`Pink Lady' apple causes sensation
Oct 21, 2000 12:00 PM, WESTERN FARM PRESS STAFF
"Pink Lady" is not the name of a fruity drink garnished with a parasol. It's a cross between Golden Delicious and Lady Williams apples. This Australian native is causing a sensation in California, Farm Bureau says, where it's sweet-tart, flavor, hot pink color and growing popularity are projected to reach an estimated production of one million boxes by the year 2002.
Sixty percent of California's raisins are sold as an ingredient to food processors, according to the California Raisin Marketing Board.
Marketing research studies show consumers praise low-cost raisins as a source of nutrients, as a convenient and nutritious snack, and as a useful cooking ingredient.
The glassy-winged sharpshooter rides again! No, it's not a cute, little gun-totin' winged fairy. It's an insect that poses a serious threat to California viticulture. Why? Because it spreads Xylella fastidiosa - the bacterium that causes Pierce's disease - for which there is no effective treatment.
Rural crime has changed. It's no longer just a neighbor's kid swiping Tipe cherries from your tree on a warm spring day - it's serious business. Commercial orchards are particularly vulnerable to thefts of walnut burls that sell for thousands of dollars and are used in luxury vehicles.
California continues to lead the U.S. in production of apricots, avocados, grapes, lemons, plums, prunes and strawberries.
Eating a handful of walnuts everyday will lower your blood cholesterol. A study at Loma Linda University found that people who ate any kind of nuts at least five times a week had half the risk of heart attacks as those who ate nuts less than once a week. California leads the nation in production of walnuts, which ranks 10th in agricultural export commodities. What, countries import them? Japan, Spain, Italy, Germany, Canada, Netherlands and Israel.
Differences in color are not the only thing that distinguishes white-fleshed peaches and nectarines from traditional varieties. Yellow varieties continue to ripen after harvest, while white varieties taste sweet even while they are quite firm to the touch.
Ben Franklin predicted that in the future food would be our medicine. He was right! Farm Bureau reports that researchers found certain compounds in cherries which can help prevent heart disease, block inflammatory enzymes and are more effective than aspirin for reducing pain. So, if you hurt...eat 20 cherries and call me in the morning.
What do wine and angel food cake have in common? Cream of tartar. Farm Bureau sources report that this major ingredient in baking powder is a natural, pure substance left behind after grape juice has ferments to wine, and keeps egg whites from foaming.
Winery shipments increased for the sixth consecutive year, reaching a record high of 446 million gallons in 1999.
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