietary Fiber
Oranges generally qualify as good sources of fiber, meaning they supply between 2.5 and 4.9 grams of fiber per fruit. Small oranges fall just shy of this classification with about 2.3 grams of fiber per fruit. Medium- and large-sized oranges, however, supply more than 17 percent and 12 percent of the daily value for fiber, respectively, according to the USDA. Oranges are highest in soluble fiber, the type associated with regulating blood glucose levels and reducing high LDL and total cholesterol levels. The fruit’s fiber content gives it a nutritional advantage over its extracted juice. Although a serving of freshly squeezed orange juice is a more concentrated source of both nutrients and calories, it provides roughly 85 percent less fiber than the whole fruit.
Beyond The C
Oranges are a significant source of potassium -- a large fruit supplies almost 10 percent of the nutrient’s daily value. The adequate intake of dietary potassium can help both prevent and treat hypertension. A large orange also provides nearly 14 percent of the daily value for folate, a B vitamin essential to cell production and maintenance. Because of its role in making red blood cells, getting enough folate can help prevent anemia. Oranges are a good source of vitamin A, a nutrient that promotes good vision and helps form and maintain healthy skin, bones and teeth. One large orange provides 8 percent of this vitamin’s daily value. Oranges are also a good source of vitamin B-6, thiamine, pantothenic acid, calcium and magnesium.
Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy fresh 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
Yes, It is Lemonade Season! Where better to get the very freshest Lemons?
Lemonade KitContains: Reed Family lemonade recipe, 6 Sunburst Lemons, a cutting board, hand squeezer and 1-16 oz. jar of Sunburst Orange Blossom honey w/wooden honey dipper. $45.00
Lemonade Refill BagContains 12 Sunburst Lemons (makes approx. 2 batches of Lemonade) $19.95
Lemon Garnish BagContains: 6 Sunburst Lemons. Keep lemons on hand for your tea, gourmet foods or drinks. $10.95
"Sunburst Lemon Summer Special"A box of lemons shipped directly to your home every two weeks. You will receive an email when it is time to re-order, 2 weeks after your first shipment. Contains approx. 24 lemons per box. $30.00
From lemonade to your favorite recipes, purchase lemons for any occasion just by selecting the amount you need by visit to http://sunburstoranges.com or calling 559-561-3391. You can also purchase them in bulk, with our "Sunburst Lemon Summer Special" and have them sent directly to your home every two weeks. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.
Presented By:Sunburst Oranges180 South “E” StreetPorterville, CA 93257559-561-3391
Although lemons may not be what you would choose for an afternoon snack, we consider them as powerhouses when we want to bring out the flavor of other foods. While they are available throughout the year, lemons are in the peak of their season around May, June and August.
Lemons are oval in shape and feature a yellow, texturized outer peel. Like other citrus fruits, their inner flesh is encased in eight to ten segments.
They can be either sour or sweet depending on the variety; however, sweet lemons are not readily available in the United States.
Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed their belief.
There are many health benefits of lemons that have been known for centuries. The two biggest are lemons’ strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and their use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain many substances, notably citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene, that promote immunity and fight infection.
These are well-known health facts about lemons. But there’s so much more to this little yellow fruit.
It is thought that the lemon was first created as a cross between a lime and a citron, and all three grow on evergreen shrubs. The Arabs introduced this small citrus fruit to the Europeans, who then brought them to Spain in the 11th century.
Along with other fruits and vegetables, Christopher Columbus brought lemons with him on his second voyage to the New World in 1493, and they have been growing in Florida since the 16th century.
Lemons are considered one of the most alkalizing foods you can eat. This may seem counter-intuitive, as they are acidic on their own. However, in the body, lemons are alkaline; the citric acid does not create acidity once it has been metabolized.
The minerals in lemons actually help to alkalize the blood. Most people are too acidic, and lemons reduce overall acidity, drawing uric acid from the joints. This reduces the pain and inflammation which many people feel.
Most people fall far short of the 20 to 38 grams of fiber recommended daily. Without proper fiber, however, you can easily become constipated or develop hemorrhoids. Consuming adequate fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and diverticulitis.
In fact, the American Diabetes Association includes lemons on their list of superfoods because of their high fiber content. In addition, the pectin fiber in lemons can help keep you from getting hungry and overeating.
Are you looking for the perfect wholesome and healthy fresh lemons 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
