Archive for the ‘Fruits Basket’ Category

Fruits those are Rich in Fibre Content

May 7th, 2016

Fibre is the indigestible part of our food. Fibre is found in parts of plants such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, leaves and grains. Basically a carbohydrate, fibre helps in the digestion of food and proper excretion. Though the fibre does not itself digest, it has many health benefits such as –

  • It feeds the friendly bacteria in the gut.
  • It benefits weight loss.
  • It lowers blood sugar levels.
  • It helps in curing constipation.
  • It lowers risk of heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Thus, fibre is an important component in our daily diet. It is recommended that men intake 38g of fibre every day and women should consume 25g. Do not forget to choose fibre rich fruits from your fruit basket every day. All fruits contain fibre, but there are some fruits that are rich in fibre content. Some of these fruits are –

Apple –

This sweet and popular fruit contains at least 3g of fibre. No wonder we say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Intake of one apple everyday can raise the fibre content in your diet making you healthy and fit.

Orange –

This citrus fruit contains around 3g of fibre.

Strawberry-

The delicious fruit is loaded with vitamin c along with fibre. You can get 3g of fibre from a bowl of strawberries.

Banana-

Banana contains high amounts of fibre, up to 3.1g. Eating banana can help you from constipation and other digestive problems. It is also rich in good source of many nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6 and potassium. An unripe banana which is green in colour contains resistant starch in large amounts. This indigestible carbohydrates also functions a fibre.

Mango –

The exotic fruit is rich in fibre. It contains 5g of fibre and is also absolutely tasty to eat. Indulge in mangoes whenever you can.

Pear-

The pear is both tasty and nutritious. It contains 5.5g in a fibre and is a great fruit to eat.

Raspberries –

These tiny fruits are a power house of fibre. They contain as much as 8g of fibre. Eating raspberries regularly can bring a positive change in your diet as well as benefit your health.

Guava –

A full cup of guava fruit contains as much as 9g of fibre. It has fewer carbohydrates and is ideal for diabetics.

Avocado –

This exotic fruit is filled with many nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and different types of B-vitamins. One cup of avocado contains at least 10g of fibre. So do not forget to add avocados in your fruit hamper.

Fibre is a very important nutrient though it does not actually digest in our body. It is necessary that you include lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in fibre in order to have smooth digestion. You can either consume them raw or chop them and add into your salads. In summer, you can make juices and milkshakes of the fruits and enjoy cold drinks that are healthy too.

Say you care with a sympathy gift

May 3rd, 2016

Life is full of ups and downs. It is not always about the good things, bad things happen from time to time as well. Many are of the opinion that whatever comes in your way, no matter how much sorrow it brings to you, you have to take it in your stride and move on. But there is one very important prerequisite when it comes to moving on- you have to face the sorrow and then only will you be able to address it properly and find the right motivation for moving on. In order for us to address our sorrows and overcome them, nothing is more precious than support from friends and family.

However, sometimes due to unavoidable reasons we are separated from our loved ones when they suffer a loss, due to distance. Bu that does not mean that we have no way to let them know that we are there for them! You can send sympathy gifts online to show that you care. Even if we want to send gifts over in times like this, we are often at a loss as to what to send them. Here is a suggestion that fits best in times of sorrow like these.

Nothing says “I am there for you” better than a fruit basket. There are various reasons behind this choice. Let’s take a look at a few of them and then you can decide upon the validity of this statement yourself-

  1. Because it’s healthy: When one loses a near and dear one, their life turns topsy-turvy. Their daily routine goes through a massive change. In times like this one is bound to become aloof and irregular with their eating habits. People often lose their appetite or express their disapproval over having regular meals. Fruits are loaded with vitamins which our body requires from time to time. So, if you have a bunch of fruits before you and even if you do not feel up for a proper meal, you can always take a bite or cut a slice. This way, the proper nutrients keep reaching your body so that one’s health does not get compromised when grieving.
  2. Because you need to remain active: It is a reality that when a loved one departs from our midst, apart from the sorrow, there remains a lot of work which has to be done- like arranging the funeral, getting all the paper work in order and to take care of the elder members of the family. If one does not eat properly during this time, one might fall ill, which will hamper all the necessary work that needs to be done. So, if there is a fruit hamper, one can at least munch a few fruits if they suffer from a lack of appetite due to the sorrow which has befallen.

Tip: When you send a sympathy gift, no matter what it may be, make sure that you put some thought into it. Always add a personal note along with the gift to let the bereaved know that you are with them.

If for any reason you cannot be present physically in times of sorrow of a loved one, always make sure to let them know that you care with a sympathy gift and if circumstances permit, turn up at their doorstep to console them.

Strawberry- a mouth watering fruit

April 26th, 2016

Fragaria ananassa is commonly known as strawberry. Scientifically speaking, strawberry is an aggregate accessory fruit and not the actual fruit. It is a red coloured, juicy fruit that is sweet, sometimes sour to taste. Strawberry is probably the cutest looking fruit that attracts all especially kids. The fruit is consumed all over the world either in fresh form or as an ingredient in juices, ice creams, milk shakes etc. Strawberry flavouring is one of the most used flavours in food, beverages, make up and fragrance industry.

History –

It was first cultivated in France in the 1750s. Before this, the fruit grew in wild. The use of strawberry became popular because of its medicinal values. Different types of strawberries that vary in size, shape, colour and taste are grown in the different parts of the world. Usually the creeper grows in cool places like hill stations.

Appearance –

The fruit is small, heart shaped red in colour with a green calyx on the head. The surface is spotted and rough with more than 200 seeds on its outer membrane. The inner texture is soft and succulent. The tiny fruit could be eaten in one bite. it will be the most attractive fruit in your fruit baskets.

Commercial uses –

Along with being eaten just like a plain fresh fruit, strawberry has other uses too.

  • It is consumed with fresh cream.
  • It is used as a topping for cakes and pastries.
  • It makes a delicious milkshake.
  • It is used to make ice creams.
  • It is used in making preservatives
  • It is used to flavour chocolates and candies.
  • It is also used to add flavour to hand sanitizers and perfumes.
  • It is used to make pies and puddings.
  • It is used to add flavour to lip gloss, lip colours and perfumes.
  • The flavour is used in many other foods, beverages, confections and cosmetics.

Health benefits –

100g of strawberry has about 33 kilocalories. It is an excellent source of vitamin C. It also contains manganese, other vitamins, dietary minerals and essential fatty acids. This fruit is high in nutrients and low in calories. Strawberry is good for –

  • Reduces risk of Cardiovascular diseases
  • Lessens the effects of Inflammation and ulcers.
  • Controls your hypertension and blood pressure.
  • It can prevent cancer.
  • It is a good fruit for people suffering from Diabetes.
  • You can manage your allergies and asthma too by regularly eating strawberries.
  • It relieves you from constipation.
  • Can lessen the effects of depression.
  • Strawberry also has anti aging factors.
  • It promotes the health of your bone.
  • It is a very good fruit for women who are pregnant.

Instant serving ideas –

  • Add chopped strawberries in to your green salad.
  • Blend strawberries and use it as a sauce on your favouring ice creams.
  • Add chopped strawberries to your cereal.

 You can find more than 600 varieties of strawberries across the world. So, do not forget to include this magical fruit in your fruit baskets. It is going to improve your beauty as well as health.

Kiwi- the king of fruits

April 26th, 2016

With a botanical name – Actinidia chinensis, kiwi is a very healthy fruit, or rather berry, that you can include in your daily diet. Next time you go to buy fruits, do not forget to add a kiwi fruit into your fruit basket. The fruit is not only famous for its tasty flavour, but also the many health benefits that it has on our body. The ancient Chinese called it as Yang Tao. The fruit originated from China but is majorly seen in New Zealand. The missionaries in New Zealand introduced it to the world in the early 20th century. It came into the US in the late 1960s.

 History –

The fruit was known as Chinese gooseberry earlier. But, later on, it got its new name from New Zealand’s native bird kiwi. Today, the fruit is grown in many countries such as Italy, France, Japan, Chile and the US. The fruit comes in majorly two varieties, green and gold. It grows on woody vines and is of an egg shape and size.

 Appearance –

Kiwi is brown and hairy on the outer side. The oval fruit is about the size of a tennis balls. The inside of the fruit is lime green with many small black seeds. It is sweet to taste, just like a strawberry.

 Uses –

  • Eaten fresh as a fruit.
  • Used in salads.
  • Used as a topping in cakes and pastries.
  • Used to make pies, pastries, milkshakes and ice creams.
  • Used to tenderize meat as it has acitidin.

 Health benefits –

  • Kiwi is very rich in vitamins. It gives you 273% of your daily vitamin c requirements.
  • It is an immunity booster fruit that keeps colds and flu at bay. Kiwi is highly recommended for people suffering from dengue.
  •  With high amounts of vitamin k, kiwi helps in easy blood clotting and coagulation.
  • The Vitamin A also present in reasonable amounts is great for your bones and tooth.
  • It is also good for your vision.
  • It can help you sleep better.
  • The kiwi fruit is good for the health of your skin
  • It prevents macular degeneration.
  • Vitamin E and potassium balance the body’s electrolytes and hypertension.
  • Kiwi is especially good for children and infant growth.
  • It benefits foetus, pregnant and breastfeeding women.
  • Avoids heart disease and cancer.
  • It prevents constipation. it is a good source of dietary fibre.

 Instant kiwi serving ideas –

 

  • Add sliced kiwi into your salads.
  • Slice kiwi and strawberries, top them with some cream and enjoy the scrumptious dessert.
  • Kiwi, pineapple and oranges can be blended to make a sauce that goes well with chicken and fish grills.
  • Blend a smoothie of the kiwi fruit and beat the summer heat.

Kiwi however contains high amounts of fructose, which is not very good for your health, and hence, must be consumed in moderation. 100g of kiwi contains about 70 calories. So, include only one kiwi in your fruit basket UK per day.

Most Loved Types of Mangoes in the World

April 25th, 2016

Mango is regarded as the king of fruits. In fact, it is the national fruit of Philippines, Pakistan and India. It is found in different colours, shapes and sizes. It is consumed in various forms like juice, smoothies, puddings, milk shakes, ice creams, salads and many more. It can be used to fill up a fruit basket.

Top mango varieties of the world are:

  • Alphonso: This mango is the topper of the charts with its exquisite taste, aroma and flavour. It is produced in Gujarat and Maharashtra in India because of suitable climatic conditions. It is cultivated in a unique manner. It is the most widely exported mango variety in the world.
  • Ataulfo: This intense yellow mango is loved by everyone for its creamy and sweet flavour. It has a smooth texture making it ideal for raw consumption as well as salads. It is grown primarily in Mexico.
  • Francis: Grown all over Haiti, it has a rich sweet and spicy taste. Oblong in shape and vibrant yellow in colour, it has highly fibrous flesh and is used to make chutneys.
  • Glen: It has a peachy, sweet and silky flavour which renders it very popular. It is pink or red in colour and oblong to oval in shape. Grown in Florida, it is available from May to June.
  • Haden: Having rich texture and fragrant aroma, it is good for raw consumption as well as for cooking. It has firm flesh and fine fibres. It is intense red in colour with yellow and green overtones and small dots in white. It is found in Mexico and South Florida.
  • Keitt: It is grown in USA and Mexico. It is loved when both green and ripe and as raw as well as pickles. It finds great popularity in Asian cuisine. It has juicy and firm flesh which has fruity and sweet flavour with limited fibre. It is medium to dark green with a pink blush.
  • Kent: It has a rich and sweet flavour with juicy flesh and limited fibre. It is good for juicing and baking. It is dark green with deep red blush. Mostly produced in Peru, Ecuador and Mexico.
  • Kesar: Grown mostly in Gujarat state of India. It has a round shape and small size. It is a great export, because of its extreme sweetness. It has yellow patches on the skin but when ripe, becomes vibrant yellow.
  • Madam Francique: Cultivated mostly in Haiti, it is called as ‘dessert mango ‘as it is a popular ingredient in desserts. It has a rich spicy and sweet taste, which has a rare tangy twist.
  • Tommy Atkins: Originating from Florida, it is the most commercially exported type to the US. It has a mild sweet flavour with firm, fibrous flesh. It is grown widely in Mexico and Latin America. It comes in different shades with dark red blush.
  • Valencia Pride: It originated in Florida. It is large in size and skin features a big red blush but some are also yellow in colour. It lacks fibre and has a smooth, juicy texture with a delicious aroma.

These are some popular varieties of mangos which are good to make fruit baskets. Mangos are great items to send to a loved one.