travel – The Pear Dish

Vacation, all I ever wanted!

Amy Kweller MS, RD — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 22:40:26 +0000

Vacation is my favorite word. I love adventure, new places and activities, and enjoying time with friends and family: The problem is keeping your health goals on track while traveling. I will be driving across the country this summer to help a friend move and I find road trips make for the most challenging way to travel healthfully. Gas stations, convenience stores, fast food… How do you make smart choices with limited options? For starters, plan ahead. Pack healthful snacks, including fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and plenty of water — enough for the number of days you’re travelling. When you do stop for refreshments or fuel, avoid the candy and chip aisle at the gas station; however, if temptation is too strong, perhaps allow yourself one indulgence each day on the road. If you know the cities you’ll pass through, Continue reading →

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Bon Appétit!

Amy Kweller MS, RD — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 16:00:45 +0000

In July, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that Mexico is now the world’s most obese nation, just edging out the United States. Obesity is a problem around the world; global rates have doubled since 1980 (FAO). This increase in obesity has been attributed to the widespread availability of low-cost, low-nutrient foods that are high in fat, sugar, salt, and calories. The food and health problems that are debilitating America, unfortunately, are also debilitating many other nations. I recently returned from France and Belgium and my favorite international activity is visiting local groceries, markets, and farms. I love to learn about other cultures’ cuisines. While passing through a Parisian street market selling fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and fresh baked breads, I realized that Europeans shop in a very different manner than Americans. Most whom I observed Continue reading →

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Pear Buddies Around the World: Taiwan

Lynsey — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 19:44:12 +0000

Perry and Anjoulina recently accompanied me on a visit to Taipei, Taiwan. In between meetings and market visits, we stopped briefly at a traditional Chinese tea house and had time for a photo op at Taipei 101 – an impressive sight as the world’s third tallest skyscraper. Even though Taiwan shoppers are more used to the more crunchy Asian pear varieties, it is still an important market for red skinned pears, as red is an auspicious color in Taiwanese culture. The vibrant Starkrimson and maroon Red Anjou are unique, sweet treats in a country full of what we in the U.S. consider to be exotic fruits! In addition to supermarkets, there are many fruit shops and vendors where fresh fruits are found. We also visited the wholesale market in Taipei, where the owners choose the fruits to sell in their Continue reading →

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Standing Out in Russia

Lynsey — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:26:08 +0000

I just returned from a trip to St. Petersburg, in Western Russia. Russia is a large market for USA Pears – and competes with Brazil every year to be either third or fourth place after Mexico and Canada. The weather was clear and the city was beautiful, but it was freezing. More accurately, below freezing. At one point it reached -13 degrees Fahrenheit. A bit of a shock for someone like me, who has only known the fairly mild winters of the Pacific Northwest! But I would consider this to be part of the true Russian experience. Russia imports pears from all over the world, in addition to the U.S. So how do USA Pears stand out on the shelves at the grocery store? One way is through the multiple varieties and colors of USA Pears. In the Russian Far East, Continue reading →

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The Sweet Science of Skiing

Brittany — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:03:17 +0000

As a proud supporter of Olympian cross country skier Torin Koos, we’re pleased to be able to share this great article. He’s just embarked on another year of competition, already bringing in second and eighth-place finishes at the USSA SuperTour in West Yellowstone. Best of luck in 2012, Torin! The Sweet Science of Skiing By Torin Koos Riding the cable car up, up, up high into the high Austrian air to the Dachstein Glacier for the first time, I get the feeling Garrison Keillor echoes on his News from Lake Wobegon when he says “All the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.” Packed six tight into the tiny aluminum tin, you can’t help but look around and think all the young women around you are strong and good-looking and above Continue reading →

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Row, row, row your boat…

Lynsey — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:30:20 +0000

Our representative in Russia sent me this pretty great photo. Spotted in the office of an importer in the Russian Far East, Bosco looks pretty chill to be powering this viking ship all by himself! But then again, he’s proven to be pretty comfortable at sea.

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On the Road Again

Amy Kweller MS, RD — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:50:15 +0000

I’ve taken a few road trips this summer, and eating in the car can be a slippery slope. Sitting for long periods of time, especially if driving alone, makes me want to snack to keep busy. The key for me to staying on target is to busy my mind to avoid the temptation to graze. I get bored listening to music for hours; during my last trip, I listened to a book and practiced Spanish with drive-time lessons on disc. This really helped curb my desire to snack! As far as food is concerned, I plan ahead and try to stop somewhere pleasant to enjoy my lunch, which also limits snacking in the car. I always pack a cooler with snackable veggies, fruit, and healthful meals – sandwiches are easy, and I almost always travel with bananas and pears to Continue reading →

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A Grand Adventure

Amy Kweller MS, RD — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:13:09 +0000

Summer is here and for many of us that means hitting the road to adventure. Last weekend I hiked through the beautiful Grand Canyon, no small feat for my first long hike of the summer. Noshing on fresh fruit, nuts, and trail mix from a precipice above the Colorado River was the pinnacle of enjoyment and accomplishment – what a sense of wonder. And thank goodness I brought extra water and snacks for the grueling hike back up the canyon! Whether your summer travel plans include hiking, sun and sand, or 18 holes, staying fueled and hydrated are keys to health, safety, and enjoyment under the sun. Before heading outside, especially on a hot, sunny day, make sure to drink plenty of water and eat a light, balanced meal that includes carbohydrates, fruit or vegetables, protein, and some healthy fats. Continue reading →

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Growing Regions: Medford

Brittany — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 00:28:55 +0000

With the holiday season quickly approaching, it’s time to take a look at the fourth of our growing regions, which is well known for producing the world’s favorite Christmas pear – the Comice. Welcome to Medford, Oregon! Medford is home to Harry and David headquarters, the company that sells the gift basket favorite, in addition to lots of up-and-coming Oregon wineries. The small Southern Oregon city is also in the neighborhood of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States! Visit the Medford area for stunning natural views, award-winning golf courses, and wet and wild adventure on the Rogue River. Click here to learn more!

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Little Pear in the Big Apple

Lynsey — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:43:41 +0000

While Epicurious Entertained NYC, Anjoulina found a little time for sightseeing in Manhattan. Just in case it’s not obvious, Anjoulina is a Red Anjou pear – recently harvested and fresh at the grocery stores now! Red Anjou pears are sweet and juicy, and add gorgeous color to any recipe – from salads and desserts to main courses. Be sure to Check the Neck for Ripeness to get the best eating experience! And speaking of Epicurious – don’t forget to enter our recipe contest! Visit the contest site to learn all about USA Pears and submit your culinary masterpiece for a chance to win a spa getaway for two to Oregon wine country!

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