Featured

Shape Up with Pineapple this Summer

With more hours of sun in the sky and laxer schedules at work, most Americans like to take advantage of the summer season by heading outside for some afternoon action.On the weekends you’ll see more families paddling out on the lake, swimming in the sea or playing a game of football out in the front yard.

Activities like these help make up a healthy lifestyle for women and men, young and old alike. Yet, if you’re looking to lose a few pounds in the process, you’ll need a supercharged diet to complement your new-found energy for casual exercise.

Much more than a delicious treat, pineapples can be a great staple food in your summertime diet. They are loaded with essential nutrients that help aid metabolism and are just 83 calories per one-cup serving.

Photo by Angela Anderson. Check out her blog here.

Photo by Angela Anderson. Check out her blog, The A List, here.

Among such nutrients, pineapples contain plenty of fiber, which is critical for digestion and weight loss. Manganese, Vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid, also found in pineapples, are needed for energy production, regulating blood sugar levels and playing an importantly role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism efforts.

A healthy alternative to other high-calorie, high fat foods you may be tempted to nosh on at your neighbor’s next cook-out, pineapples can be very versatile to prepare.

In addition to enjoying pineapple chunks as a snack, drinking simply-made pineapple juice can help prevent water retention. In fact with its 75 percent RDI for Vitamin C, consuming one cup of pineapple juice can help you avoid bloating and make it easier to keep your tummy flat.

With some pineapple juice in hand, we’re ready for swimsuit season.

Let the pool parties begin!

Enjoy,

Dr. Lloyd

Posted in Featured, Tips & Tall Tales Tagged

Party like a Pineapple!

We know you’re going to think we’re biased (and, yes, we most definitely are), but pineapples are truly all the rage this summer. From new fashion collections to the latest trends in accessories, pineapples are popping up on all kinds of prints.

 

Party like a pineapple this summer! Photos by POPSUGAR.

Party like a pineapple this summer! Photos by POPSUGAR.

Yet, does it really surprise anyone, really? Come on. It’s summer! Like the sun on any given day, the season just brightens our mood. And when we think “summer,” we tend to think of all things tropical, fun and relaxing – images that reflect our desires for a much-needed vacation in paradise.

So, even if you’re not physically going anywhere this summer, we can help you bring home a slice of that lush, beach-side vacation you’ve been day-dreaming about by bringing the party to your place. With tons of reasons to host a crowd – or even if you have no reason at all – we’re sure that a pineapple-themed party is sure to entertain.

Party like a pineapple this summer! Photos by POPSUGAR.

Party like a pineapple this summer! Photos by POPSUGAR.

Here are a few planning tips from an article on the ever so trendy POPSUGAR.

Enjoy the party and don’t forget to pick up a juicy pineapple from CHF!

Dr. Lloyd

Posted in Featured, Tips & Tall Tales

Tall Tales: A Most Expensive Party Favor

As many of our blog’s avid readers know, pineapples have a longer history than most people are aware of. We’ve previously mentioned how the pineapple’s arrival into society slowly gave way to its long-position as a status symbol. Shining gold and tasting like pure heaven, it’s no surprise that this strange fruit from the New World eventually became a prized possession among the wealthy and elite of Renaissance-era Europe.  (For a fuller explanation on the subject, visit our previous post “A Brief History of Pineapple Exports” here.)

However, one thing we have never mentioned – and is something I only became aware of recently – was just HOW MUCH pineapples were coveted during the high times of royal and aristocratic affairs, even centuries after its initial introduction.

A seventeenth-century painting of King Charles II receiving the first pineapple ever to be grown in Britain from his gardener. The depiction of the scene is a reflection of just how important an event it was.

A seventeenth-century painting of King Charles II receiving the first pineapple ever to be grown in Britain from his gardener. The depiction of the scene is a reflection of just how important an event it was.

It was celebrated so much so, in fact, that if you were hosting a worthy soiree, you would inquiry about RENTING a pineapple for the night and show it off to all of your most valued guests.

Don’t believe us, check out the rest of the story here at FoodBeast.com.

Enjoy,

Dr. Lloyd

Posted in Featured, Tips & Tall Tales

Get Fired Up for Memorial Day – Sweet Summer Recipe

grilled-pineapple-with-honey

Memorial Day has a special place in the American psyche. Of course, above anything else, the holiday pays tribute to the brave men and women who’ve served our country. Yet, it’s also a day which symbolizes family for many across the States.

Memorial Day backyard BBQ’s, complete with friends and loved ones, are a national pastime. At the center of it all is the quintessential, iconic grill. A worshiped instrument for those skilled in the art of fire-broiling.

Come Memorial Day, many meat-lovers will bring their best carnivorous creations to the table, but we have a specially sweet after-burgers recipe that will separate you from the pack! Sure to be a big hit on the patio, this extremely simple, three-step dish will have everyone asking for more.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 Chestnut Hill Farms Perfect Pineapple, cut into half inch slices
  • 2 tbsp dark honey
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Read More on how to whip it up and serve here at www.SkinnyTaste.com.

Enjoy,

Dr. Lloyd

Posted in Featured, Recipes

Mother’s Day Flowers

Moms. They deserve the best! And of all the gifts purchased for Mother’s Day, there’s one item that stands out above the rest: Flowers. Flowers are basically the unofficial logo of Mother’s Day year after year. And it’s obvious why. It’s simple. Flowers are beautiful.

Flowers brighten a table, a room, a house. But most importantly – they brighten the heart. So this Mother’s Day we want to help our customers step up their gift-giving-game and give Mom what she really, REALLY wants. Introducing Dried Pineapple Flowers: a beautiful flower she can also nibble on!

Dried Pineapple Image for Post_Final

Best part for you? It’s super simple and can be added on to a favorite pre-purchased batch of cupcakes or cake! Plus – she’ll appreciate a homemade gift made just for her.

Just pick up a Perfect Pineapple™ at your local market and follow this easy, five-step guide by Annie’s Eats.com. You’re guaranteed to look pretty clever – and sweet – come Sunday afternoon.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Dr. Lloyd

Posted in Featured, Recipes, Tips & Tall Tales

Don’t Wait for Summer!

Piña Colada Chicken Salad recipe by Creme De La Crumb.

Piña Colada Chicken Salad recipe by Creme De La Crumb.

Summer might officially begin next month, but for many of our loyal customers across the U.S. and Europe, summer can’t come fast enough!

Well, we here ya. Here’s a really fun summer salad you can make anytime of the year since our delicious pineapples are grown year-round in sunny Costa Rica. Plus it’s topped with a creamy vinaigrette variation of everyone’s favorite tropical drink – Piña Colada.

You can thank the culinary genius of Tiffany at Crème de la Crumb for coming up with this flavorful cornucopia, complete with fresh pineapple chunks, baked coconut chicken tenders, macadamia nuts and crispy bell peppers.

So if your pool isn’t exactly ready for a quick swim, dive into this recipe instead. Visit Crème de la Crumb and for full instructions here.

Enjoy!

By Dr. Lloyd Berg, PhD.

For more information about Chestnut Hill Farms its products, please contact our offices at (305) 592-6969.

Posted in Featured, Recipes

Celebrating Earth Day with Sustainable Farming

earth day logo2 copyToday is the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day! To mark the milestone, Earth Day Network is encouraging discussions about the crossroads between economic growth and sustainability. We couldn’t agree more!

As a member of the Chestnut Hill Farms team who works and lives in Costa Rica, I am honored to say that our company takes great pride in making sure that our farming practices are sustainable and positively impact the communities in which our farms are located.

In celebration of today, we invite our customers to learn more about these practices by visiting our website and seeing these initiatives in action. Chestnut Hill Farms leads in the pineapple category by example. We want to make sure our customers know that sustainability is part of our corporate fabric.

In fact, in addition to those practices exhibited on a daily basis, our partnership with the FRUKTUS Foundation has also taken action to reforest areas located within pineapple farms. Last year alone, we planted 250 trees, along with Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica, in our immediate area.

As you celebrate from wherever you are in the world, remember that your celebration will benefit generations to come. A concept we take very seriously.

Happy Earth Day!

Dr. Lloyd

Posted in Featured, Tips & Tall Tales

Keep Your Lungs (and Produce Options) Open

By Dr. Lloyd Berg, PhD.

As a mission of our on-going blog series, our goal is to educate consumers about the health benefits of fresh pineapples. Today, the fourth installment in this series focuses on research suggesting that bromelain (a key enzyme found largely in pineapples) can help mitigate Asthma and its symptoms.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease, which inflames and narrows the airways. It can have genetic, allergic, infectious, environmental, and/or dietary origins. Many people have asthma for many different reasons. As a result, researchers continue to investigate several ways to tame asthma including by testing the benefits of lifestyle changes and alternative treatments. Among said treatments, intake of bromelain from pineapples is currently being considered as one of the top natural advancements.

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, bromelain was tested as part of a recent study by the University of Connecticut. After eight days of testing three different groups of mice, researchers found that increases in the bromelain enzyme actually reduced airway inflammation in the group of mice with allergic airway disease.

While it’s not a cure, this research suggests that in addition to all other health advantages we’ve mentioned over the past few weeks, pineapple’s bromelain could also possibly help in treating asthma. So is a pineapple a tasty treat that’s actually healthy for you?  Yes! Compared to other items on the grocery shelf – now that’s a breath of fresh air!

This blog entry is part of a multi-post series on the potential benefits of pineapples. For more information about pineapple consumption, please contact us at marketing@chfusa.com.

Posted in Featured, Tips & Tall Tales Tagged

Tips: How to Grow Your Own Pineapple

Working in the fields on such a large agricultural scale I sometimes take for granted the truly wondrous process that takes place when you plant a seed.  Such a small and delicate object, a seed can often be overlooked for its great power and place in nature. As we all know, from a one tiny seed can come a remarkable tree that will soon bear healthy, delicious and highly desired fruit.

With this inspiration in mind, many of our customers often ask us if it’s possible to grow a pineapple at home. And the answer is, yes! In fact, it’s pretty simple. You actually don’t even need a “seed” to grow a pineapple.  You just need…a pineapple!

For the adventurous Chestnut Hill fan who would like to take a crack at growing their own Perfect Pineapple™ here’s a quick tutorial by the straightforward demonstration website, Howcast.com

A few things you’ll need before you get started:

  • (1) Chestnut Hill Farms Perfect Pineapple™
  • (1) small bowl of water
  • Planting pots
  • Potting soil
  • And patience. Yup, patience required as growing at home can take between 2 and 3 years before fully ready.

Visit the video link below for a full-step by step guide.

Enjoy!

Dr. Llyod

 

HowcastVideo(2)

Posted in Featured, Tips & Tall Tales

A Real-Life Peep

Everyone has their own version of a traditional Easter Sunday meal. Ranging from light appetizers and side dishes meant for all-day noshing, to full-fledged decadent main courses, many families make distinct culinary choices for enjoying the holiday weekend.

Our personal favorite is an iconic Easter ham. Honey-glazed and complete with – you guessed it – sweet, caramelized, ambrosial slices of The Perfect Pineapple™. Mmm, Mmm, Mmm. Perfection! (Just in case you might need a recipe for this weekend, here’s a great one.)

But like we said, everyone might do Easter “dinner” a little different. So this week’s blog post focuses on how to bring that conventional pineapple cheer and hospitality to your Easter event, without messing with the traditional staples.

EasterCombo

First up, a real-life Pineapple Peep: a tropical Easter Bunny made just for your buffet spread. After just a few slices, your average fruit tray becomes a festive centerpiece. Simply attach three pieces and voila! You’ve got Spring’s most adorable critter. Click here for a step-by-step tutorial.

Another great find sprouting on the internet is a creative take on the average Easter egg. If you’re looking for more than just pastel on your decorated dozen, check out this “How to Guide” created by Studio DYI. The result: A tropical field of mini-pineapples just waiting to be picked.

Can Easter get any better?!

On behalf of all at Chestnut Hill Farms, we wish you and your family a beautiful Easter holiday!

Dr. Lloyd

Posted in Featured, Recipes, Tips & Tall Tales