This recipe yields a luscious spread with a jam-like consistency and a bold banana flavor. Best of all, it’s relatively low in fat and calories, so you can savor all that banana bread deliciousness without the guilt.

Banana Butter with Pumpkin Pie Spice

Makes six half-pint jars

Ingredients

Have a happy and healthy Memorial Day Weekend! Just because many are accustomed to grilling, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your diet. There are many healthy alternatives to have a successful Memorial Day get-together and it’s one of the best ways you can drive interest in bananas.

Bananas are one of the healthiest foods you can carry around with you. Rich in vitamins and nutrients, bananas already come packaged and are perfect for any occasion. Whether folks are camping, grilling at home, or going on a picnic this Memorial Day Weekend, raise their awareness of the benefits of bananas.

Many people love going out-and-about on this long weekend and many will appreciate fun, healthy options that will also leave them feeling satisfied. If you are going to have a Memorial Day display this weekend, insert bananas into your marketing as a unique way to catch the interest of your customers.

As an alternative to hot dogs, show your customers how they can make banana hotdogs by hosting a demo table. Take whole grain buns, a peeled banana and replace ketchup and mustard with peanut butter and jelly. Or you can always give them a recipe on how to grill bananas.

Putting up displays and nutritional facts are also great ways to grab the attention of those who are looking to keep healthy this weekend. Not everyone should have to feel obligated to pig out this weekend, so give them a reason not to.

If you’d like to be involved and to learn more about Organics Unlimited, GROW, or how you can obtain Fair Trade Label Organics Unlimited bananas, visit OrganicsUnlimited.com, GROWBananas.org, or call (619) 710-0658.

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Source: Yahoo Sports & LiveStrong

Growing up, many athletes are instilled with the idea that bananas are one of the best pre and post-workout treats. Athletes know they are good for the body, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re on their minds when they go shopping. With summer right around the corner, providing fun and simple facts about bananas targeted to engage athletes and fitness gurus alike will help boost sales.

Athletes and those looking to get in-shape pay close attention to their diet and energy levels. Why not remind them of the most beneficial and one of the healthiest snacks available? Bananas are perfect for grab-and-go, inexpensive, and the most convenient fruit around. They come in their own packaging and are essential to every athletes diet. Here are some key facts you should be conveying to your customers:

• Bananas contain an immense amount of potassium. The human body requires potassium to maintain fundamental nervous and muscular function. With the help of potassium, athletes will increase their athletic performance through improved nerve conductivity and alleviate muscle cramps.

• Exercising helps reduce stress and symptoms of depression, but so do bananas. Utilizing tryptophian, an amino acid found in bananas, athletes will become more relaxed and happier due to increased levels of a hormone called serotonin.

• High amount of iron can also be found in bananas, which helps increase the production of hemoglobin that helps fight anemia.

• There are three kinds of sugars in bananas: glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Glucose and fructose will give a healthy, quick energy boost, while sucrose will help maintain blood sugar and prevent crashing.

• Bananas accommodate 15 percent of our daily Vitamin C to function and are also a good source of manganese, which helps strengthen bones, ligaments, and muscles. These vitamins also assist in the creation of adrenaline before and during workouts and reinforce the body’s immune system and prevent tissue damage.

• Vitamin B6 found in bananas is also responsible for red blood cell formation, getting oxygen to hard-working muscles, converting food into energy, and building muscle.

• For people looking to lose weight, bananas are full of complex carbs, such as fiber, making you feel more full than other fruits and most foods. They are also low calorie; less than 100 each.

Athletes depend on a nutritious and meaningful diet in order to keep a healthy lifestyle. Help them gain the vitamins and nutrients they need by reminding them the importance of bananas. They are great for pre, mid, and post-workouts to help refuel the body and allow for anyone to reach peak performance and adequate energy.

If you’d like to be involved and to learn more about Organics Unlimited, GROW, or how you can obtain Fair Trade Label Organics Unlimited bananas, visit OrganicsUnlimited.com, GROWBananas.org, or call (619) 710-0658.

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Source: Yahoo Sports & LiveStrong

Try a new way of cooking fish on the grill this weekend by wrapping it in a banana leaf. After cooking, the aroma that comes from the banana leaf upon cutting it open is intoxicating – in a good way. The distinct smells of the herbs and ginger will make your mouth water, and the flavor of the fish will not disappoint.

Stuffed Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaf

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 whole fish, about 2 lbs each, scaled, gutted, and fins removed
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 lemongrass stalks
• 6 sprigs cilantro
• 6 slices fresh ginger
• 4 sprigs fresh mint
• 4 slices of lime
• 2 banana leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Using a sharp pairing knife, cut three slits in the skin on both sides of each fish
2. Season fish generously inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff each fish with an equal amount of lemongrass, cilantro, mint, ginger, and lime slices
3. Oil one side of banana leaf and place fish on oiled side. Wrap leaf tightly around fish and tie securely with butchers twine. Repeat with second fish
4. Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all the charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and spread the coals evenly over entire surface of coal grate
5. Set cooking grate in place, cover gill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate
6. Grill fish over medium-high heat until cooked through and flesh flakes, about 10 minutes per side. Remove from grill
7. Let fish rest for five minutes, cut open banana leaf and serve

Serious Eats suggests you cook your fish over a direct fire using medium-high heat.

Source: Serious Eats

Look for new recipes on Organic Odes every Friday!

Be sure to follow Organics Unlimited on Facebook and Twitter as well as GROW on Facebook and Twitter! Visit GROWBananas.org and OrganicsUnlimited.com for more info.

May is National Allergy and Asthma Month and wouldn’t you know it; bananas have been linked to reduce symptoms of both. Take this into consideration with your banana marketing and watch your customers take an active interest in the other health benefits bananas have to offer.

Providing helpful tips on how to reduce symptoms of allergies and asthma is one of the best ways you can increase sales and bring bananas into your customer’s daily diet. Raising awareness of the health benefits that organic bananas host will show that you care and draw more interest to your banana display.

In relations to asthma, a British study has shown children who ate one banana a day had a 34% lower chance of developing asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing. It is suggested, since bananas are the best source of vitamin B6 they cause a greater production in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and cyclic adenosine momophosphate (cAMP), molecules that help relax bronchial smooth muscle tissue.

Everyone hates allergies. They are the opposite of fun. Over 36 million Americans suffer from “hay fever”-like symptoms. Place emphasis on your seasonal messaging by fighting the good fight against allergies. There are many foods that help alleviate this common annoyance and you can raise awareness by cross marketing and putting them on display.

Kill the chances of sneezing, sniffling, and itchy eyes with organic bananas and the power of vitamin C. The benefits of this wonder fruit is more natural than any over-the-counter drug. More than ever, customers are choosing the more organic and natural route. Bananas are the perfect choice and you don’t have to worry about side effects.

If you’d like to be involved and to learn more about Organics Unlimited, GROW, or how you can obtain Fair Trade Label Organics Unlimited bananas, visit OrganicsUnlimited.com, GROWBananas.org, or call (619) 710-0658.

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Like Organics Unlimited on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. You can also find GROW on Facebook and Twitter.

We’re just one month away from summer. It’s time to get those beach bodies back in shape and what better way to do that than with cooking up a batch of healthy banana cookies or starting the day off right with a banana protein shake? There are many great tasty and healthy recipes to make you feel healthy and energized.

Not everyone likes to diet or sacrifice their favorite sweets. If you’re a retailer, take these factors into consideration by sharing recipes that are both healthy and offer the sweet taste of bananas. Your customers will be overjoyed to see that there are some terrific healthy options that don’t necessarily taste”healthy.”

Be adventurous with Avocado Banana Bread. The healthy fat from the avocado makes this bread rich and decadent. Don’t worry, the banana completely masks the taste of the avocado.

If you have a little extra time in the morning, a stack of these Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Banana Pancakes will really hit the spot.

Blend this delicious Banana-Apricot Hemp Smoothie that has the look and taste of an ice cream treat without all the calories and fat.

Throw together this simple and tasty Guava Banana Salad that is both light and full of great flavors.

There’s always room for a classic; this Whole Wheat Banana Bread is a fantastic twist on a traditional recipe.

Begin your morning with an easy-to-make Banana Protein Shake full of energizing nutrients that will have you out the door if you’re in a hurry.

For the chocolate lovers out there, try this Guilt-Free Chocolate Banana Bread that uses a healthy substitute to lower the fat content.

Or if you crave even more chocolate, but still want to stay healthy, try these Banana Brownies.

As a fun and light morning treat, whip up a batch of these Whole Wheat Banana Bread Muffins.

Feel good about stealing cookies from the cookie jar with these Healthy Banana Cookies!

Like what you see? Be sure to come back every Friday as we provide you with new recipes every week!

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Forget about all the butter-packed, sugared-up, chocolate chip banana breads in the world and go for this guilt-free recipe. It uses smart swaps like fat-free liquid egg substitute and light butter to lower the fat count. Then it uses whole-wheat flour to boost the fiber.  Add the perfect balance of sweeteners, plenty of mini chocolate chips, lots of banana, and you’ve got one delicious, no-guilt treat.

Guilt-Free Choco-Banana Bread

Yields 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup Splenda No-Calorie Sweetener
• 3 tbsp. brown sugar (not packed)
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute
• 2 tbsp. light whipped butter or light buttery spread
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup mashed very ripe banana
• 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan with nonstick spray
2. In a large bowl, combine both types of flour, Splenda, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well
3. In a medium bowl, combine egg substitute, butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until uniform. Stir in mashed banana. Add mixture to the large bowl, and stir until uniform. (Batter will be thick)
4. Stir chocolate chips into the batter. Transfer to the loaf pan, and smooth out the top
5. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 – 22 minutes
6. Let cool completely, about 10 minutes in the pan and 45 minutes out of the pan on a cooling rack. Eat up!

Hungry Girl would like you to know what you are putting in your body:

• Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe (1 slice)
• Calories: 155
• Fat: 3.5g
• Sodium: 248mg
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 2.5g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 3.5g

Source: Hungry Girl

Look for new recipes on Organic Odes every Friday!

Be sure to follow Organics Unlimited on Facebook and Twitter as well as GROW on Facebook and Twitter! Visit GROWBananas.org and OrganicsUnlimited.com for more info.

San Diego, CA (April 25, 2013) — Chiquita Brands and Organics Unlimited have formed an agreement to supply organic bananas to the US market under the Chiquita® label. This agreement for Organics Unlimited is an expansion of their distribution in the US with organic bananas from Mexico and Ecuador.

The new partnership includes training in both Mexico and Guatemala to synchronize the systems of each company for the organic banana program. All bananas under this agreement will be sold in the US under the Chiquita Organic label, with an emphasis on quality and packaging to meet or surpass the current standards Chiquita has with its retail customers.

Organics Unlimited will continue to supply the US and Canadian markets with organic bananas under the Organics Unlimited label, GROW label, and Fair Trade label. The company has expanded growing operations in the past five years, increasing the available supply of year round organic bananas, plantains, red bananas and coconuts.

ABOUT ORGANICS UNLIMITED
Organics Unlimited is a San Diego-based distributor of organic tropical fruit from Mexico and South America, providing GROW-certified bananas. They are USDA certified organic for the U.S. and Canada through Organic Certifiers. Organics Unlimited offers organic bananas through their traditional label as well as the GROW label and Fair Trade label. For more information on Organics Unlimited and GROW, visit their websites at OrganicsUnlimited.com, GrowBananas.org, or call 619.710.0658.

ABOUT CHIQUITA BRANDS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (NYSE: CQB) is a leading international marketer and distributor of nutritious, high-quality fresh and value-added food products – from energy-rich bananas, blends of convenient green salads and other fruits to healthy snacking products. The company markets its healthy, fresh products under the Chiquita® and Fresh Express® premium brands and other related trademarks. With annual revenues of more than $3 billion, Chiquita employs approximately 20,000 people and has operations in nearly 70 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit the corporate web site at http://www.chiquita.com.

Nearly all consumers who say they purchase organic products buy organic fruits and vegetables, according to a new survey on U.S. consumer attitudes about organic food.

According to the 2013 U.S. Families’ Organic Attitudes and Beliefs Study, released in early April by the Brattleboro, Vt.-based Organic Trade Association, 81% of consumers surveyed said they had purchased organic food products at least sometimes.

Fresh produce remains the leading category of organic purchases, according to the study, with 97% of organic consumers reporting purchases of organic fruits or vegetables in the past six months. The survey, conducted in January of more than 1,200 consumers, also reported that organic consumers spend more per shopping trip and shop more frequently than those who never purchase organic food.

Similar to previous studies, the 2013 report shows that 48% of consumers who purchase organic foods say they do so because they are “healthier for me and my children,” according to a news release.

Other reasons for purchasing organic, according to the release, include a desire to avoid:

• Pesticides and fertilizers (30%);
• Antibiotics and growth hormones (29%); and
• Genetically modified organisms (22%).

According to the survey, 42% of consumers say their trust in organic products has increased in the past year, up from 32% who felt that way in the 2012 survey,

The complete study is available online for $1,495 for members and $1,995 for non-members.

Source: The Packer (Tom Karst)