Replace oranges with papayas

Excerpts from a 4/28/10 article by Carla Spuri on activeyou.co.uk called Replace spinach with kale

For the best nutritional value, replacing oranges with papaya could make you healthier. Research recently published by Amway Global and supported by the Nutrilite Health Institute, showed that replacing regular staples for more unusual alternatives could boost the healthiness of diets.

The researchers said swapping to the unusual options would increase the phytonutrient intake in people's diets, helping to decrease the risk of conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

The study also suggests eating sweet potato instead of carrots and cooking kale instead of spinach.

Researchers explore health benefits of star fruit

Excerpts from a 4/28/10 article in the Nigerian Guardian News

Star fruit has been shown to be rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and low in sugar, sodium and acid. It is also a potent source of both primary and secondary polyphenolic antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that reverse the damage caused by free radicals or reactive oxygen species.

According to a study, "Pharmacognistic Evaluation and Physiochemical Analysis of Averrhoa carambola Fruit" published recently in the Journal of Herbal Medicine and Toxicology, the ripe star fruit is considered as digestible, tonic strengthening, for bleeding piles and causing biliousness. The dried fruit is also used in fever; it is cooling and possesses antiscorbutic properties. It is considered as one of the best Indian cooling medicines.

The researchers wrote: "Preliminary phytochemical analysis indicated presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids and flavonoids. In last four decades the scientists are keen to evaluate many plant drugs used in medicinal folklore. It is due to their specific healing properties, healthy action and non-toxic effects.

"In this dimension pharmacognostic studies on Averrhoa carambola L. fruit is a substantial step and it further requires a long-term study to evaluate pharmacological action as well as therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of fruit to establish as the drug. The pharmacognostic study of the Averrhoa carambola L. fruit has been carried out for the first time. This could also serve in the identification and preparation of a monograph on the plant."

In India, the ripe fruit or its juice may be taken to counteract fever. A salve made of the fruit is employed to relieve eye afflictions. In Brazil, the star fruit is recommended as diuretic in kidney and bladder complaints.

In Chinese Materia Medica it is used to quench thirst, increase the salivary secretion, and in fever. In Ayurveda, the ripe fruit is considered as digestive, tonic and causes biliousness.

The dried star fruit is also used in fever; it is cooling and possesses antiscorbutic properties. It is considered as one of the best Indian cooling medicines. Fruits and its fruit juice are used as antioxidant and astringent.

Star fruit has also been shown to reduce blood sugar levels and a possible treatment for diabetes.
Researchers at the Department of Food Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan, Republic of China, investigated by some in vitro methods the hypoglycemic effects of several insoluble fiber-rich fractions (FRFs) including insoluble dietary fiber, alcohol-insoluble solid, and water-insoluble solid isolated from the pomace of Averrhoa carambola.

The study titled ""Insoluble fiber-rich fractions derived from Averrhoa carambola: hypoglycemic effects determined by in vitro methods" was published in the journal Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft und-Technologie.

The study evidenced that these three insoluble FRFs could effectively adsorb glucose, retard glucose diffusion, postpone the release of glucose from starch, and inhibit the activity of amylase to different extents. All of these mechanisms might create a concerted function in lowering the rate of glucose absorption and as a result decrease the postprandial serum glucose concentration.

The researchers wrote: "Our results revealed that the hypoglycemic effects of these insoluble FRFs were significantly stronger than that of cellulose. Therefore, it was suggested that they could be incorporated as low-calorie bulk ingredients in high-fiber foods to reduce calorie level and help control blood glucose concentration."

Researchers have also analysed the potential topical anti-inflammatory activity of Averrhoa carambola in mice.

Preliminary results from the Brazilian researchers from the Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, PR, support the popular use of A. carambola as an anti-inflammatory agent and open up new possibilities for its use in skin disorders.

Inflammatory skin disorders, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, are very common in the population; however, the treatments currently available are not well tolerated and are often ineffective.

The present study provides evidence that A. carambola leaves have a relevant topical anti-inflammatory effect in a model of cutaneous inflammation in mice. The study showed that the plant reduced edema and inhibited the cellular migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, an important step in the inflammatory process.

The researchers wrote: "Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) is an Asian tree that has been used in traditional folk medicine in the treatment of several skin disorders. The present study evaluates the topical anti-inflammatory effects of the crude ethanolic extract of A. carambola leaves, its hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol fractions and two isolated flavonoids on skin inflammation. Anti-inflammatory activity was measured using a croton oil-induced ear edema model of inflammation in mice.

The researchers noted that the star fruit tree and is commonly used to treat headaches, vomiting, coughing and hangovers. They wrote: "Furthermore, it is used as an appetite stimulant, a diuretic, and as an anti-diarrheal and febrifugal agent. Star fruit has been used in the treatment of eczemas. In addition, the extract obtained through decocting the leaves of star fruit has been used in the treatment of diabetes.

"Phytochemistry studies have shown that the fruit of A. carambola is rich in antioxidants, especially polyphenolic compounds, which act against reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, the insoluble fibers of the star fruit slow the absorption of carbohydrates, significantly reducing blood glucose levels. The fiber can also act to prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. Lastly, selective activity against brain tumor cells was observed with an alcoholic extract from the stems of star fruit, while an extract from the leaves was effective against liver carcinoma cells."

However, researchers say a small per cent of the human population should be cautious of the fruit for health reasons. They say like the grapefruit, star fruit contains oxalic acid, which can be harmful to individuals suffering from kidney failure or under kidney dialysis treatment. Consumption by those with kidney failure can produce hiccups, vomiting, nausea, and mental confusion. Fatal outcomes have been documented in some patients.

Like the grapefruit, star fruit is considered to be a potent inhibitor of seven cytochrome P450 isoforms. These enzymes are significant in the first-pass elimination of many medicines, and thus, the consumption of star fruit or its juice in combination with certain medications can significantly increase their effective dosage within the body.

Tropical fruit category rebounds after recession

Excerpts from an article by Abraham Mahshie in The Packer published 4/26/10

Scaled back tropical fruit sections are starting to expand again, according to category experts who said they believe the country's climb out of recession will lift sales.

Supermarkets are using their tropicals section to differentiate themselves from competitors.

Mary Ostlund, marketing director for Brooks Tropicals, Homestead, Fla., credits the growth of the sector to American's incasing helath consciousness and culinary curiousity.

"The American palate has become extremely adventuresome, and the produce section has been a fantastic opportunity to capitalize on that," she said, noting the health benefits of tropicals like green-skin avocados and papayas.

Fruta Bomba nominated for Best Employer in Belize

Beltraide, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Belize Labor Department and the Belize Youth Business Trust choose Fruta Bomba as a nominee for Employer of the Year.

The criteria for their choice was the employer's:
- focus on safety
- community involvement
- morale
- employee benefits
- HIV/AIDS workplace policy

Accepting the award for Fruta Bomba was Ismael Gonzales. Congratulations Fruta Bomba!

Stores use sampling to attract shoppers

Excerpts from an article in The Packer Tropical Fruit Marketing special sections by Abraham Mahshie published on 04/23/2010 10:00AM

Tropical fruit marketers are employing a wide range of strategies to increase consumption this year, ranging from traditional signage and in-store sampling, to appealing to social responsibility and community engagement.

Mary Ostlund, marketing director for Brooks Tropicals Inc., Homestead, Fla., said stores should consider promoting two foods at once to show how tropicals can be used in nontraditional ways.“I put a thin slice on top of a hamburger,” she said of the company’s green-skinned avocados. “Right after you’ve turned (the meat) on the grill, it allows (the avocado slice) to melt ever so slightly.”

Tropicals inch closer to the mainstream

Excerpts from an article in The Packer special section Tropical Fruit Marketing by Abraham Mahshie published on 04/23/2010 11:23AM

Marketers of tropical produce say that while demand in ethnic markets remains strong, mainstream consumers also are gaining new interest

For many Asian and Hispanic cultures, tropical fruit and vegetables are a staple part of their diet. Even when prices rise, they will still buy the foods they are accustomed to eating, suppliers said.

Mary Ostlund, marketing director for Brooks Tropicals Inc., Homestead, Fla., said that a produce section must have variety and address the demographics of a particular store’s community to be successful.“

If you are not addressing every single part of your community — ethnic Hispanic, Asian or folks who are wanting to try something new and different — then you are losing those sales to someone else,” she said. “It’s not what do you carry, but how do you carry it.”Ostlund said knowing how to carry tropicals means understanding what the right mix is for your store to address the needs of its consumers. She added that Brooks works with buyers to design a specialized produce mix.

Research targets nutritional benefits of tropicals

Excerpts from an article in The Packer special section Tropical Fruit Marketing by Abraham Mahshie published on 04/23/2010 11:42AM

Nutrition is a top selling point for tropical fruit suppliers, who are scrambling to publicize new health benefits to strengthen category growth.Suppliers increasingly seek out research studies about disease-fighting characteristics, labels like “super fruit” and wellness benefits predominant in fruit when making their case for increased consumption.

Mary Ostlund, marketing director for Brooks Tropicals Inc., Homestead, Fla., said Brooks has enlisted a nutritionist to write a column featuring a different one of the company’s products each month. “I always tout the benefits of eating tropical fruits and vegetables, but it’s time to get someone who is really knowledgeable about what you need in your diet,” she said of the new column written by nutritionist Donna Shields, author of “Caribbean Light,” a book about cooking with tropical fruits and vegetables.

Ostlund said the column provides recipes that help consumers to think of Brooks’ items in a different way, like adding starfruit to a Thai salad instead of just using it as a garnish.“It might be cheaper to buy frozen or canned vegetables, but I think the health consciousness has uprooted or trumped that feeling and it’s better to buy fresh,” she said. “We are very lucky to be able buy fresh vegetables that come in from all over the world."

Marketers say informed consumers are key to success

Excerpts from an article in The Packer Special section: Tropical Fruit Marketing by Abraham Mahshie published on 04/23/2010 02:59PM

Suppliers said they are building varietal knowledge of tropical fruit through education, sampling, signage and promotions.
As multiple varieties make their way to produce shelves, suppliers said acreage and volumes of lesser-known but better-tasting varieties are increasing.

Despite gains in retailer differentiation, suppliers still agree that more educational and sampling strategies need to be put into place to better inform consumers.“

Brand name versus variety Some tropicals suppliers have noted confusion as to whether a piece of fruit’s name is a brand or a variety. “We do push the trademarked Caribbean Red because we are different from the Mexican papayas,” Mary Ostlund, marketing director for Brooks Tropicals Inc., Homestead, Fla., said of Brooks’ Belize-grown maradol papayas.“People are coming around to learn that the Mexican papaya tastes this way but some people prefer the taste of the Caribbean Red. It really is a brand recognition that we are building and it’s an important recognition to build.”

Ostlund said the same is true for the company’s green-skin Slimcado avocados.“People will think that it’s a marketing thing, which it is, but it’s also a way to tell folks, ‘This is not a hass avocado, this is a different avocado,’” she said. “‘It has a different, lighter taste, and by the way, you can use it more frequently to top your salads with, or on a sandwich or a burger.’”Ostlund said most consumers don’t give much thought to whether the name is a brand name or variety name, but it helps them to identify Brooks’ fruit when they return to the grocery store.

Firms prepare to meet high papaya demand

Excerpts from a 4/26/10 article in The Packer written by Abraham Mahshie

Tropical fruit suppliers are increasing their volumes of papayas this year thanks to greater familiarity, higher demand and an uptick in foodservice applications.

Tropical fruit suppliers are increasing their volumes of papayas this year thanks to greater familiarity, higher demand and an uptick in foodservice applications

Mary Ostlund, marketing director for Brooks Tropicals Inc., Homestead, Fla., which specializes in papayas from Belize, said the proximity of the country to the U.S. mainland make the item easier to import than Brazilian papayas.“We like to emphasize to people that we are not considered the Mexican papaya. We don’t have the musky smell or musky tastes,” she said.

Ostlund said she is increasingly finding papayas in the foodservice industry, especially for use in salsas, fruit salads and as a topping for fish.“They have kind of been getting into the restaurants by backing into them,” she said.

“Fish with a papaya salsa on top of it is a way of introducing papaya onto what I would call mainstream menus.”Ostlund said consumers are experiencing papayas and other tropical fruit in their travels and on the Food Network, encouraging them to pick up the fruit at supermarkets.“It’s amazing — they are adding mango, avocado and papaya not just on special occasions, but putting them on their weekly grocery lists,” she said.

Research targets nutritional benefits of tropicals

Excerpts from an 4/23/10 article in The Packer by Abraham Mahshie

Nutrition is a top selling point for tropical fruit suppliers, who are scrambling to publicize new health benefits to strengthen category growth. Suppliers increasingly seek out research studies about disease-fighting characteristics, labels like “super fruit” and wellness benefits predominant in fruit when making their case for increased consumption.

Mary Ostlund, marketing director for Brooks Tropicals Inc., Homestead, Fla., said Brooks has enlisted a nutritionist to write a column featuring a different one of the company’s products each month. “I always tout the benefits of eating tropical fruits and vegetables, but it’s time to get someone who is really knowledgeable about what you need in your diet,” she said of the new column written by nutritionist Donna Shields, author of “Caribbean Light,” a book about cooking with tropical fruits and vegetables.

Ostlund said the column provides recipes that help consumers to think of Brooks’ items in a different way, like adding starfruit to a Thai salad instead of just using it as a garnish.“It might be cheaper to buy frozen or canned vegetables, but I think the health consciousness has uprooted or trumped that feeling and it’s better to buy fresh,” she said. “We are very lucky to be able buy fresh vegetables that come in from all over the world.”