Posts Tagged “feature”
Registered dietitian Lauren Manaker decided to test the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” So she did just that—she ate one Honeycrisp apple every day for a week and wrote about her experience for health site Prevention.
By the end of the week, the dietician says she had a more regular digestion and improved energy levels.
We know that fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet. Apples, in particular, are packed with many nutrients our bodies need to function smoothly, such as vitamin C and antioxidants. The pome fruit also includes a good amount of fiber, essential for gut health.
The Dietary Reference Intake for fiber for adult women and men in the US is 25 and 38 grams, respectively. However, most Americans consume only about half of the recommended daily amount.
Most common-sized, 140-gram apples have over two grams of fiber. So next time you want to increase your fiber intake and support more regular bowel movements, consider adding a Pink Lady or Fuji to your diet.
In her recount, Manaker clarified that she would only eat Honeycrisps, as she preferred them to other varieties because of their crunch and taste.
It’s rare not to find an apple that suits most palates. But if you’re not the biggest fan of this fruit and are looking for a fiber-rich alternative, the beloved pear is a great choice.
These pome fruits have an even higher fiber content than their cousin. It’s not a contest, but a 140-gram pear has over four grams of fiber and, just like apples, pears are also a good source of vitamins K and C and copper.
Both are great sources of antioxidants as well as soluble and insoluble fiber. If you enjoy both fruits and want a high-fiber diet, you should alternate between the two.
If you are looking to load produce out of the West this week, it may be slim pickings, unless you’re hauling something out of storage.
Persistent storms across California and Mexico are trimming yields and muddying harvest schedules, sending prices higher across the board, which will be reflected at your local supermarket.
From strawberries to lettuce, it’s shaping up to be a damp October for produce haulers.
With strawberry prices at a 10-year high, this reflects the plunge in volume and available loads.
Rain is affecting the shipments of strawberries grown in Mexico and in Southern and Central California. Reports show supplies in all Western growing regions are at 50 percent or less than what they were this time last year.
Growers in Central Mexico should start harvesting in two weeks, and growers in Western Mexico in six weeks. Unfortunately, there are few signs of strawberry loadings improving significantly.
Meanwhile, a similar situation exists with watermelons shipments. Rain in Mexico is curbing supply and causing prices soar. Cooler fall weather is phasing out domestic production.
Lettuce loading opportunities also have bee adversely affected by the wet weather in the west. Shipments will be limited as the transition continues from the Huron district in the San Joaquin Valley to growing areas in the deserts of California and Arizona.
Finally, the last piece of bad news in regards to tomatoes.
Average tomato prices are up +41 percent over the previous week. Local tomato supplies are coming to an end with the cooler fall weather. In the East, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina are done, and growers in South Georgia and Florida are ramping up production. In addition, rainfall in Baja has significantly reduced crossings.
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Blazer Wilkinson Gee (BWG) of Salinas, CA has announced that its Foxy brand blueberries have begun arriving on the East Coast.
With an expanded offering of high-quality fruit from South America, BWG will now be able to supply its customers with premium blueberries on a nearly year-round basis. BWG’s retail partners can expect the same level of service and high-quality product that has established BWG as one of the leading suppliers of fresh strawberries throughout the United States.
“We’re taking our proven track record of strawberry best practices and developing partnerships with growers across the globe who share our values and attention to detail. This allows our retail partners to keep their blueberry category consistently performing throughout the year,” said Jack Wilkinson, head of sales at BWG.
For over half a century, the Foxy brand has been one of the most trusted names in produce. BWG remains committed to bringing retailers high-quality fruit from a brand that shoppers know and trust. The company is poised to work with retailers on year-round programs designed to build the berry category and satisfy the growing demand for healthy, delicious produce that fits the lifestyle needs of their shoppers 365 days a year
“While we’ve grown significantly, we’re still a family-run organization based out of Salinas, California, and our partners can expect us to treat them like family,” Wilkinson continued. “Our team of multigenerational experts is passionate about delivering berry excellence with everything we ship, and our partners can trust us to deliver on schedule and on spec.”
About Blazer Wilkinson Gee
Based in Salinas, California with farms across North and South America, Blazer Wilkinson Gee (BWG) is a year-round grower and shipper of strawberries and blueberries and marketer of grapes, citrus and cherries. The company’s berries are available nationwide in the Foxy label, as well as in a variety of different packaging configurations to fit any market format. BWG’s vertically integrated growing, packing and shipping network is managed by its multigenerational team of like-minded professionals who are passionate about delivering ultra-high-quality berries to markets throughout North America.
By Almond Board of California
Modesto, CA — Deion “Coach PRIME” Sanders is back for another college football season, persevering after challenges with his health. As he gears up for the hustle and grind, his commitment to personal health is stronger than ever, with a mission to motivate others to live a healthy life, part of which includes eating better-for-you snacks like almonds. Packed with nutrients, almonds are more than just a snack; they are a cornerstone of the healthy lifestyle Coach PRIME is championing.
Whether Coach PRIME is leading his team and family toward success or motivating others to make the right decisions, he is deeply committed to living with purpose, and that includes how he takes care of his body. Backed by research, daily almond snacking supports his intentional approach to health. Almonds are his go-to snack in the locker room, his office and even on the sidelines, making them a meaningful partner in his everyday routine.
“I take my health seriously—now more than ever—and others gotta do the same to be their best and stay prime,” said Sanders. “Almonds aren’t just a snack, they’re part of the process, and I’m committed to the process. Take your health seriously, be consistent, and eat your dern almonds every day. Don’t wait another second to focus on what your body needs.”
Snacking can be a healthy habit when done right, and Coach PRIME is calling on everyone to start today by making smarter snack choices that fuel the body and promote overall health. Almonds are a powerhouse snack, delivering steady energy and satiety through a natural blend of 6g of protein, 4g of fiber, 50% DV of vitamin E, 20% DV of magnesium, 13g of “good” unsaturated fats and only 1g of saturated fat in one serving (23 almonds). From aiding heart and metabolic health to gut support and beyond, almonds play a valuable role in healthy living. Plus, almonds’ versatility makes them a smart choice for anyone looking for simple, consistent nutrition.
Tune in for more from Coach PRIME and California Almonds with ads airing on national and cable TV networks like CBS Sports and ESPN. Visit almonds.com and follow California Almonds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see how almonds are a key part in Coach’s renewed health journey.
About California Almonds
California Almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture.
Homegrown Organic Farms of Porterville, CA has announced the expansion of its import berry program, now offering a wider selection of organic and conventional berries sourced from Mexico, Peru, and Chile.
With the addition of Peruvian blueberries and Mexican blackberries, Homegrown is strengthening its ability to deliver the flavor, quality, and consistency to their partners and consumers, regardless of the time of the year.
“We’re committed to providing our partners with a reliable berry program that supports them in every season,” said Stephen Paul, Deciduous Category Director. “By expanding our import offerings, we’re able to complement our domestic seasons and ensure retailers and consumers alike have access to the best fruit possible throughout the year.”
Homegrown’s import berry program now features:
- Peru (September–January): Conventional and organic blueberries, including the Emerald variety grown at high elevations, prized for consistency and dependable flavor.
- Chile (December–February): Conventional and organic blueberries sourced from leading production regions, providing seamless volume to carry programs through winter.
- Mexico (October–May): A diverse mix of conventional and organic blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, including the premium Erandira blackberry and select raspberry varietals known for quality and flavor.
“With the addition of Peruvian blueberries and Mexican blackberries, we’ve significantly increased our volume and consistency,” added Jacob Garcia, Imports Category Manager. “We’re excited to work with our partners across Mexico, Peru, and Chile to build strong berry programs that deliver value across the supply chain.”
ABOUT HOMEGROWN ORGANIC FARMS — Homegrown Organic Farms has been a trusted name in fresh produce for over 25 years. As an employee-owned company, we are committed to stewardship farming that nourishes people, preserves the land, and strengthens communities. Representing family farms across California and Oregon, with organic and conventional fresh produce, we grow with care—cultivating fresh, flavorful fruits, including citrus, stone fruit, berries, and more. Learn more at hgofarms.com.
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Imports of Peruvian onions began on a limited basis by some importers with others getting underway in early September. Strong, consistent volumes are now being reported.
Bland Farms of Glennville, GA was shipping Vidalia sweet onions through late September and then transitioned to premium sweet onions from Peru.
Excellent size and quality are being reported as very strong this year by Bland.
G&R Farms of Glennville, GA typically offers Peruvian onions from Labor Day until Vidalia season kicks off in April.
The company notes this timing allows it to maintain a seamless supply of sweet onions for retail customers.
G&R describes the quality of Peruvian onions this year as “fantastic.”
Volume at G&R Farms is expected to be up 3% to 5% compared to last year.
Shuman Farms of Reidsville, GA began shipping Peruvian sweet onions in early September and will continue through late April. The company expects to have its normal production with good quality across the board.
L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Inc., Lyons, GA completed its Vidalia sweet onions season this summer, and began receiving Peruvian onions in early August. Volume is expected to be similar to a year ago with supplies available until mid March.
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Wonderful® Pistachios of Los Angeles is bringing a layer of indulgence to its fan-favorite snack lineup with the introduction of two products: Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee. With these launches, Wonderful Pistachios marks its debut in the confectionary category without straying from its commitment to premium quality products and innovation.
Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee pistachios deliver protein with a sweet punch and dark chocolate antioxidant goodness, offering consumers better-for-you ingredients when sweet cravings strike. Both products feature Wonderful Pistachios’ signature California-grown roasted pistachios, thinly dipped in rich dark chocolate made with 50% cacao, delivering a crave-worthy combination of salty and sweet that offers an indulgent twist on the brand’s award-winning portfolio.
“Consumers are increasingly looking for snacks that hit the sweet spot, literally and nutritionally,” said Diana Salsa, vice president of marketing for Wonderful Pistachios. “With Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee, we’re giving snackers the best of both worlds: The crisp crunch of pistachios paired with a bite-sized amount of dark chocolate decadence. We’re excited to introduce a treat that delivers indulgence without compromise.”
Designed for those who want to treat themselves while still making mindful choices, this new offering is a smart snack that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee will be available in resealable four-ounce bags, launching first at Walmart stores this fall and online at Walmart.com.
Most recently, Wonderful Pistachios has experienced tremendous growth by adding bold and savory varieties to its roster that tap into today’s viral flavor trends. The launch of Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee marks the first time Wonderful Pistachios is creating an entirely new snacking category for itself. With this first step into chocolate, Wonderful Pistachios is expanding beyond traditional nut snacks and opening a whole new chapter for the brand.
A recent California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) report projects an approximate 6 percent increase in Navel orange production, estimating 80 million boxes, up from 78 million in 2024.
However, California Citrus Mutual (CCM)of Exeter, CA cautions that estimate could be affected by factors such as pests and shifting market dynamics.
CCM observes last season the CDFA estimated 78 million, and while this report is estimating 80 million. This estimate is similar to a year ago, but the trade association notes a number of factors have to be considers such as early season varieties, mid-season, late season. What happens with each of these seasonal varieties can affect the overal numbers.
Pressure from various pests could actually reduce total volume below the CDFA projection.
Traditionally, citrus exports accounted for roughly 30 percent of shipments, but since 2017–18, the export share has dropped to about 20 percent, with 80 percent remaining in the domestic market.
Citrus imports have risen 414 percent since 2000, adding further pressure on growers’ profitability.
Nearly all California Navels are sold fresh. Juice production remains a minor segment due to high production costs and lower juice prices. Fruit that does not meet fresh market grades often moves to juice.
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Folsom, CA — California Walnut Commission: Eating a daily serving of about one handful of walnuts (40 grams or about 1.5 ounces) with dinner may help improve measures of overall sleep quality and reduce daytime sleepiness in healthy young adults, according to a new randomized controlled trial published in Food & Function.[1]*
Researchers from the University of Barcelona aimed to study the potential impact that daily walnut consumption could have on specified urine biomarkers (6-SMT, a biproduct of melatonin), sleep quality parameters (sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, awakenings, and efficiency) and daytime sleepiness.
The study evaluated the effects of consuming 40 grams of walnuts daily with dinner over an eight-week period among 76 healthy young adults ages 20-28 (85% female), who completed both walnut and control phases in a crossover design.
Researchers found that eating walnuts boosted a key biomarker of the sleep-regulating hormone, melatonin, which was significantly increased in evening urine samples after a four-week intervention period when participants consumed walnuts, as compared to the control period.
The walnut intervention also shortened the time it took participants to fall asleep by 1.3 minutes, improved overall sleep quality scores, and reduced self-reported daytime sleepiness compared to a control, nut-free period.
While global sleep quality scores improved, there were no significant differences in measures of circadian-related variables between the intervention and control conditions. With these findings, the researchers suggest that walnut consumption could potentially be a simple, food-based approach to supporting healthy sleep.
“This is the first randomized controlled trial to show that daily walnut consumption measurably improved objective sleep quality and increased melatonin levels during evening hours after an intervention period,” said Dr. Maria Izquierdo-Pulido, lead researcher of the study out of the University of Barcelona.
“With over one in three American adults not meeting the recommended amount of sleep per night,[2] our results open the door to future research in other age groups and in people with sleep disorders.”
Insufficient sleep is seen as a global health concern, with multi-faceted public health implications, ranging from chronic illness to cognitive and economic impacts.[3]
The researchers explain that walnuts’ unique combination of sleep-supportive nutrients such as tryptophan (84.6 mg) – a precursor to melatonin, plant-based melatonin (118 ng), magnesium (45 mg), and B vitamins (0.2 mg each vitamin B5 and vitamin B6) may help explain the positive outcomes seen in the study. These findings suggest walnuts may help naturally support sleep quality, though more research is needed to understand the mechanism.
Dr. María Fernanda Zerón-Rugerio, co-leader of the study explains, “While the observed effects in this study came following walnut consumption at dinner, we believe that the daily intake, rather than the timing, led to the sleep-supportive benefits.”
This study is among the first to demonstrate walnuts’ potential as a sleep-supporting food. As such, the study contained a number of limitations, including unmeasured dietary tryptophan and melatonin intake, that restrict the applicability of the study findings to the general population. While further research is warranted to examine these effects, these initial findings add to the growing body of evidence supporting the role of diet and specific nutrient-dense foods, such as walnuts, in promoting sleep health.
Here are some easy ways to add a handful of walnuts to your evening meal:
- Enjoy a dinnertime staple like meatballs, and serve them with a flavorful, satisfying twist with these Greek Walnut Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce.
- California Walnut Chili made with beans, veggies, and walnuts contains a combination of fiber, plant-based protein and good fats – a trio that can help keep blood sugar steady through the night, preventing 2 AM hunger wake-ups.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts over oatmeal, salads, or roasted vegetables for a boost of texture, flavor, and nutrition.
- Blend walnuts into smoothies, stir them into yogurt, or use them as a crust for chicken or fish for an easy upgrade to everyday meals.
To learn more about the breadth of research supporting walnut consumption, along with recipe ideas and inspiration, visit walnuts.org.
About the California Walnut Commission
The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and nearly 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWC, established in 1987, promotes usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research with consuming walnuts.
References:
*This research was funded by the California Walnut Commission. The funder made no contribution during the design or implementation of the study, nor in the interpretation of findings or the decision to publish.
- Zerón-Rugerio MF, Ibarra-Picón A, Diez-Hernández M et al. Daily Walnut Consumption Increases 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin Urinary Levels and Can Improve Sleep Quality: A Randomized Crossover Trial [published online ahead of print August 12, 2025]. Food & Function. DOI: 10.1039/d5fo00971e
- CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 2013–2022. Sleep is not assessed on the core survey in the following years: 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021. Percentage of adults not getting enough sleep, adjusted for age.
- Chattu VK, Manzar MD, Kumary S, Burman D, Spence DW, Pandi-Perumal SR. The global problem of insufficient sleep and its serious public health implications. Healthcare (Basel). 2019;7(1):1. doi:10.3390/healthcare7010001.
An 18 percent increase in California walnut shipments are being predicted by the USDA’s National Agricultrual Statistics Service Objective Measurement Report. This puts the state’s production forecast at 710,000 tons from a year ago.
The forecast is based on 365,000 bearing acres, a decline of one percent from the previous year’s 370,000 acres. USDA staff conducted in-field measurements and sampling across major growing regions during July and August to compile the data.
Following a smaller crop in 2024, the 2025 harvest is seen having a stable, and high-quality supply, according to the California Walnut Board and Commission (CWBA).
Harvest of early walnut varieties started in September and should continue through early November.
Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the CWBA, says this year’s crop is much more in line with the state’s acreage numbers and expectations of production based on the age of the trees in the ground.
Verloop says about 65% of the crop is the Chandler variety, which is the most in demand.
“We’re actually very enthusiastic about this one,” he says. “This has been an incredible summer for growing trees and plants of any kind. And as a result, the nut crop looks fantastic. It’s about a week early, which is not unusual given that things have been growing along so well.”
While official harvest figures won’t be available until November, Verloop says an important figure to remember is the carryout number, or the amount of the 2024 crop in unsold inventory. He says he expects that number to range between 70,000 to 90,000 tons, which he says is already presold for September and October.
“Essentially, we’re starting with a sold-out position with the new crop coming in, and that will start shipping in the middle of October,” he says.
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