The FruitGuys Almanac
Happy Thanksgiving! November 2011
NUTRITION
Orange you Healthy?
Winter Squashes are Full of Good Stuff
By Rebecca Taggart
The orange of autumn is not only on trees: November is the peak season for winter squash. Although remarkably varied in appearance, winter squashes share an orange-colored flesh rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Many health benefits of winter squash here.
FOOD
Pumpkins: Not Just for Halloween
Try the Sugar Pie
By Heidi Lewis
While most carving pumpkins are edible, their flesh is stringy and not very tasty. Behold the Sugar Pie Pumpkin with sweet and mellow flesh. Sugar Pies are the preferred pumpkins for baking and cooking. Nutritional info and how to cook Sugar Pie Pumpkin here.
FARMS
Bear Track Farm
Betty Hui is a FruitGuys' Farmer
By Heidi Lewis
The FruitGuys’ own Betty Hui and her partner Dick Blair run Bear Track Farm in Garden Valley, CA. The 20-acre farm is maintained using organic farming methods. In addition to welcoming a wide variety of native wildlife (such as bears, quail, foxes, and mountain lions) at Bear Track Farm, Betty and Dick nurture and cultivate native plant species, including Indian lettuce and purslane. Other organic crops include sugar peas, melons, baking pumpkins, table grapes, and Asian pears. This season, they’ve had a very productive visit from the Great Pumpkin spirit. More on Bear Track Farm here.
FITNESS
Yoga for Digestion
Yoga Poses That Can Ease Holiday Overindulgences
By Rebecca Taggart
Nothing is more traditional than eating large festive meals, starting at Thanksgiving right on through New Year’s Eve. With the days getting colder and darker, we also tend to exercise less while we are eating more. Try the following restorative yoga poses to aid digestion after feasting, and to regain your energy lost to tryptophan. You may find your most contented moments of the year in these three relaxing and heart-opening postures. Allow yourself to express gratitude for your body even as you voice thanks for everything good in your life. Happy holidays! 3 yoga poses to help with digestion here.
KITCHENLIFE
Apple Turkeys
Thanksgiving Crafts you Can Eat
By Pia Hinckle
Thanksgiving when I was a kid was always a massive affair.
Apple Turkeys were a perfect way to keep us occupied. We had apples, we had toothpicks, raisins, and mini marshmallows—what’s not to like? They are also a completely edible (except the toothpicks) and totally compostable craft activity!! Read about Pia's childhood North Beach tradition and how to make Apple Turkeys here.
The FruitGuys GoodWorks Program: FRUIT IT FORWARD
Whether your office is closed or you are traveling this holiday season, our Donate-A-Crate program lets you send your fresh produce to a worthy non-profit organization in your area serving those less fortunate.
Our program has grown steadily. During the 2009 holiday season, FruitGuys' customers donated more than 69 crates; in 2010, the number donated rose to more than 200.
It's easy: review and choose one of the charities listed on our Donations page. We work with more than a dozen food pantries and non-profit groups in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Washington DC, and Phoenix; then contact The FruitGuys Customer Service at info@fruitguys.com or 877-FRUIT-ME (877-378-4863) to donate your crate. No additional delivery charge.
FRUITLIFE
K is for Kiwi!
By Chris Mittelstaedt
Kiwis are back and they’re packed with loads of vitamin C. One medium kiwi is only about 45 calories yet has 117% of your daily recommended value of vitamin C. While there are people who eat them whole (skin and all), most folks just eat the inner fruit. See Chris' ode to kiwi (and Cookie Monster) here.
HEALTH
Sweet Sweat
Try a Sauna for Relaxation and Well-Being
By Rebecca Taggart
Sauna is an ancient Finnish word that refers to both the bath and the bathhouse. A sauna is generally a small, insulated room or house made of wood with an implement for creating wet or dry heat. “Sweating rids our bodies of waste, regulates our body temperature, and keeps the skin smooth and supple,” says sweat bathing expert and author Mikkel Aaland.
A sauna can be more than relaxing. It can be a place to cleanse body and soul, a place to nurture ourselves as we retreat from the outer world. Tips for how to enjoy a steam sauna here.
KITCHENLIFE
Orange Soup Warms Heart
Butternut Squash is Comfort Food
By Pia Hinckle
When the weather turns damp and chilly, a heart-warming butternut squash soup is one of my favorites. This is one of those soups that will turn people who don’t have much experience with squash into true believers. Here's a butternut squash soup recipe, perfect for dipping sandwiches or toast.
FIELD TRIPS
Buy Nothing Day
Nov 25
Shop Local
Nov 26
WEST
Free Vegan Thanksgiving Day Meal - Cafe Gratitude
San Francisco, CA
Nov 24
EAST
Cities Alive – Green Roof and Wall Conference
Philadelphia
Nov 30 – Dec 3
CENTRAL
Thanksgiving Food from the Farm for Kids
Caledonia, IL
Nov 23
SOUTHWEST
Harvest Feast at Heard American Indian Museum
Phoenix, AZ
Nov 24
THE FRUITGUYS: HEALTHY GIFT IDEAS
Prices start at $17.75 with free delivery to many areas.
Personalize your order with a handwritten card in each gift crate at no extra charge.
Holiday Harvest – The classic – locally grown fruit and nuts. Great gift for a group.
Farmer's Kitchen – Regional fruit and two specialty items, varies by locality. Perfect for home cooks.
SmileSnack – Fruit with granola and trail mix. An affordable and healthy gift, buy individually or a pack of five.
www.fruitguys.com/gifts
877-FRUIT-ME (877-378-4863) info@fruitguys.com
Free delivery to many areas. Shipping charges may apply.
WHAT'S IN SEASON?
We work with local growers in multiple areas of the United States and our fruit mixes vary by region. Mixes can change quickly due to weather and other farm circumstances. To find out exactly what's available for you, go to our mix page and select your delivery region and box variety.
Enjoy and be fruitful!
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