Posts Tagged “Idaho”
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By Northwest Cherries and Washington State Fruit Commission
YAKIMA, WA — Everyone loves a fresh batch of sweet cherries, but these delicious treats are not just for tasty pies — research have
 received increased recognition for their role in preventing serious illness and diseases as well as regulating existing ailments. From fighting the onset of Alzheimer’s to improving joint flexibility, here are seven documented health benefits linked to sweet cherries:1. Alzheimer’s Disease: Research shows that compounds found in sweet cherries can play a role in protecting neuronal cells, which are involved in brain function and reduce oxidant stress and can potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s (Kim, 2005).2. Cancer: Fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins are a quadruplet of cancer-preventative components found in sweet cherries. In addition, cyanidin, also found in cherries, significantly increases free radical scavenging of the body, which is known to help prevent and fight cancer (Acquaviva, 2003).3. Cardiovascular Disease: The anthocyanins found in cherries can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; it does this by protecting your body’s lipids from a host of damaging possibilities, including inflammation, cardiovascular plaque and nitric oxide formation (Reddy, 2005).4. Diabetes: Though a protective role in diabetes is relatively rare, researchers are interested in the role of anthocyanins in reducing insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Since the role of glycemic index in diabetes control has gained renewed interest, sweet cherries, with a moderate glycemic index of approximately 22, are thought to be a better fruit-based snack as compared to higher fruits such as apricots (57), grapes (46), peaches (42), blueberries (40) or plums (39).5. Inflammation: Cherries have also been shown to reduce inflammation through their powerful phytochemicals, which are known to inhibit the enzymes responsible for causing painful inflammation (Seernam, 2003).6. Hypertension and stroke: A serving of cherries has a whopping 270 mg of potassium, compared to apples which have 148 mg and strawberries which have 254 mg. Evidence shows that adequate potassium reduces the risk hypertension and stroke (He, 2003).
7. Better Sleep: Cherries are a good food source of melatonin, which helps regulate circadian rhythm and promote healthy sleep patterns, making them effective in reducing jet lag. “Sweet Northwest Cherries bring as much to the table, both in terms of nutrition and health benefits, as blueberries, cranberries and other known superfruits,” said James Michael, Promotions Director of Northwest Cherries, a growers’ organization that represents Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and Montana. “With more and more research highlighting these health benefits, and what they mean for consumers, people are starting to view fresh sweet cherries in a much broader perspective than just a summer treat. In fact, we are seeing an increase in cherry freezing, preservation and dried formats so people can enjoy the benefits of sweet cherries year round.” When the sweet cherries hit grocery store shelves this year, health-conscious consumers will now have several more reasons to eat handfuls of cherries, beyond the delicious taste. For more information on sweet Northwest Cherries, seasonal recipes and health information, visit www.nwcherries.com , or information on how to preserve that summer sweetness as the season wraps, check out www.sweetpreservation.com . About Northwest Cherries and Washington State Fruit Commission Washington State Fruit Commission is a grower’s organization funded by fruit assessments to increase awareness and consumption of regional stone fruits. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development, and research of stone fruits from Northwest orchards. It began in 1947 and has since grown to include growers in five states — Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. For more information, visit www.nwcherries.com or www.wastatefruit.com . shows they also pack a major punch when it comes to improving health and helping fend off a number of serious diseases. Soon this year’s fresh sweet cherry crop will be available throughout the country, as reported by the Northwest Cherry Growers, and consumers can look forward to plenty of opportunities to take advantage of this superfruit, and even preserve them for year-round use. Sweet cherries — including the golden-blushed Rainier and iconic Bing varieties, among others — are known for their high fiber and low calorie count. Over the past few years, they have received increased recognition for their role in preventing serious illness and diseases as well as regulating existing ailments. From fighting the onset of Alzheimer’s to improving joint flexibility, here are seven documented health benefits linked to sweet cherries: 1. Alzheimer’s Disease: Research shows that compounds found in sweet cherries can play a role in protecting neuronal cells, which are involved in brain function and reduce oxidant stress and can potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s (Kim, 2005). 2. Cancer: Fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins are a quadruplet of cancer-preventative components found in sweet cherries. In addition, cyanidin, also found in cherries, significantly increases free radical scavenging of the body, which is known to help prevent and fight cancer (Acquaviva, 2003). 3. Cardiovascular Disease: The anthocyanins found in cherries can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease; it does this by protecting your body’s lipids from a host of damaging possibilities, including inflammation, cardiovascular plaque and nitric oxide formation (Reddy, 2005). 4. Diabetes: Though a protective role in diabetes is relatively rare, researchers are interested in the role of anthocyanins in reducing insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Since the role of glycemic index in diabetes control has gained renewed interest, sweet cherries, with a moderate glycemic index of approximately 22, are thought to be a better fruit-based snack as compared to higher fruits such as apricots (57), grapes (46), peaches (42), blueberries (40) or plums (39). 5. Inflammation: Cherries have also been shown to reduce inflammation through their powerful phytochemicals, which are known to inhibit the enzymes responsible for causing painful inflammation (Seernam, 2003). 6. Hypertension and stroke: A serving of cherries has a whopping 270 mg of potassium, compared to apples which have 148 mg and strawberries which have 254 mg. Evidence shows that adequate potassium reduces the risk hypertension and stroke (He, 2003). 7. Better Sleep: Cherries are a good food source of melatonin, which helps regulate circadian rhythm and promote healthy sleep patterns, making them effective in reducing jet lag. “Sweet Northwest Cherries bring as much to the table, both in terms of nutrition and health benefits, as blueberries, cranberries and other known superfruits,” said James Michael, Promotions Director of Northwest Cherries, a growers’ organization that represents Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and Montana. “With more and more research highlighting these health benefits, and what they mean for consumers, people are starting to view fresh sweet cherries in a much broader perspective than just a summer treat. In fact, we are seeing an increase in cherry freezing, preservation and dried formats so people can enjoy the benefits of sweet cherries year round.” When the sweet cherries hit grocery store shelves this year, health-conscious consumers will now have several more reasons to eat handfuls of cherries, beyond the delicious taste. For more information on sweet Northwest Cherries, seasonal recipes and health information, visit www.nwcherries.com , or information on how to preserve that summer sweetness as the season wraps, check out www.sweetpreservation.com . About Northwest Cherries and Washington State Fruit Commission Washington State Fruit Commission is a grower’s organization funded by fruit assessments to increase awareness and consumption of regional stone fruits. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development, and research of stone fruits from Northwest orchards. It began in 1947 and has since grown to include growers in five states — Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana. For more information, visit www.nwcherries.com or www.wastatefruit.com . |
Going from East to West with U.S. produce shipping areas, in Florida I’m not sure why 
rates are little, if any more to Boston than to New York City. Afterall, you’ve got another 200 miles to Boston from Florida. Of course, Boston traditionally offers fewer return loads. So if you can gross $3600 to New York, surely a load of Florida vegetables, melons etc. should be getting close to $4000.
Southern Georgia shipments are cranking up with peppers, squash, greens and cabbage, while Southeastern Georgia Vidalia onions are in full shipping mode. Overall, expect Vidalia onion loadings to be off 20 to 30 percent this season due to disease.
In South Texas, sweet onion shipments are two to three weeks ahead of schedule and should be pretty much finished around May 10th. The Lower Rio Grande Valley also is loading items ranging from citrus, to beets, greens, cabbage, etc.
There are steady shipments of Idaho potatoes — grossing about $4200 to Atlanta.
The same holds for storage onions from the Idaho and Malhuer County, Oregon region — grossing about $5400 to Baltimore.
South Texas produce – about $2800 to Los Angeles.
Vidalia, GA onions – about $2600 to Chicago.
California peach, plum and nectarine shipments, which were expected to start 
in a few weeks, will be reduced due to an April 11 hail storm. The affected area ranges from Hannaford to near Oros, with the Traver area hit hardest. Damage assessements and how much shipments will be affected are still being assessed…..Meanwhile, lettuce shipments continue from Huron in the San Joaquin Valley. Light to moderate vegetable loadings are taking place from Salinas.
In Florida, red potato loadings continue increasing from southern and central parts of the state. However, it is various spring vegetables still providing the most volume….The Sunshine state is still shipping citrus. Orange loadings should total 145 million boxes, up from 139 million a year ago. Florida grapefruit volume should hit 18.8 million boxes, up slightly from last year.
Steady shipments of Idaho potatoes continue, averaging about 1700 truckload equivalents per week.
Idaho potatoes – grossing about $4000 to Atlanta.
California Huron area lettuce – grossing about $7000 to Boston.
Central Florida vegetables – about $2600 to Philadelphia.
As we move further into spring and there are shipping gaps with some fruits 
and vegetables, one of the most consistent items on a year around basis are potatoes. They certainly don’t always pay the highest of freight rates, but they are dependable, and usually less perishable; meaning less risk to the hauler and hopefully less chance of dealing with “claim happy” receivers looking to shaft you with a unfair deduction or rejection.
All potato shipping areas combined around the country are loading over 4,700 trucklload equivalents of spuds on average per week right now. Idaho is accounting for around 1750 truckload equivalents weekly. Other leading states currently shipping spuds are Colorado’s San Luis Valley, the Columbia Basin in Washington state and the nearby Umatilla Basin in Oregon, as well as South Florida and Central Wisconsin. Much fewer shipments are occurring from Western Michigan, Aroostrock County, Maine, as well as from the Imperial and O’Neill areas of Nebraska and the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnestoa.
Twin Falls Idaho area – grossing about $5300 to New York City
San Luis Valley – $1600 to Dallas.
South Florida – $2700 to Baltimore
NOTE: The new U.S. potato season usually kicks off around late July or August. A peek at the upcoming year for potatoes shows potentially good news if you haul the product, or if you are a consumer. Potato farmers in the Northwest once again can’t resist the urge (or is it greed?) to plant an additional 30,000 acres of spuds for the 2012-13 season. That will probably more loading opportunities and lower retail prices. It could also mean a disasterous season for growers if too many spuds end up in the distribution pipeline.
Some of the best loading opportunties this time of year are out of the Northwestern United States – namely with Washington state (apples, pears, potatoes and onions) and Idaho and Oregon (onions and potatoes). While the onions and spuds may pay a lower freight rate than fruit, this region at least has good volume in late winter.
Washington’s Yakima and Wentachee valleys continue shipping a lot of apples and lesser amounts of pears. Apple loadings are averaging about 2,500 truckload equivalents per week, with pears loading around 400 truckload equivalents weekly. I use the term “equivalents” in the Northwest since a heavier percentage of produce is shipped by rail than most regions.
There also are onions being shipped from Washington’s Columbia Basin, as well as the nearby Umatilla Basin in Oregon. The two areas combined are averaging around 670 truckload equivalents per week being shipped….The Western area of Idaho and adjacent Malheur County of eastern Oregon is loading about 750 truckload equivalents of onions weekly.
Idaho easily remains the largest shipper of russet potatoes, but has been increasing shipments of red potatoes in recent years. Most produce is originating out of the Upper Valley and the Twin Falls-Burley District. The state is shipping over 1,550 truckload equivalents per week.
Washington apples/pears are grossing about – $6000 to Miami.
Washington’s Columbia Basin potatoes/onions – $3800 to Chicago.
Idaho/Oregon onions – $1600 to Los Angeles.
Idaho potatoes – $5300 to New York City.
When it comes to getting produce loads out of the Northwest this time of the 
year, we’re looking primarily looking at apples, pears, potatoes and onions. The fruit is primarily in Washington state, while the potatoes and onions are not only in Washington, but in Idaho and Oregon. When talking truck load equivalents, keep in mind this includes loads by rail, which are heavier from this region than most. In the Yakima and Wantchee valleys about 4,300 truck load equivalents of apples and pears are being shipped weekly. In Washington’s Columbia Basin and the Umatilla Basin in Oregon, both spuds and onions are being loaded. Potato movement from the Twin-Falls-Burley area of Idaho is around 2,000 truck load equivalents per week.
Idaho potatoes – grossing about $5700 to New York City.
Washington fruit – about $4100 to Chicago.
Washington potatoes – about $2300 to L.A.