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The characteristics of a ripe melon: what you need to know before putting it in your cart

How to pick a melon Though melons may look beautiful in a store, without the right techniques it is difficult to know what is inside their rinds without cutting into them.

Fortunately, there are some steps that can be taken in order to identify a ripe and flavorful melon. The trick is to understand that not all types of melon require the same techniques, and to know what methods are appropriate for each type.

For a cantaloupe, also known as a musk melon, examine its entire exterior, looking for a good solid shell without any moldy areas or obvious bruising. Its underlying color should be an orangy-white. If its underlying color is primarily green or white, move on to the next one.

The end with the stem should not still have the stem attached. A cantaloupe that was ripe when picked would come away from the stem very easily. Therefore, if the stem is still on the melon, it is likely unripe. Smell the end with the stem. If it smells slightly moldy or if it has no smell at all, put it back and try another one. A ripe cantaloupe should smell just slightly fruity and musky.

On the other hand, a watermelon’s rind should be inspected for black spots, large soft bruises, or cracks. Gently “thump” on the side of the melon with your hand and listen to the sound it makes. Compare the sound of several melons and pick one that makes a “middle” note. The higher the note, the less ripe the melon will be. The lower the note, the more ripe a melon will be. If the note is very deep, it may be overly ripe and may already be breaking down inside.

A honeydew melon should be inspected for cracks, bruises, or large dark spots on the outside. These melons should be avoided. Then, with the melon in one hand, press on the end opposite the stem (called the Best Fruit “blossom” end) and check for firmness. The more firm it is, the less ripe it is. A ripe melon should allow you to depress it slightly without a lot of effort. If the melon is quite soft for more than two inches across the blossom end, it is likely too ripe and is beginning to deteriorate inside.

By knowing these tricks, you will be able to select the best and most flavorful melon, which will give you a more pleasant experience and save you from wasting money on spoiled or unripe fruit.

For gift giving this summer don’t forget a organic fruit of the month club!

Sharing Other Great Mothers Day Gifts

Mother's Day Fruit Basket - Free Shipping

Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching and you don’t want to be left wrestling with last-minute shopping. Here are some gift ideas that will help you showcase your love for that special woman in your life.

Milestone Birthstone Pendants

These necklaces display the inherent beauty and personality of birthstones. Ranging from minimalistic styles to elaborate designs, they are ideal gifts that can suit a variety of personalities. Adding a personalized message to the pendants is a great way to attribute deeper meaning.

Languages of Mom Jewelry

Love can be expressed in glorious fashion through the use of language. The word “Mother” is etched in a variety of languages from around the world on these pieces of jewelry. These are perfect gifts for those enamored with cultures different from their own.

Yoga

For the stressed out mom, a place to relax and unwind is paradise. Signing her up for classes that have child care facilities can help give her an escape from the stresses of life and revitalize her spirit.

Crafts

Sometimes the best gift is the one made with your own hands. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece to be special. If you’re not creatively inclined, opt instead for a gift card from a local art supply store.

Chocolates

While chocolate seems to be the go-to gift for every occasion, it is still one of the best gifts around. Try adding a personal flare by getting personalized chocolates made by local chocolatiers. A number of companies offer specialized services and will be able to help you craft a memorable Mother’s Day gift.

Family Time

It can be hard aligning everyone’s schedules to spend time together as a family. Organizing a family picture or outing can be a great way to get in some good quality time. This one may be hard to keep secret, but nothing beats spending time together.

Breakfast in Bed

Sometimes, the simplest gesture holds the most meaning. Waking up to a nice meal can set the mood for the rest of the day and you can use it as an excuse to show off your culinary skills. This can be a great start to any day, not just Mother’s Day.

These are just a few ideas for what you could do to make Mother’s Day extra special. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination, there are plenty of other ways to showyour love and gratitude for the mother in your life. If you really want to make an impression, try combining all of these ideas. She’s bound to have a day she’ll never forget.

Don’t forget, a simple “Thank You” can go a long way – Mothers do a lot for all of us and deserve to hear it from time to time. Oh, and just in case mom enjoys a good glass of wine once and awhile a wine gift basket might work too!

Check out special deals free shipping for Mother’s Day Gift Baskets…

Earth Day 2011

The big event is almost here. We are just a little over one month away from a worldwide happening. For over 40 years now, we

Earth Day Flag

have been bringing attention to our environment by celebrating Earth Day on April 22^nd. In honor of Earth Day, here are some statistics, and a few ways to get started going green; without losing your hard earned green.

When people think of “going green”, they also think about how much it’s going to cost them to do it. Some things do initially cost you more to get started, but over time that amount is compensated for in savings. What about right now? There are things you can do now, that won’t cost allot, and will make a big difference.

One thing that will make a big difference is recycling. Recycling just one aluminum can saves an amount of energy equal to watching three hours of television. Do you like chocolate? Hershey Kisses are wrapped with tin foil, and it’s recyclable.

Want to save between 10 and 20 percent on your overall electric usage? Turn off lights when you’re out of the room. Depending on the bulbs you use and their wattage, you could save a lot. Unplug laptop and cell phone chargers, and kitchen appliances, when you’re not using them; this helps save energy also.

Open up your blinds and curtains during the day and let the natural light in. This could also help warm the room on a cool day. Winterizing your home by sealing the drafts around windows and doors can save a bundle on heating and cooling expenses too.

Do you have one of those pesky, leaky faucets? If you can’t afford to fix it right away, try putting a container under it and using that for small clean-ups, or watering flowers. You could lose five to twenty gallons of water a day from a leaking faucet; depending on how bad it is.

Look for products labeled as biodegradable; use less plastic, and buy products you can use more than once. All of these things together will make a huge difference. And lastly, give an organic fruit basket this holiday…the earth enjoys a these pesticide free gifts!

Anyone can say their product is natural but is it organic?

Everywhere you look, manufacturers are describing their products as “natural” and “organic.” The fact is, the majority of people Organic Fruit are actually reading labels more, and trying to make better choices; for their health and the environment. This has forced companies to be more forthcoming in their advertising about ingredients they use in the products that we buy. But are the descriptions true? Not necessarily.

Believe it or not, there are no laws or specific requirements a company must follow in order to label a product as natural. So any business can label their goods as being all natural, or earth friendly, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are. The environmental and green movements caused many corporations to have to redesign their labels, touting themselves as health and environmentally conscious, to stay competitive.

There are a couple of labels that businesses can use that actually mean they have standards to adhere by. One is from The Natural Products Association. For a product to carry this label it cannot contain petrochemical ingredients, formaldehyde, parabens or phthalates. They also cannot contain more than 5 percent synthetic ingredients, and those ingredients can’t be toxic. Additionally, there are other guidelines that manufacturers have to follow to earn the certified seal.

Organic Fruits and Vegetables The other label that has specific standards is “organic”, or “certified organic.” This is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and is monitored by the federal government and certain consumer watch groups. Organic agriculture is based on management practices that enhance, restore or maintain environmental harmony; as well as other specific requirements that must be followed.

Merchandise that carries the Natural Products Association seal did so voluntarily; there are no mandatory laws requiring all companies to do this. While the organic or certified organic label does require specific standards to be met.

Picking Organic Fruits on a Budget

Buying organic products is one of the ways of investing for health. However, there are some factors that need to be considered when buying organic foods. Organic Fruit on a Budget

Before buying any organic foods, it is safe to know what the word ‘organic’ means as defined by the USDA. There are four levels of organic that is set by the said department. 100% organic refers to food that are certified organic when it comes to all the contents of the food. Organic refers to those that are 95% organic, with the exclusion of water and salt. When 70% of the content of the food is organic, this is referred to as made with organic ingredients. Lastly, ingredient panel only is for those whose contents are less than 70% organic.

There are some basic rules to keep in mind when buying organic foods. First, think about the skin of the food. When buying foods that have edible skin just like apples and other fruits, it is safer to buy the organic ones. For animal products, those that are organic are preferred. But should you choose to buy non-organic meat, choose lean meat since the fats contain the impurities. Buying from local farmers is an excellent way of getting healthy foods.

Organic foods can be more expensive than those that are not, so when your budget does not permit you to buy all organic food, then consider those that are worth it to buy. For organic fruits, it is important to buy those whose skins are edible like grapes, tomatoes, peaches and other similar ones. This goes the same with vegetables. If you are going to peel them, then it is not necessary to buy the organic ones.

Organic Fruit Basket Under $50

Organic meat products are of course highly recommended since these are definitely healthier.

As we all know but sometimes choose to forget…all organic food does not necessarily mean that it’s healthy. Check out fat, sodium and other nutritional information before purchasing…if you’re going for the healthiest options.

Check out organic fruit baskets for under $50.00 here!

Organic Fruit and Food Trends

Organic Fruits and Vegetables There has been a shift in where people are buying their produce in recent years, according to a study by the TABS group, a consumer products consultancy firm. Though the number of people buying produce has generally stayed the same, the firm found that 38.6% of consumers bought produce from more traditional markets as opposed to supermarkets like Wal-Mart and Trader Joe’s.

The most popular products are fresh fruits, followed by vegetables, eggs and milk.

Kurt Jetta, president of the TABS group, said that there is no evidence suggesting that those buying organic products are buying a higher volume.

A separate study from the Organic Trade Association suggests that sales for products have grown by 5% in 2009, an increase of $26.6 billion.

“People are looking for chemical-free foods,” said T. Hephner, founder of Healthy U Snacks, a company that has furnished 52 Chicago-area locations with vending machines full of natural snacks.

Natural food companies are also reporting an uptick in sales, especially from vending machines.

Whether people are buying their produce from wending machines or local stores, data suggests that there is an increase in awareness regarding organic produce. The demand for produce may be on the rise, especially as environmentalism becomes more popular.

With green living on the rise, more and more people are looking for ways to join in the effort and increase their eco-friendly impact. The use of organic produce is a great alternative to commercially produced foods.

Gift Giving with No EDC’s: As Easy as 1-2-3

There are times when we want to give food gifts to our friends and loved ones, but we want to be sure that we are giving them the most healthy, yet still delicious choices. In the past, many of us have opted for fruit basket gifts instead of sugary treats because so many we care for have diabetes or are trying to keep eyes on their figures. Interestingly, recent discoveries have been made that have identified a new chemical group, called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC’s for short).

These chemicals have been found in many of the foods we regularly eat, including fruits and vegetables. Since these chemicals, called “obesogens” by scientists, can promote weight gain, obesity, and other conditions, we want to try to avoid those in our daily diets – and in our food gifts we are giving to others.

Lately in the health and wellness field, there has been some talk of the ‘dirty dozen’ and the ‘clean dozen,’ referring to two sets of foods: one set including foods that are at higher risk for EDC’s and other chemicals and the other set of twelve foods that are at the least risk. If you are looking for fruit gifts or fruit baskets that lower your risks for exposure to chemicals, you should keep an eye out for the following fruits:

• Pineapple
• Mango
• Kiwi
• Domestic cantaloupe
• Watermelon
• Grapefruit
• Honeydew

Since the fruits above all have skins which can be peeled off of the food prior to eating, they are better choices for avoiding chemicals, especially obesogens. But, there is another way to make sure you are giving the healthiest fruit choices to your loved ones. Organic fruit gift baskets.
By choosing organic produce to be in your gifts, you are dramatically decreasing the exposure of your loved ones to obesogens. Plus, since organic foods are grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides, you are decreasing their risks of ingesting those chemicals as well. AND, there is even more! Organic foods are delicious, grown just the way nature intended, with soil, water, and light. Simply put, you cannot give your friends and loved ones anything healthier than organic fruits unless you grow them yourself, organically in your garden.

So, as you prepare to buy that next gift for someone, consider fruit basket gifts again. You don’t have to buy the organics per se, but if you do, you know you are gifting the very best to those you care for. By giving the healthiest foods you can, you are letting people know you are glad to have them in your life and are looking forward to having them around and healthy for a very long time.

New View – Backyard Fruit Exchanges

See what's growing in your neighbors yard!

You had a great time creating your garden in your backyard. The melons you wanted to grow this year have really done well. They are sweet and delicious, too! But, you have so many; you don’t know what to do with them all! Rather than letting them go bad before you and your family have a chance to eat them all, there is another option: Fruit Exchange.

The barter system has been around as long as there have been goods to be exchanged. Long ago, if someone had a bounty of tomatoes (or other product from their garden), they could use them to purchase other things they needed, such as flour or candles, or whatever they were in need of. It worked during that time because they used the goods that they had and the bartering worked. However, after time went on and economies changed, people found that they did not always have a product with which to barter. That is where currency became necessary to use to purchase goods, rather than bartering for them. Although today, we usually exchange money for goods, in some places the barter system is still in use. You might be thinking I am talking about a third world country or an impoverished village, but I’m not. The barter system is again being used in the United States, but in a different way than it had been used in the past.

In some areas, people are forming neighborhood fruit exchanges. This is where you bring your excess fruit (and other produce) that you have grown and exchange it for other foods that you need. Your excess becomes your way to gain what you need! This exchange is a great idea… no wasting food anymore! Additionally, there are charities doing wonderful things with this system also, such as collecting people’s excess backyard fruit and taking it to homeless shelters, where they do not often have the luxury of fresh produce to eat.

One of these exchanges is the Alameda Fruit Exchange, which can be found online at: www.alamedafruitexchange.blogspot.com. They feel that this sharing is a way to help a community become more close-knit and cohesive, while allowing everyone the delicious opportunity to share some backyard-grown produce.

This is a wonderful idea for many. Rather than having to throw away foods that cannot be consumed because there are simply too many, you can rest assured that the food you worked hard to grow is able to be consumed and not wasted. So, if you find you have some excess produce from your garden this season, rather than letting it go bad because you cannot eat it all fast enough, check to see if you can trade it. If there are no fruit exchanges in your area, maybe you could look into starting your own or donate your excess to a shelter or children’s home or somewhere else that would love to have it.

Also, have you ever heard of biodynamic farming? It’s a higher level of organic and these farmers are turning out some awesome biodynamic wine using these older methods of farming. Learn more about this concept of planting during lunar cycles and sustaining the land with a higher level of organic production. Our next blog will be featuring more on this too!