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Archive for the ‘Fruits Basket’ Category

Some Really Interesting Facts about Grapes

April 22nd, 2016

Grapes are a type of berry of woody, deciduous vines, belonging to the genus Vitis. They are very tasty, eaten raw or in the form of juice, jam, wine, jelly, grape seed oil, vinegar and raisins.  Grapes are thus very versatile type of fruits. They make for ideal ingredients in fruit baskets.

But here are some less known, interesting facts about grapes:

  • Grapes are classified botanically as berries: They are a type of berry with fleshy inside and leathery cover, much like blue-berries.
  • There are around 8000 varieties of grapes, found in around 60 species. Major types are European and American.
  • One cup of grapes has only 100 calories but is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins C and K.
  • One bottle of wine takes 2. 5 pounds of grapes to make it.
  • Raisins refer to dried grapes which are left to cure in sunlight.
  • Grapes come in a variety of colours: purple, pink, yellow, green, black, etc.
  • Most grapes originate from cultivars made of Vitis Vinifera, the grape vine native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean.
  • Around 71% of grapes cultivated in the world are used to make wine, 2% as dried fruit and 27% as fresh fruit.
  • The most widely cultivated grape variety is the Sultanas, also called as Thompson seedless.
  • Grapes are divided into table grapes and wine grapes. Table grapes are eaten raw, are seedless and have less sugar content than wine grapes which are seeded and used to make wine.
  • Grapes are vegetatively propagated by cutting and lack of seeds does not hinder reproduction. At present, there are over a dozen types of seedless grapes which you can include in a basket of fruit.
  • Grape juice is fermented to make wine, vinegar or brandy.
  • Dried grapes contain around 15% water.
  • The making of wine started from as back as 5000 BC.
  • Grapes help lower risk of heart attacks by increasing levels of nitric acid in the blood which prevent formation of blood clots.
  • Grapes are used to cure indigestion, asthma, migraine, fatigue and kidney disease.
  • They contain low levels of fat, sodium and cholesterol.
  • They can have laxative effect when consumed in a large quantity.
  • Grapes have 80% content of water and make for a good low calorie snack.
  • An acre of grape plantation can make 15,000 cups of wine.
  • The global wine industry produces over 70 million tons a year.
  • The grape industry is the biggest food based industry in the world.
  • Australia makes over 1 billion litres of wine annually.
  • Napa Valley in California has the highest concentration of wineries in the world (over 200).
  • Grapes are rich in phyto-nutrients like Poly-phenolic anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins. One phyto-nutrient is Resveratrol, which protects body from cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer, etc. Another group is Anthocyanins, which have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic qualities.

These are some uncommon facts about grapes- one of the world’s most popular fruits.

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Send Your Siblings Your Love with A Gift

April 18th, 2016

One has to admit it that their childhood would not have been as eventful as it was had not been for their siblings and cousins, who came fought with them, shared things, played and had all the fun with you as a companion. As we grow up, we move to different places for education, and then jobs and you eventually start drifting apart from your partners in crime form childhood.

 Keeping in touch is really easy. Just remember to make them feel special and loved. You might not always find time to write them a card or call them up on every weekend, but you can make up for all that by simply sending them some beautiful and useful gifts every once in a while. It is not necessary that it should be on their birthday; just make it special for them on any random day.

 You might need some help choosing a few out of the box gifts for your siblings, and here are some options you can look at:

 1.       A box of chocolates

 

 A little indulgence is always welcomed. Rather than sending them something that they might not really like, like a t-shirt of your choice or a book that they might have already read, send them something that they will love and a box of chocolates is just the right thing. It can be one of their favourites or something that you find exotic and special. Just get a box of chocolates, out in a note telling them how much you love them and send it to them. It sure will fetch a smile on their faces.

 2.       A basket of fruits

 If you would like to send your siblings something healthy and beneficial for their body, fruit basket is the best option. You just need to pick out on a basket that you think they can use and make sure it has different varieties of fruits in it. Tag it along with a card or maybe just a message and send it off to them. They will love the gift, and it will keep them away from the junk food that they might otherwise consume when hungry. Be the caring sibling and give them a gift that keeps them healthy.

3.       A bunch of fresh flowers

 If you have an elder sibling, and if the age gap is quite big, just go for something that keeps it loving yet respectable, like a bunch of their favourite flowers. Flowers are something nobody can say no to, and it surely is going to make them smile. After all it is not the gift that really matters; it is the gesture behind it. So, pick out a bunch and send it to your sibling.

The best thing about giving gifts despite any occasion is that the receiver feels very special. Even though you are busy, you can still get flowers and fruit baskets delivered by sending them online. It is easy and a smarter way to go about sending gifts to your family and loved ones. So, time is no more an issue to render you from sending gifts to your loved ones.

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Why you must include Zapota in your daily diet?

March 22nd, 2016

The next time you go to the fruit shop, do not forget to bring home a bunch of zapotas. Commonly known as chikoo in most parts of the world, Manilkara Zapota is a sweet fruit mainly grown in Central America, southern Mexico, south Asian countries and the Caribbean region. This juicy, soft calorie loaded fruit deserves to be in your fruit basket. The other names for chikoo are sapodilla, sapota, mudapple and so on. It is a seasonal fruit found twice every year.

Chikoo consists of a brown coloured skin on the outside and a light brown soft and juicy pulp. Each fruit consists of six or less hard, black seeds. The flavour of the fruit is somewhat malty and very sweet. Zapota must be eaten only when it is ripe and soft as the unripe fruit contains saponin, which can dry out your mouth. An average fruit measures about 4-8 cm. 100gm of the fruit consists of 83kcal of energy. The fruit is rich in carbohydrates and is a great energy fruit. Zapota is now eaten throughout the world, and it can be found in fruit baskets UK also.

The fruit zapota has many health benefits and hence preferred by people all over. Here are some nutritive values of the fruit –

  • As the fruit has sufficient fibre content, it aids in the process of digestion. Zapota is rich in dietary fibre content. If you have indigestion or constipation, you now know which fruit to eat.
  • It also contains minerals such as copper, potassium, iron, folate, pantothenic acid and niacin. These help the metabolic body activities.
  • There are several vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C and vitamin E in Zapota. These nourish your skin and hair. It is also beneficial for your lungs and heart. The antioxidants also boost your immunity.
  • Zapota protects the inner lining of the mucous membrane of your colon.
  • The tannins found in zapota have anti inflammatory properties reducing gastritis, enteritis, reflux esophagitis and other gastric disorders.
  • Chikoo is good in treating cough and congestion.
  • The diuretic nature of chikoo helps you rid body’s waste products through frequent urination. It thus avoids water retention. If you want to get rid of kidney and bladder stones, then eat the crushed zapota seeds.
  • Zapota is very good for lactating mothers as it has all the essential nutrients. It is also good during pregnancy to overcome nausea and dizziness.
  • The calcium, iron and phosphorous in zapota can strengthen your bone.
  • As it is an easily digestible food, it can be eaten by children as well as adults.
  • Its haemostatic property helps in preventing blood loss in piles cases.
  • Eating zapota during diarrhoea can be useful as it has purgative properties.
  • Zapota is a good detoxifying fruit, and it can lend a helping hand in weight loss regimes.
  • Due to its high latex content, zapota can cure tooth cavities.

Although the fruit has so many health benefits, eating it in limits is important as the fruit contains high amount of carbohydrates. One zapota a day can be very nutritive and healthy too.

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Six Fruits You Must Be Eating To Get Glowing Skin

March 18th, 2016

Fruits are the most nutritious and nourishing food that you can eat. They are available in all colours, shapes and sizes, and hence, you can pick the ones that please you. Fruits are also hassle free, in the sense; they can be eaten raw if not cooked. If you are too lazy to make juices, salads or cakes using fruits, you can just pick up a fruit from thefruit baskets and start nibbling. Fruits have various good effects over your body including the fact that they can enhance your beauty. They help you in attaining rejuvenated and improved skin texture. You can also notice improvement in skin complexion and appearance of an undeniable glow. The best part is that you can have all these without any side effects unlike all the chemicals filled beauty products available in the market.

Here are six fruits that you need to consume daily to have supple and glowing skin-

Papaya – This one is the most popular among beauty related fruits. Daily intake of papaya can rejuvenate your skin and give it a light glow. Papaya is rich in antioxidants and papain, an enzyme that can remove skin impurities and dead skin cells.

Apple – A prominent fruit in all the fruit gift baskets, apples are rich in nutrients. The high amount of antioxidants in the fruit will prevent tissue and cell damage, in turn delaying aging. It also keeps wrinkles and fine lines at bay. Apple keeps your skin hydrated and cleans your digestive system making you look younger and rearing to go.

Oranges – These are very rich in vitamin C, which plays an important role in improving your skin texture. The vitamin C is natural bleach, which helps in removing marks, acne scars and blemishes. Oranges also slow down the process of aging and keeps your skin glowing and clear naturally. Lemons, which are also similar to the oranges, have the same properties, and can be used if oranges are not available.

Banana – It is a wholesome fruit rich in vitamin A, B and E. Banana has anti aging factors and can make your skin look several years younger. Bananas also contain fibre, minerals, potassium and magnesium. Hence, it can improve your blood circulation and your immunity.

Pomegranate – It is an elixir for good skin. This fruit has anti aging properties and regular consumption will renew damaged cells. Pomegranate also purifies your blood, thus giving your skin a natural glow and softness. Drink a glass of pomegranate juice everyday to get very good results.

Grapes – They may look tiny, but they can do wonders to a dull and damaged skin. The various antioxidants present in grapes will help you get rid of acne and skin ageing signs. They also help in purifying the blood and giving you radiant skin.

Apart from these six fruits there are some other fruits, which can help you attain the soft and glowing skin you have always wished to have. Consume more of sweet limes, strawberries, mangoes, kiwis and guavas. Just two servings of these fruits daily can make your dull skin youthful and glowing.

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Five Unusual Fruits to Try This Year

March 18th, 2016

While buying your fruits, you must sometimes feel that they are getting repetitive. Eating the same fruits daily can be boring. Apple, banana, grapes and mangoes, watermelons during seasons; your fruit basket will consist of only these fruits. Fruits are a very essential component of your diet as they provide you with the necessary nutrients like no other food. Hence, you must include at least two fruits in your daily food.

If you are bored eating the same old fruits and want a change, there are numerous seasonal and exotic fruits that you have not tried yet. Go on and try the following fruits –

  • Cashew nut – You have eaten the nut, but taste the fruit. This tropical fruit is mostly grown in warm climates. The red fruit tastes bitter and tangy.
  • Sees of heaven – Also known as the Guinea pepper, this African fruit is mostly known for its seeds, which are used as a spice. The fruits grow in clusters and are sweetish and tangy to taste. The pulp is soft and juicy. The fruit is grown in tropical countries.
  • Dragon fruit – Also known as Pitaya, this exotic fruit is mainly grown in Asia, America, Australia and its native, Mexico. Dragon fruits are of two types, the sour ones and the sweet ones. You can pick your choice. They have a delicious smell and taste mostly like kiwi fruits.
  • Star fruit – Carambola is from Philippines and is also grown in Asia and America. The fruit has five ridges and when cut horizontally it appears like a star, hence the name star fruit. It is rich in vitamin C. it tastes juicy, crunchy and sweet.
  • Rambutan – The exotic fruit looks like a dragon fruit from outside and a lychee from inside. Found in the South East Asia. The oval shaped fruit is red outside and white on the inside. It tastes sweet with a dash of sourness.
  • Cherimoya – Commonly known as the custard apple, this fruit is found in South America, parts of Asia and Africa. The fruit has a green skin with a soft, edible inside. There are numerous seeds inside and separating them can be a great task. Custard apple is very sweet and soft to taste.
  • Canistel – A native of Mexico, this fruit is widely used in Asian countries. The fruit resembles a boiled egg in its texture. It is sweet in taste.
  • Chocolate pudding fruit – Native to Central and South America, it is also called as black Sapote. The fruit resembles a chocolate pudding, and hence the name. It is mostly used to make deserts. In parts of America, it is fermented to produce liquor.
  • Jackfruit – This large fruit is common in most of Asian countries. The fruit varies in its size from 10 pounds to 80 pounds. The skin is thick and contains blunt spikes. The flesh is yellow, juicy and extremely sweet.

Next time you visit the supermarket; don’t forget to bring home these unusual and rare fruits. Who knows, one of them might end up being your favourite. You can get these fruits from any part of the world, thanks to online shops. Fruit basket delivery in UK and any other country is a hassle free task.

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