Antioxidant Fruits » Travel to Fruit

Sawmill Hollow Organic Farms in Missouri Valley Aronia Berry Festival

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:00:27 +0000

Sawmill Hollow Organic Farms is the first organic aronia berry plantation in the United States. The farm has done research over the course of the past ten years on the organic choke berry, and developed a whole product line from it. The farm has also opened a store to sell the black choke berry products. Aronia berries contain a high level of antioxidants. They help reduce the risks for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and bacterial infections. Aronia is now native to the United States and is an easy plant to grow organically.

Sawmill Hollow Organic Farm customers purchase these berries and eat them freshly picked right off of the bush or alternatively use them in bread, muffins, and other baked goods. There are customers at the festival that drink the aronia berry juice, or use the berries to make teas, wine or smoothies. A popular reason to purchase these berries at the festival is to make jams or jellies.

The berry has a taste that is not easy to describe, but it is of a distinctive and pleasant flavor. The berry has a bitter taste that may make your mouth pucker. It gives your mouth a dry-like feeling that is caused by tannis – a chemical used to make wine dry.

Sawmill Hollow Organic Farms has this festival every year in September. They provide tours of the aronia plantation, have educational talks, and let you sample the aronia berry product before purchasing.

Elderberry Week – Basic Elderberry Information

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:00:13 +0000

If you’ve been reading our site for awhile, then you may already know some basic elberberry information. Many companies have taken advantage of the said benefits of the elderberry tree and they have started to mass-produce it so that it becomes available to a greater number of people.

What exactly are the benefits of elderberry tea? It is said that the flowers from which the tea is made are rich in antioxidants that helps the body fight off free radicals, which can cause the damage or even death of cells in the body.

Aside from being an antioxidant that helps prevent certain diseases, elderberry tea also contains various vitamins and minerals including Vitamins A and C, B6 and calcium, to name a few. Fevers and painful joints may also be cured with the help of this beneficial drink, as what many Native Americans have proven over the years.

If you decide to make your very own elderberry tea from growing elderberry seeds fresh from your garden, be sure to follow a few guidelines. The most important of them all is to make sure that the berries you pick are already ripe. Although they come in very rare cases, elderberry poisoning can actually happen. When making your drink, you can boil dried flowers and drink them up or you could get the berries, take out the elderberry seeds and get the juice out. A person may drink a cup of elderberry tea up to three times every day.

Do you drink elderberry tea? Do you make your own or do you have a favorite brand?

What is the Noni Berry?

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:00:16 +0000

Noni

What is the noni berry? The Noni berry has been used by the natives living in the Pacific islands of Hawaii and Polynesia for well over 2000 years and it is known as a very powerful antioxidant. The magic fruit, which was used to cure a number of illnesses by the people living on these islands, has now caught the awe of everyone in the world.

New research done on the fruit has shown it to have significant antioxidant properties that help control free radicals in the human body.

The truth about noni juice is that, it is developed by a scientific process and one cannot just extract the juice of the noni berry and drink it. The juice of this berry is highly acidic in nature and cannot be consumed in its raw form. The juice has to undergo a process of purification where the acidity is removed making it ideal for consumption by humans.

If you want to get the maximum benefits of the noni juice, then there are certain specifications to be followed while having it. You must follow directions specified on the package.

The noni berry has been known to boost immunity, helps regulate the digestive system and helps boost your mood and mental health. Regular drinking of the noni juice has also been found to improve cardiovascular and circulatory system.

Noni cancer research has bought its cancer fighting properties to the fore. The preliminary research on humans has yielded very good results and it holds hope and promise for millions of people afflicted with cancer.

Mangos May Prevent Colon and Breast Cancer

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:11 +0000

Have you heard the good news? You can now use your favorite fruit to fight your battle against the breast cancer disease. Mangos may prevent colon and breast cancer. What exactly is the connection between mangos, colon cancer and breast cancer? Polyphenol, which is extracted from mango, has been found to be effective against colon and breast cancer.

The fruit has comparatively less antioxidant properties than say, grapes but yet is has been found very effective in preventing cancer activity in this form of cancer. Mangos had also been tested for other forms of cancer like lung, leukemia and prostate cancers but have been found to be most effective against cancer activity of breast and colon cancer.

Gallotannins is what the bioactive compounds with anti cancer activity are known as. Polyphenol cause apotosis, which is known as programmed cell death of breast and colon cancer cells. The healthy cells or normal cells are left unharmed. The additional benefit is that it prevents mutation, which causes cell division. As mutation is prevented the damage to healthy cells is prevented or controlled.

There were a number of studies that were carried on colon cancer lines and it has been found that mangos contain both small molecules and large molecules. While the small molecules were readily absorbed the large ones remained in the colon but did not cause any sort of harm.

This has sparked renewed interest in this ancient wonder fruit and research has been done all over the world to find out more about its properties. So, now you have one more reason to have a mango!

Antioxidant-fruits.com Celebrates 2 Years!

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:00:36 +0000

If you have been a loyal Antioxidant-fruits.com reader, then you might have noticed that the site was re-launched in January with a bit of a facelift.

After much debate, we decided to move the site from SBI to WordPress and used Ninja Blog Setup to do it.

We wanted the site to be more interactive and engaging for our readers. We also quite enjoy this platform as it allows for us to include a lot more options than we were able to do with SBI.

So with that said, we would love for our readers to start contributing. If you like fruit, have a fruit company or just want to learn about fruit, we are accepting guest posts. Please do contact us and clear your topic idea for the site before you submit it.

We are also accepting fruit recipes, fruit pictures, fruit farm directory listings, travel to fruit ideas, where to buy fruit ideas and much more.

The purpose of antioxidant-fruits.com is to share information about fruit – it’s uses, availability and benefits. Fruit is an amazing food – it looks cool, tastes great and supplies our bodies with fabulous nutrients and minerals.

Please contribute to this site in any way that you see fit! We welcome all comments and suggestions!

Antioxidant Fruits: Benefits, Uses and Availability

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:57:50 +0000

Antioxidant Fruits:
Benefits, Uses & Availability

THIS DOMAIN AND CONTENT ARE FOR SALE, PLEASE CONTACT US IF INTERESTED

Antioxidant fruits seem to be all the rage these days.

As children, we were told to eat our fruit and vegetables. In fact, the USDA recommends 3-5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day. However, most of us don’t get that in a day or even in a week! It is very important you for you consume your serving portion of antioxidant fruits every day.

Antioxidant-Fruits.com is for those who are looking to learn more about well-known as well as exotic and unusual fruits with antioxidants and for those of you that are looking for one or more of the following:

Protects Cells
Strengthens Memory
Fights Cellular Mutation
Inhibits Platelet Aggregation and Clotting
Helps Digestion
Combats Effects of Diabetes
Strengthens Vision
Increases Mental Clarity
Help Prostate
Strengthens the Heart
Provides Essential Fatty Acids
Stabilizes Proper Cholesterol
Scavengers for Free Radicals
Strengthens Cell Membrane
Builds Proteins
Restores Antioxidant Number
Strengthens Nervous System
Provides Essential Oils
Fights Viruses
Fights Bacteria
Impedes NRS Free Radicals
Relives Inflammation
Helps Reduce Risk of Cancer
Enhances Cellular Communication
Strengthens Immune System

Antioxidant Fruits include:

Beta-carotene
Lutein
Lycopene
Selenium
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

People who eat fruit rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins have a lower risk of cancer, heart disease and some neurological diseases. Antioxidants inhibit oxidative damage. “Scientists now believe that free radicals are casual factors in nearly every known disease, from heart disease to arthritis to cancer to cataracts. In fact, free radicals are a major culprit in the aging process itself,” stated Lester Packer, Ph.D., in his article, “The Antioxidants Miracle”.

While the açaí berry is the gemstone of antioxidant fruits, this website also features other super fruits selected for their distinctive and beneficial properties. Recognizable fruits such as apricots, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, kiwi, pears, pomegranates, prunes, purple grapes, and white grapes, contain a unique blend of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants.

There are, of course, more exotic and less known fruits that accentuate the power of the açaí berry: acerola cherries, aronia berries, bilberries, camu camus, lychees, nashi pears, passion fruit, and wolfberries (Goji).

The Acerola Cherry from Brazil is used for its high content of vitamin C. There are other great forms of cherry, like Tart Cherry Juice.

The Aronia Berry, a native American bush, has been reported to contain antioxidants, polyphenols, minerals and vitamins and very high levels (over five times greater than those found in cranberries) of anthocyanins and flavonoids.

The Bilberry’s strong antioxidant fruits composition makes it an excellent free radical scavenger, which helps counteract cell damage that leads to premature aging and disease. Bilberries have been used in the treatment of menstrual cramps, alleviating ulcers, varicose veins and angina. The flavonoids found in bilberries thin the blood and prevent fragility of the capillaries.

The Camu camu is an antioxidant fruits found throughout the Amazon has the highest recorded amount of natural vitamin C known on the planet. It is a significant source of potassium and has a full complement of minerals and amino acids that can aid in the absorption of vitamin C.

The Lychee, originating in South China, is a very good source of Vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium and copper.

The Nashi Pear, originating in East Asia, is a great source of dietary fiber, and also are very high in potassium and other essential minerals.

Native to Brazil, the Passion Fruit is an antioxidant fruits that is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and iron.

Lastly, the Wolfberry, native of China, contains 19 types of amino acids and 21 trace minerals. It has more beta-carotene than carrots and nearly as much Vitamin C as oranges and protein as bee pollen.

These fruits are extremely rich in antioxidants among other essential elements. These strong antioxidants go to battle against free-radical molecules that invade the body, helping to combat premature aging and even help prevent many serious diseases.

This website looks at the benefits, uses and availability of these fruits. It not only examines individual fruits, where to get them, where to travel to find them, but also a number of recipes and various ideas on how to add them to your diet. Should you have another suggestion for this website, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Pomegranit (spelled, “Pomegranate”)

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:28:28 +0000

In the functional food industry, the pomegranit (pomegranate) (Photo Left are Pomeganates in Turkey by Alex Skelly) is labeled a superfruit. The fruit is between a lemon and a grapefruit in size. The shape is a rounded hexagonal, and the inside contains about 600 seeds. The seeds and the pulp that surround it, are called arils, and are edible.

Pomagranites are drought-tolerant, and grow in dry areas with either summer rainfail climates or a Mediterranean winter rainfall climate.

Pommegranate juice can be very sweet or sour. It has long been a popular pomegranate supplement in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines.

Pommegranate aril juice provides about 16% of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement per 100ml serving. It is also a good source of vitamin B5, potassium, and antioxidant polyphenols.
The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate juice are the hydrolysable tannins, called punicalagins, which have free-radical scavenging properties.
In laboratory research and human pilot studies, pommegranate juice was effective in reducing heart disease risk factors. Pomegranate juice has also been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure, and may have antibacterial effects against dental plaque.

The pomegranate is ideal for dieters on a restricted-calorie meal plan since it’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

Pomegranates are available in the United States from September through December. Select fruit that is heavy for its size, with bright, fresh color, and blemish-free skin. Refrigerate whole pommegranates for up to 2 months, or store them in a cool, dark place for up to one month. Pomegranit seeds packed in an airtight container –and stored in the freezer – will keep for up to 3 months.

There are many ways to add pomegranates into your daily meal plan. You can sprinkle pomegranit seeds over salads, or desserts. Use a pommegranit extract in marinades, or as a glaze for poultry. You can eat the seeds by the handful, or sprinkle on top of waffles, pancakes, or ice cream sundaes.

The list of pomegranate supplements available for purchase is substantial. Pomegranate powder, pomegranate molasses, and pomagranite juice are just a few that are commonly found.

ANTIOXIDANT FRUITS

Pick Pears

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:45:13 +0000

Being able to pick pears fresh is a luxury to say the least. Pears are usually ready last summer or early fall for picking. Of course, always be sure to check with your local fruit orchard to make sure. If you let pear ripen on the vine, then they will break down at the core and become soft and mushy on the inside. To determine the readiness of the fruit, be aware of the ease of removal. If there are already pears on the ground that have fallen from the tree, more than likely, you may be too late. However, you should surely pick all of them.

To measure if the fruit it ready to be harvested, you can gently pull on the stem of the fruit. If the fruit snaps off cleany from the twig, then the pears are ready to be picked. Logically, on larger trees the fruit on the top ripens more quickly than the fruit near the bottom of the tree. Once the fruit is picked, then you can allow it to ripen naturally. However, there are other varieties of pears that don’t allow for natural ripening once removed from the twig. Late ripening varities such as Anjou, Bosc and Comice. These particular varieties are a little more high maintanence. The need about 3-4 weeks of storage in 32-45 degrees temperature–you can store them in a refrigerator or a cellar if it is cool enough. Furthermore, wrapping these varieties while they are ripening is a good idea, to prevent shriveling. Below is a listing of places where you can pick your own pears.

CONTACT US if you have a place to pick pears or any other fruit! or simply add your information in the comment section below.

ANTIOXIDANT FRUITS – More Information

Nashi Pear

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:53:56 +0000

The nashi pear, or Asian pear, was been cultivated for thousands of years. Its antioxidants and phytonutrient profile may help with heart disease. Modern Science shows that this powerful cleansing pear is helpful in treating urinary and digestive problems, including constipation.

The nutritional benefits are:

Vitamin C
Dietary Fiber
B Vitamins

The pear can help with:

Red Blood Cell Production
Gastrointestinal Health

There is a very interesting blog done by a college student in Japan, named Calvin, about a visit to an Asian Pear farm. It is worth the read if you are interested. Each individual pear is wrapped in two pieces of paper and unlike the pear, the Asian pear must rippen on the vine.

This information can also be found on antioxidant-fruits.com’s Travel to Fruit Page.
Mr Higuchi
Pear Plantation
Niigata ken, Kamo shi,
Yamashima Shinden 748
JAPAN
Tel: 0256-53-1037

ANTIOXIDANT FRUITS

How To Grow Tomato Plants

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:58:14 +0000

One might think a “How to Grow Tomato Plants” page is a little silly…after all, how difficult can it be?

The truth is, it isn’t difficult if there weren’t outside factors that affected how your tomato plant can grow. In other words, if squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks didn’t exist and if the weather was always perfect, growing tomatoes would be a piece of cake, however that isn’t always the case!

The nice thing about tomato plants is that with enough patience, water and sunlight, you will be well rewarded with hearty fruit in a couple of months!

If you have how to grow tomato plants tips, please share them.

Step 1 – How To Grow Tomato Plants
Buy a tomato plant from your local nursery or hardware store. You can also buy tomato plants online or you can buy seeds online. You’ll want to decide whether or not to grow Heirloom Tomatoes (which have a wonderful flavor, but are also very tasty) or the more successful first time varieties, such as:

Better Boy
Big Boy
Brandywine
Celebrity
Cherry Tomato Variety
Creole
Early Girl
Grape Tomato Variety
Lemon Boy

Usually, you’ll want to grow at least two plants per person in your household. If you’re the salsa making kind, then you’ll want about four plants per person. Plants usually cost about $4.00. Sometimes nurseries or hardware stores will have different sized tomato plants, charging more, of course, for the larger plants. Usually, you can get a smaller plant and will have the same outcome.

If you’re looking to grow tomatoes from seed or in a green house, be sure to check out these articles:

Step 2 – How To Grow Tomato Plants:
Find a sunny spot in your yard. You’ll need a spot that gets sunlight for 7-8 hours a day. The warm sunlight helps with the flavor of the tomato and of course, helps the plant itself grow faster.

Step 3 – How To Grow Tomato Plants:
If you didn’t add compost to your garden in the fall, you’ll want to add it now. You’ll need 5 to 8 pounds per square foot/25 to 40 kilograms per square meter. Tomatoes thrive in rich organic matter.

Step 4 – How To Grow Tomato Plants:
Dig holes for your plant and make them deep. You’ll want to bury about 75% of the plant because it needs to establish a firm root system. Those tomatoes are heavy when they are finally on the plant and will need a support structure. Space your plants 2 to 3 feet apart. Upon planting, give each plant about 1 gallon of water to help it in the transition period, then in the next 7-10 days give each plant about 16 oz of water/day.

Step 5 – How To Grow Tomato Plants:
Pine needles and mulch should be laid down around each plant about 2 weeks after initial growth. Pine needles have a lot of acidity, which tomatoes thrive on, so pine needles are best.

Step 6 – How To Grow Tomato Plants:
Be sure to stay on top of the watering. Since tomatoes sit in direct sunlight for 7-8 hours/day, they need extra water. You’ll want to make sure the soil around the tomato is always moist.

Step 7:
Cage time! Put a cage around your tomato plant about two weeks after planting. You can buy cages at your local hardware store or nursery.

Step 8:
Fertilizer – if you are using the chemical variety, cut the recommended dose in half. Otherwise, tomatoes thrive on organic matter, so they say, “Keep it comin’!”

Step 9:
Once the little yellow flowers appear, you’ll want to shake your tomato plants 1-2 times a week, as shaking helps to evenly distribute the pollen and increases fruit production.

Step 10:
Fruit comes in about 2 to 3 months after planting the plants. Most of the little yellow flowers turn into little green tomatoes that grow into the red variety. When the tomato becomes the right size and color, it is time to pick. If you are having problems with rodents eating your fruit before it is time for you to harvest, you can always pick the tomatoes early and set them in a sunny window sill. They will ripen in the window sill and be protected from rodents that way!

Learn more about How To Grow Tomato Plants.

Limited Ground Space?

If you have limited ground space or have a bad rodent problem (for example, they gnaw off your plant’s stem from the base of the plant—killing everything), you might want to try growing the plant upside down from a hanger. Please see photos of a Topsy Turvy upside down tomato planter, below.

Topsy Turvy Planters in May 2009 – using a Double Shepherd Rod Hanger. As the plants got heavier, the shepherd’s hook no longer worked.

Topsy Turvy Planters in June 2009. New apparatus to hold everything up. Basil plants are planted in between the Topsy Turvies.

June 2009, Plants are Growing!