Bountiful Baskets

A New Years resolution I made this year was to eat more fresh produce.  While this goal seemed like it might be difficult given the price of fresh produce, I have a found a great solution. Bountiful Baskets.

This is a food co-op in which you can get a huge basket that is 50% fruit and 50% vegetables all for the amazing price of $16 per basket.  Another great thing about this is that they strive to get produce that is as close to locally grown as possible. This really appeals to me because, of course, I'd like to support local farmers as well as save money and have my fruit be much fresher that if it was shipped from another country.  Right now Bountiful Baskets operates in the following states:  Arizona, Washington, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Texas.  If you don't live in one of these states you might be able to find a way to get it started where you live. It's a great program and since they ask for volunteers it's a great way to feel a part of your community and teach your children about service. You can click the link above to visit the official website or like them one facebook.

The BluApple

I don't know how many of my readers subscribe to Daily Grommet.  I just had to share a new product they featured. I think it's something that would be for everyone and as I've made a New Years resolution this year to eat more fresh produce, I'm hoping that this will help me accomplish that goal without wasting as much food.

BluApple is a little something that you can store with your fresh produce whether it's in your crisper drawer or the fruit bowl on the counter. What it does it absorb ethylene gas, which is given off naturally by fruits and vegetables. If ethylene gas builds up in your food storage area, it speeds the ripening process and accelerates ripening.  Apparently this is not a new technology and has been used for years to prevent spoilage in industrial environments like ocean liners, trucks and warehouses.  I really think I'll have to invest in some of these.  Especially since I have started getting my produce through Bountiful Baskets. More on that later. :}

Flavor Tripping Parties

A year or two ago, I was invited to a Flavor Tripping Party. I wasn't able to attend though I was fascinated by the concept. Basically there is an African berry that will temporarily alter your taste buds if you eat it. It will make anything you eat right afterward taste sweet. Click the picture to read the full article.I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to try this but since a friend of mine was able to host such a party, I thought I'd put it out there and ask; have of you ever tried this? Would you try it if you could? May your coming week be sweet.
~Julie :}

Update:
Thanks to Charles Lee, who commented on my blog, I now know where one can purchase these. At this site they have fresh berries for about $2 a berry, or you can buy the Mberry tablets, 10 for $15.

Also, on this site they had a link to the Rachel Ray show where they try the Miracle fruit. You can check it out here.