Posts Tagged “feature”
Folsom, CA — Food plays a big role in everyone’s identity, and those born between 1997-2012, commonly known as Gen Z, have been deemed the “foodie generation.”
Gen Z is driven to a particular food by varied factors, but data suggests foods that support health and well-being by providing energy, managing weight, and fostering mental health are priorities.1,2 Yet when it comes to choosing foods that support these needs, Gen Z, along with millennials and beyond, often overlook a convenient and important food group – tree nuts, including walnuts.
Nuts, including walnuts, are nutrient dense and considered a key component of many recommended dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean and vegetarian diets. They are also recommended for daily consumption in the latest U.S. Dietary Guidelines.3
Despite the recommendations, nuts remain under-consumed by the U.S. population,3 perhaps due to nuts being calorie dense, leading to potential concerns that including nuts in the diet could promote weight gain. But new research suggests people, especially Gen Z and millennials, should reconsider nuts, like walnuts.
In a recent observational study from Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington and funded by the California Walnut Commission, researchers observed that adolescents and young adults who consumed walnuts and other nuts had a lower prevalence for obesity when compared with those who consumed no nuts.4
Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) which included more than 19,000 adolescents (12 – 19 years old) and young adults (20 – 39 years old) to understand the associations between consumption of walnuts and other nuts with measures of obesity including relative fat mass (RFM), a validated tool for estimating body fat percent and regional fat composition.
In particular, young women consuming only walnuts had a significantly lower prevalence of obesity when compared to non-nut consumers. However, this association was not found among young men, adolescent boys, or adolescent girls who consumed walnuts only.
Researchers also observed that adolescent girls and young women who consumed walnuts only, or other nuts, had a significantly lower RFM compared to non-nuts consumers. Only young males in the walnut and other nut groups showed an inverse association with RFM compared to no nuts group, this was not found in adolescent boys.4
These results are promising suggesting that there may be an association between the consumption of nuts, especially walnuts with a lower prevalence of obesity and lower RFM within certain populations. However, cause and effect could not be determined, and additional research is needed to support these results.
Additionally, the average nut consumption in this population group was low with 76% of adolescents and 69% of young adults reporting no daily nut consumption. Furthermore, when walnuts were consumed, adolescents only ate ~ 2g/day while young adults had ~ 4g/day, which is far below the recommended intake for nuts of 2 – 3 ounces (56 – 85g) per week or 1 to 1.5 ounces (30g) per day, respectively.3
“While additional research is needed, these results showed that food should not be judged based on calories alone. The addition of nuts, like walnuts, as a part of a healthy eating pattern may help lower the risk of obesity,” explains Dr. Carla Miller, PhD, RD, Professor of Nutrition at Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington. “Whether it is a handful as a snack or part of a meal, even in small amounts, nuts, including walnuts, can and should be a part of a nutritious diet to support well-being.”
Beyond Weight Management: Walnuts May Support Overall Physical and Mental Well-Being in Gen Z & Millennials
Teens and young adults crave food that supports both their physical health and mental health, with over 30% seeking emotional and mental health benefits.1 Research suggests that daily walnut consumption could potentially support cognitive health and mental well-being in this unique population.
- Daily Walnut Consumption May Support Teens’ Focus and Attention – In a multi-school randomized controlled trial of 771 healthy teenagers ages 11 to 16, participants who consumed 30 grams of walnuts per day (1 ounce or 1 handful) for six months had improved neuropsychological scores for attention, fluid intelligence (i.e. problem solving, quick reasoning skills) and ADHD symptoms, when compared to the group not eating walnuts.6,* The positive results in this study were only seen in those teenagers who could better comply with eating more than 3 servings of walnuts per week. Only less than half of participants in the intervention group adhered to eating walnuts daily for 6 months, which might have impacted the data accuracy. No significant results were found for the primary outcomes of this study regarding neuropsychological function, indicating that the intervention did not work overall. However, this study does provide valuable insights and a basis for further clinical and epidemiological research on the effect of walnuts on brain development in adolescents.
- Walnuts May Improve Mental Health and General Well-Being in University Students — A novel study of 80 healthy university students ages 18 to 35, who ate 2 ounces of walnuts a day for 16 weeks, compared to those who did not eat walnuts, prevented negative changes in self-reported mental health scores and scores of stress and depression during a stressful academic period. The group that ate walnuts experienced an increase in metabolic markers that protect against stress and a decrease in those that are linked with stress. While inconclusive, researchers found that the group who consumed walnuts also saw an improvement in sleep scores related to getting to sleep, sleep quality, awakening from sleep, and behavior following wakefulness by the end of the study period. 7,*
- Snacking on Walnuts May Improve Metabolic Health in Young Adults — In a recent study of 84 young adults, ages 22 to 36, with at least one metabolic syndrome risk factor, researchers found that snacking on 1 ounce of mixed unsalted tree nuts, including walnuts, twice daily, may improve metabolic health, when compared to carbohydrate-rich snacks. Researchers observed a reduction in waist circumference and lipid biomarkers in female participants who consumed tree nut snacks, when compared to those who consumed carbohydrate-rich snacks. Males who consumed tree nut snacks had decreased blood insulin levels, compared to those who consumed carbohydrate-rich snacks. Both males and females consuming tree nut snacks saw an effect on triglycerides and TG/HDL ratios with TG/HDL ratios reduced ~11% compared to those consuming carbohydrate-rich snacks.8,*
These studies are not without limitations. While the findings cannot prove causality, they do shed light on how nuts, including walnuts, can be a part of a healthy diet that supports metabolic health and well-being. Additional research is needed to determine how these results apply to other populations.
Zespri has released its first full forecast for the 2024-25 kiwifruit season, with forecast per hectare returns up from last season for all categories, according to a news release.
The report predicts record levels for green and organic green.
With a total crop of more than 190 million trays to sell, Zespri was focused on finishing the second half of the season strongly, said Ted Brake . CEO of Zespri.
Zespri is headquartered in Auckland, New Zeland with its North American offices in Newport Beach, CA.
Brake said the latest forecast reflects both the strong season start and the competition seen more recently in markets, including from summer fruit.
“The industry put a lot of work into getting off to a really strong start to the season to meet early season demand and that’s set us up well in a year where we have a lot more fruit to sell,” Brake said in the release. “Although strong competition is always challenging around this time of the year, we’re already seeing signs that this fruit is moving off shelves and we expect this trend to continue over the next few weeks. The fact we’re on track for a strong lift in per hectare returns across all varieties this season, and record returns for green and organic green growers, is a testament to the hard work the industry has put in following a really challenging period.”
Increasing competition reinforced the importance of Zespri’s global supply strategy, set up by growers more than 20 years ago, Te Brake said. The strategy involves Zespri working with offshore growers in Italy, France, Japan, Korea and Greece to provide kiwifruit for 12 months of the year, allowing Zespri to have counter-seasonal supply in place to complement the New Zealand season and drive value for New Zealand growers, he said.
With the maximum 5,000 hectares of offshore SunGold plantings now allocated and the gap between supply and demand growing, the industry is discussing the potential expansion of its Zespri’s global supply program to protect value for the industry, the release said.
“The next stage of these conversations over the coming months will look at what a potential expansion of our [Zespri global supply] program might look like, as we make a decision as an industry on how ZGS can continue to deliver value for our industry,” Te Brake said.
Zespri says it is now seeking industry feedback on potentially expanding the current 5,000-hectare cap by up to 420 additional hectares of SunGold kiwifruit per year over six years across Italy, France, Japan, South Korea and Greece. Depending on the nature of those conversations over the next few months, Zespri may consider formally seeking grower support for expanding the Zespri global supply program via a producer vote, which would require 75% support to proceed, the release said.
As the harvest soon gets underway, the Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission reports the crop is shaping up very well.
The commission, which is part of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture notes some growers are expecting some of their best yields for this season thanks in large part of good growing weather. If this optimism holds this year will be much better than a year ago with Mother Nature was not nearly as cooperative.
At Matthews Ridgeview Farms in Wynne, AR this season’s crop is shaping up to be similar to last year’s thanks to good growing conditions in the state. Milder Arkansas weather, combined with an increase in sweet potato acreage has the company optimistic.
Garber Farms Lota, LA reports near perfect weather for their growing season giving high hopes of filling up their storage bins, unlike a year ago when there was extreme drought.
Markon First Crop (MFC) Asian-Cut Broccoli Crowns from the Salinas, California and Central Mexico growing regions are currently not available; Markon Best Available and packer label supplies will be substituted temporarily.
Salinas Valley broccoli crops are experiencing an uptick in insect activity:
- Diamondback moth larvae are feeding on outer leaves and crowns before pupating and emerging as adult moths
- While common to see increased insect activity in the late summer/early fall, an extended period of above-average temperatures created ideal conditions that growers have struggled to keep in check
- Although harvesting and processing crews for commodity and value-added broccoli packs are working to cull any product that shows signs of insects/insect damage, they are often difficult to detect and can’t be avoided completely
Mexican grown supplies are exhibiting similar defects from elevated insect pressure, with obvious evidence of insect damage in most packs.
Very thorough inspection and washing of commodity broccoli are highly recommended at the end-user level for the next two to three weeks.
Peruvian agricultural exportsto the U.S. during the second quarter of 2024, hit $425 million, which was an impressive 17 percent more than the same period last year, according to Agraria.
Among the highest performers of Peruvian products were avocados, with just over 20 percent volume; followed by mandarins, with 12 percent; and asparagus, with 11.8 percent.
Avocado shipments accounted for 44,791 tons at $96 million, which was 11 percent more in volume and 35 percent more value than the second quarter of 2023. The price was higher by 21 percent, getting to $2.15 per kilogram.
As for mandarins, they increased with a total of 38,547 tons for $52 million. Compared to 2023, this was 16 percent more in volume and 31 percent more value. Similarly, the average product price was 13 percent higher, selling at $1.34 kilogram.
Finally, asparagus added 15,975 tons for a value of $51 million, which meant an 8 percent drop in volume and 13 percent in value. The price had a 5 percent drop, at $3.17 per kilogram.
Despite an early frost in August in Pennsylvania and New York, Eastern apple shippers say the fruit came through relatively unscathed are optimistic for the new season.
Hess Bros. Fruit Co, of Lancaster, PA like the way the crop is shaping up and expects it to be similar to last year.
Niagara Fresh Fruit Co., in Burt, N.Y., which is near Buffalo, N.Y., reports the crop in western New York should be much better than the 2023 crop when a late freeze hit the fruit already set and affected the finish of the final crop.
The company is expecting an average crop. Western New York experienced a good amount of rain, which will help with both fruit size and crop size.
The New York Apple Association of Fishers, NY, notes the warm temperatures are resulting in harvest around the state being about six or seven days ahead of normal. The state’s growers will produce about 32,500 to 32,700 bushels of apples this year, which is about 2.5 million more bushels than last year.
New York apple growers grow about 32 varieties commercially and start the season in mid-August with ginger gold, paula red, jonamac, zestar and then followed by mcintosh, gala, honeycrisp, cortland, macoun, empire and red delicious. Club varieties SweeTango, SnapDragon RubyFrost and EverCrisp join Rome, braeburn and fuji are later in the harvest season, which ends in November.
Rice Fruit Co. of Gardners, PA reports harvest began in August for Wildfire gala, honeycrisp and ginger gold in the Keystone State.
Unicoi, TN – Lipman Family Farms is excited to announce the addition of Jones & Church Farms of Unicoi, Tennessee to the Lipman farming network. This acquisition underscores Lipman’s unwavering commitment to family farming, sustainable practices, and the expansion of fresh produce availability throughout the United States.
Jones & Church Farms aligns with Lipman’s dedication to supporting family-run businesses and increasing production capacity. Established in 1975, Jones & Church Farms is now entering its third generation, continuing its legacy of growing romas and round tomatoes during the July-October growing season. By investing in this critical tomato season and location , Lipman is doubling down on its commitment to supplying stable, year-round produce to its customers.
Family farming is central to Lipman Family Farms’ mission. Integrating Jones & Church Farms allows Lipman to honor the rich history and expertise of their local growing partnership. With family central to its culture, Lipman continues to acquire and support family-owned operations.
Jones & Church has been a close partner of Lipman since 1996 when they started buying and marketing their tomatoes after the opening of Custom Pak, Lipman’s repack operations. This partnership became instrumental in Lipman’s seasonal supply in the East, making them the first local growing partner with key customers during the summer months.
“The Jones & Church team has always provided top-quality product and been honorable and sincere partners, offering the best tomatoes in the country between the months of July-October,” said Elyse Lipman, CEO at Lipman Family Farms. “Now, our companies and families are joining forces. Together as Lipman, we are positioned stronger than ever to provide year-round supply to our customers with an expert team.”
ABOUT LIPMAN FAMILY FARMS
By creating authentic connections between our employees, customers, and communities for 75 years, Lipman Family Farms has become one of the nation’s largest integrated networks of growers, fresh-cut processors, and distributors of fresh produce. We pride ourselves in being an international company that remains family-owned, ensuring our ability to act as good stewards of our land and our people, creating growth that nourishes everyone. We are large enough to be local everywhere and are dedicated to being good from the ground up, providing solutions in research & development, field growing, greenhouse growing, procuring, packing, repacking, fresh-cut processing, distributing, food safety, and culinary development. Learn more at LipmanFamilyFarms.com.
In its preliminary forecast for the 2024 Washington state fresh apple crop, a return to the historical norms after two unusual years is expected, according to The Washington State Tree Fruit Association .
The association provided the initial estimate of 124 million standard 40-pound boxes, following a survey of its members. In 2022, cool and wet weather resulted in a crop of 103.9 million, and in 2023, the crop rebounded with 136.1 million boxes.
“There is a lot of excitement as we are seeing a more normal harvest and excellent fruit quality this year,” Jon DeVaney, association president, said in a news release. “A moderate spring and a warm early summer created stable growing conditions, so our domestic and foreign customers can expect the flavor, size, color, and overall high quality that make Washington apples famous.”
The association said the moderate weather also helps the state’s organic growers, adding that organic apples make up about 16% of this year’s crop, up from 11% about five years ago. Growers in the state generate around 90% of the domestic organic apples, according to the release.
“Our growers work hard to deliver the apples that consumers want and enjoy, and for many consumers that includes organics,” DeVaney said.
The association said gala is the top variety produced in the state at 19%, followed by granny smith (14.5%), red delicious (13%), honeycrisp (12%) and fuji (10.5%).
Cosmic Crisp, developed at Washington State University, will make up 9% of this year’s crop, according to the association. Cripps pink will be about 7% of the crop, Envy and golden delicious around 3.5% each and Ambrosia at 2%.
Apples represent about 16% — or about $2 billion — of the state’s total farm-gate agricultural value in 2022 and exports about 30% of its apples, the association said.
“Thanks to more favorable growing conditions this past year, we expect the projected harvest to be not only high in quantity but also quality,” Derek Sandison, director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, said in the release.
In its latest branding venture Homegrown Organic Farms of Porterville, CA has launched Little Pranksters kiwiberries. These miniature marvels are not your average kiwi; they’re small, bold and bursting with flavor, the company said in a news release.
Little Pranksters are available in 4.4-ounce., 6-ounce and 16-ounce clamshell options, loading from their Sheridan, OR., or Kingsburg, CA., facilities.
Unlike traditional kiwifruit, Little Pranksters kiwiberries feature a fuzz-free exterior and petite size that enhancing their snackability, according to the company.
“Little Pranksters are sure to attract attention on grocery store shelves,” Stephen Paul, deciduous category director for Homegrown Organic Farms, said in the release. “Visually unique and irresistibly tasty, Little Pranksters are the ideal choice for health-conscious snackers and fearless foodies alike.”
The kiwiberries have a playful twist — they love to prank, the release said, explaining that eating them before they’re ripe is like falling for a lousy prank, as the taste won’t be sweet at all. The bold packaging designs include warnings for consumers, urging them not to get pranked.
“It’s important to wait until they’re soft and ripe,” said Elise Smith, marketing manager. “Trust us, the flavor experience is worth the wait. The softer the berry, the sweeter the taste.”
Don’t be fooled by their size; these small but mighty kiwi berries are a nutritional powerhouse, the company said. They are a good source of vitamin C, rich in fiber and packed with essential nutrients like magnesium, potassium and vitamin E, and with more antioxidants than traditional kiwis, Little Pranksters are a delicious way to support a healthy immune system, improve digestion and eliminate toxins, according to the release.
Little Pranksters have a short but sweet season. They are available from September to November from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, a region known for its agricultural diversity and climate.
“Our teams have put an extraordinary amount of effort behind the scenes for this project, said Homegrown Organic Farms CEO Scott Mabs. “From our creative teams to logistics and operations, everyone has played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. We are excited to introduce the brand this season and showcase the results of our collective hard work.”
Growers in Washington state will deliver a robust crop with high quality across all varietals thanks to moderate weather. The forecast also shows a “continuing trend of higher overall numbers of organic apples and new varietals including Cosmic Crisp.
Washington state produces 90% of the country’s organic apples, which continue to gain traction. Organic apples represent nearly 16% of this year’s crop, up from 11% five years ago.
The report highlights growth in the state’s five most popular varietals. Gala leads at 19% of production, followed by Granny Smith at 14.5%, Red Delicious at 13%, Honeycrisp at 12%, and Fuji at 10.5%.
Cosmic Crisp, developed by Washington State University, is expected to account for 9% of this year’s crop. Cripps Pink will represent nearly 7%, Envy and Golden Delicious 3.5% each, and Ambrosia 2%. All other varieties make up about 6%.
The apple forecast is based on a survey of WSTFA members. The report represents an estimate of the total volume of apples harvested for the fresh market in 2024.