Coconut Water: What's the Big Deal?

Coconut water seems to be all the rage. It is flying off health food shelves and into the hands of health-conscious consumers nationwide. Often touted as “nature’s natural sports drink,” coconut water is known for its exceptional hydrating properties and abundance of natural electrolytes. Not to be confused with coconut milk, coconut water contains no fat and is naturally low in sugars and carbohydrates. It also helps boost poor blood circulation, raises metabolism and helps maintain the body’s natural fluid levels.

Coconut water comes directly from the inside of young coconuts. When a fresh coconut is cut open, this dense, clear, sweet liquid is found inside. In many coconut-growing countries, you can often find people walking around with a coconut in hand, sipping the water through a straw.

There are many benefits of drinking the water found inside coconuts. The taste is sweet with a hint of nuttiness. It’s also a great and healthy ingredient to add to recipes. Try these two recipes using coconut water:

Thai Style Pumpkin Soup

Coconut Water Ice Pops

Banana Crop Update

Chilly temperatures are still prevalent in the banana growing regions of Mexico and South America. We blogged about the weather situation a few weeks ago, and unfortunately, temperatures are still creating a challenge. The unusually low temperatures are slowing down the natural banana growing process. Supply is still very tight and we should expect it to be tight through May. “We’re committed to providing our loyal customers with year-round, highest quality bananas,” says Organics Unlimited president, Mayra Velasquez de Leon. “We’re concentrating on keeping our existing customers supplied, instead of taking advantage of the market.”

While you may see our prices increase slightly due to the supply, you can be assured our product will be held to the same, high quality standards you’ve come to expect from Organics Unlimited.

Keep checking our blog for the latest information in the tropical produce industry.

Tips for Cross-Merchandising Organic Bananas

Organic bananas are usually a staple item on most organic-conscious shoppers’ lists. However if they don’t make the top of the list, turn them into an impulse buy when shopping for related items through simple cross-merchandising techniques.

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) notes that consumers who shop organic are also more likely to be adventurous cooks, gourmands, or more popularly termed “foodies.” To capture this audience, provide unique suggestions in which they can incorporate organic bananas into their diets or place among other ingredients for creating special organic recipes.

Here are some cross-merchandising ideas to help increase your sales and drive your shoppers BANANAS:

• Cross-merchandise bananas with steel-cut oatmeal and organic non-fat milk for a healthy low-fat breakfast option
• Ride the coconut water/milk craze by cross-merchandising organic bananas as a complimentary snack for the healthy eaters, celebrity-fad dieters, gym-goers or experimental “foodies”
• Merchandise organic bananas within organic-specific or healthy choice aisles when applicable
• Choose a popular, yet simple recipe that incorporates bananas, such as Organic Banana-Squash Soup, and merchandise key ingredients together to capture health-conscious cooks and creative bakers

Bananas are a easy fruit to merchandise because they don’t require refrigeration. So get creative with your merchandising options and give your customers unique ideas that are nutritious organic choices!

Nutritional Benefits of Organic Bananas

Everyone knows organic bananas are a great source of nutrients which are key to fueling healthy and active bodies. But do your customers know the exact health benefits that organic bananas provide? Here are the nutritional facts for bananas:

• Serving Size=1 medium banana
• Calories=110
• Fat=0 g
• Cholesterol=0 g
• Potassium=400 mg (10% of daily recommended value)
• Dietary Fiber=4 g (16% of daily recommended value)
• Sugar=14.8 g
• Protein=1 g (2% of daily recommended value)
• Vitamin C=16% of daily recommended value
• Vitamin B6=20% of daily recommended value

Here are a few specific health factors that help make an organic banana nature’s perfect food:

• Since bananas contain high levels of potassium, they’re good for the heart and nervous system. Potassium is essential for keeping muscles healthy, so bananas are a perfect fuel food for athletes.
• The high levels of potassium also aid in kidney and bone health. Potassium helps to increase the absorption of calcium and reduce the risk of kidney stones.
• Bananas contain trace amounts of Tryptophan, which helps the body produce serotonin. Serotonin has a calming effect on the brain and creates stabilized moods.
• Bananas are one of the best natural sources of vitamin B6. This vitamin is essential in helping the body produce hemoglobin, antibodies, immune response and maintaining proper blood/sugar ratios in the blood.
• Bananas act as a binder and can help with many gastrointestinal problems.
• Bananas are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps lower the risk of coronary heart disease and of type 2 diabetes.

Your customers are eager to know the health benefits of natural foods. Better assist them with these helpful facts.

Organic Pineapples from Organics Unlimited!

Organics Unlimited carries more than just bananas. Seasonally, we carry sweet, fresh, organic pineapples! Studies prove that a diet rich in organic foods benefit our bodies and our planet more than conventionally-grown foods. Organic pineapples have tons of nutritional benefits, including:

• Source of calcium, potassium, fiber and vitamin C. It is also a good source of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, thiamin, copper and dietary fiber
• Low in fat and cholesterol
• A good source of manganese, a mineral which helps build and strengthen bones
• Source of Bromelain, which helps suppress a cough and loosen mucus, making pineapples a great thing to consume while under the weather
• Organic pineapple can help discourage blood clots

Need some simple, delicious pineapple recipes to share with your customers? Try our recipes for Broiled Pineapple and fresh pineapple salsa.