The Olympian’s Quest: Part One

koos_aotearoa3

In just four days, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games will commence and we’ll be pulling for U.S. Ski Team member Torin Koos, a cross-country skier we’re extremely proud to sponsor.  As a native of Leavenworth, Washington, Torin grew up in the heart of pear country.  Torin checks in with us regularly with postcards, photos, training videos, and his reflections on training and competing in the Olympics, a dream he’s had since he was a child. 

In addition to his love for skiing, Torin also enjoys writing.  In fact, he’s in the process of getting a master’s degree in communications at Westminster College.  He recently sent us an article called “Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters” which we’re very pleased to share with you.

Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters

It’s a quiet Sunday night as I begin to write. At first it’s all stuttering and stopping, cross and erasing. The creative complexity of writing, of making language flow from thought, escapes me. I’m trying too hard. I’m thinking too grand.

I go back to the basics. Write about what you know. Use single, short declarative sentences. Always seek the active voice. Show, don’t tell. Write. Put pen to paper. Then, only then, let the inner copy writer’s voice come out.

Finally it comes. Yes, this is it. If I had to compose a group of words to live by, these might be mine.

To Seek, To Strive, To Find, and To Never Yield

above-where-ocean-meets-river

Part One:  To Seek…

It’s on the outskirts of the Banff National Park where I find myself for the last days of preparation before heading West to Whistler. Isn’t this the way it always is, headed West, leaving the stepping stones behind for the land of new adventures and experiences? In my mind’s eye I can see the big mountains as I can breathe in the wet, slightly salty maritime air. Ah, sometimes life’s too good, isn’t it?

Writing these last lines reminds me about what it’s all about - the universal appeal of sport and the Olympian’s quest. It’s to fully inhabit the most traditional and hallowed sense of the word amateur; a lover of. What a feeling it is to wake up every morning, pop out of bed, let out a big, boisterous Shazaam! and get right to it, loving every minute of the process. Maybe it’s encouraging to know (somehow, it is for me anyways) that this state of perfection is beyond most Olympian’s daily way and means. This, though, is the personal standard. The one most worth striving for. When you get to this level, hold it, cherish it, nourish it, share it and carry it’s memory with you always. I’ll try to do the same.

torin-koos_trondheimA friend says, “It’s so easy to die before the fact of it.” This reminds me of the Jack London penned poem, the work urging one to be the spark that burns out in a brilliant blaze, to be that meteor, every atom in magnificent glow.

To this I say, raise high that roof beam, carpenters! To use every fibre of our bodies in taxing effort, to beat back the deadening effect of habit, to abhor merely existing and instead shine, shine, shine like that exploding star shooting across the dark night sky.

Share/Save/Bookmark

Have a Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day!

love1

I look forward to Valentine’s Day every year. It’s a day to celebrate love of family, friends, and chocolate! As a dietitian, I get many questions about the health benefits of chocolate. Is it true? Well, it is no coincidence that the American Heart Association chose February as American Heart Month. Well, maybe that’s because of Valentine’s Day, but the science is true. As part of an overall nutritious and physically active lifestyle, chocolate has a place!

chocolate-and-pearsSpecifically, cocoa contains agents protective against high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. These benefits are from flavonoids, a type of antioxidant; antioxidants have been shown to protect cardiovascular tissue by neutralizing the damaging effects of free radicals. Like fruits and vegetables, cocoa is a plant food. However, how chocolate is manufactured tends to make it less than healthful. In other words, processing and added fat and other ingredients increase fat and calories while limiting cocoa’s antioxidant properties.

red-anjou-cupidHowever, a moderate portion of dark chocolate is a fairly healthy option, because dark chocolate contains more cocoa and fewer added ingredients. To get a heart-healthy benefit this Valentine’s Day, try dipping or drizzling melted chocolate over your favorite fruit! For instance, pears are full of nutrients, fiber, and water, and will help you fill up faster (and limit going overboard on sweet treats!). Either creamy or crisp pears are delicious paired with dark chocolate. Try this easy and tantalizing recipe: Halve and core pears, grill until tender, and then drizzle with melted dark chocolate. Not only will you and your sweetie find this dessert delicious, but it’s also nutritious!

Share/Save/Bookmark

USA Pears on the Menu in Dubai

Dubai is a growing tourist destination, with a seemingly constant stream of new hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls.  The Burj Khalifa just opened in January 2010: the tallest building in the world at 2,717 feet.  The new development surrounding the building contains 30,000 homes, nine hotels, 160 restaurants and the Dubai Mall (largest mall in the world - 1,200 stores!).

welcome-w-logo

With so many hotels and restaurants, the culinary opportunities are endless!  USA Pears recently became a proud member of The Emirates Culinary Guild, the association for professional chefs in the UAE, headquartered in Dubai.

in-the-kitchen2We recently invited chefs from the Guild to a training seminar in Dubai.  After a classroom-style introduction to our delicious USA Pears, we set the chefs loose in the kitchen to experiment and create their own culinary masterpieces.

USA Green and Red Anjou are the most common varieties in the Middle East in general, but Bartletts have been becoming more popular in the last few years, especially in the UAE.

prepThe chefs found out that USA Pears are a versatile ingredient - they came up with everything from salads to main courses and desserts.  So next time you’re out on the town in Dubai - or even closer to home - watch for pears on the menu.  Check out the Pears on the Menu page on our website to find a restaurant near you that features menu items starring pears!

Share/Save/Bookmark

New report shows obesity rates still high, but stable

obesity-studyA study published last week in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that obesity rates in the United States did not increase over the last few years. Based on data collected between 2007 and 2008 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adult prevalence of obesity in the United States is still high – approximately 34% are obese. Of children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years, 32% are also too heavy. Although these numbers are still astounding, the rates have stabilized and are mostly unchanged from previous reports.

To healthcare professionals, this study is promising in terms of the nation’s deteriorating health, but by no means has the obesity epidemic resolved. Despite this reported stabilization, there is no sign of improvement. Indeed, data still show that more than two-thirds of adults are above a normal weight. But that doesn’t mean we are doomed to obesity and its related health maladies!

grocery-cart-w-pear-medAs a dietitian, I am constantly asked, “How can I lose weight?” The magical answer is actually a very simple concept: lifestyle change. In other words, making healthier choices and moving more. My personal mantra for clients is to start slowly by adding 30 minutes of physical activity to your current daily routine and substituting fruits and vegetables for less nutritious foods in the existing diet. Fruits and vegetables are nutrient-dense, full of water and fiber for fullness, and won’t weigh you down. Try this: instead of the soda, candy, chips, or dessert you were going to have today, eat a pear instead. Pears are sweet, filling, and easy to take as a snack. Depending on which treat you were going to eat, a pear may save you as much as 100 to 200 calories!

Go ahead, give it a try! I’d love to hear how these two simple tricks work for you. Remember: never start a physical activity or dietary regimen without first speaking to your healthcare professional.

Share/Save/Bookmark

Everyone Deserves a Ripe Pear

tw-check-the-neck

In Southest Asia, it’s only natural that people are more used to the Asian pear varieties, which are more crunchy than our USA Pears.  So we offer samples, hand out brochures, and use signs - like the one above from Taiwan - to teach shoppers in supermarkets and fruit shops how to Check the Neck for ripeness so that they can properly enjoy a sweet, juicy USA Pear.  Gently press the neck of the pear with your thumb, and when it slightly yields, it’s ready to eat!

Notice that Perry is checking a Red Anjou pear - not a coincidence for Taiwan.  The red USA Pear varieties - mostly Red Anjou and Starkrimson - are unique and becoming more and more popular in Taiwan due to their auspicious color.  Red is lucky in many Southeast Asian countries, especially around Chinese New Year - more on that coming in a couple of weeks!

tw-demonstrator

Share/Save/Bookmark

Spring into 2010

spring-into-2010Well, the holidays are finally over. If you’re like me, January seems like a gray letdown after the festivities of the last few months. Not to mention, the days are short, work hours are long, and I’m still suffering from a holiday food hangover! But this January is going to be different for me; I’ve implemented a spring mindset! Spring symbolizes starting over and growth, and it’s just around the corner.

A fresh start for me is putting myself first for a change, starting with my health. Every day, urgent projects crop up on my desk, work travels home with me, time for exercise and relaxation disappears, stress takes its toll, and convenience foods hijack my usually nutritious diet. But, this fresh start mindset is empowering: I have this one body and this one life, and that should be my priority. Is there a 4x6-red-anjouproject or deadline out there so important that my health should suffer? Of course not (sorry, boss)!

I don’t do well with a laundry list of goals, so here’s my simple solution. Step 1: Plan “me time.” Relax and enjoy fifteen minutes of downtime every day. Step 2: Move more! Make time for exercise most days of the week. Step 3: Find balance. This includes balancing, not juggling, work life, play, rest, and healthful eating.

My new year started with brisk walks, “me time” to read, enjoy some favorite tunes, or nap, and getting back to eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. 4x6-boscI’ve been adding pears to yogurt, sandwiches, and salads, which are filling, nutritious, and delicious treats. Not to mention, pears are convenient and conveniently healthy to grab and go, which helps me stay on track. So far, January is pretty great this year. I’m feeling better already, so now I can sit back and look forward to spring!

So what is your fresh start going to be? Put yourself first; 2010 is your year!

Share/Save/Bookmark

USA Pears Strut Their Stuff on the Catwalk

USA Pear Collection DisplayWhen you think fashion, the cities that probably come to mind are New York, Paris and Milan.  Add Chennai to that list.  Chennai is the fifth largest city in India, known for its culture, music and arts - and home of Chennai International Fashion Week (CIFW).

You might be wondering what the connection is between pears and an international fashion show.  Read on!  It was a fun and unique opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of USA Pears.

USA Pears on RunwayOn December 14-20, celebrities, models and up-and-coming designers gathered in Chennai for a series of 35 fashion shows, including popular Indian designers Gunjan & Rahul.

Inspired by the vibrant colors of USA Pears, the duo designed a collection of 35 pieces that captures the essence of our favorite fruit.  From fresh greens and yellows to warm blushes and cinnamon browns, the runway reflected the tones of each variety.

So: what do you think?  Does the line remind you of USA Pears?  Would you add any of the lovely pieces to your wardrobe?

Models with Pears

Share/Save/Bookmark

Pearty Likes It’s 2010

 

061116_sidecar_070c

In this season of gift-giving, I like to think of a nice, high quality cocktail as a small gift that I can give myself.  Now I’m not talking about cheap booze mixed with high fructose corn syrup, I’m talking about a quality spirit, fresh sqeezed or muddled fruit, and an unexpected touch, such as fresh herbs or a hint of spice.  A work of art that’s meant to be sipped and savored.      

pear-agon-recipe-finalWe have several excellent cocktail recipes that call for fresh pears, which were developed by mixologists across the country. 

We’ll even show you how to make super cool pear garnishes and give you ideas for food pairings.  In addition to this superb collection, we also like to keep an eye out for new cocktails.  Enter the latest Imbibe edition, which has a recipe on page 53:  the “Pear-agon.”  Developed by David Wolowidnyk of West(a popular restaurant and bar in Vancouver, B.C.), this cocktail calls for a ripe pear and pear liqueur…we can’t wait to try it! 

Happy New Year!

Share/Save/Bookmark

A Healthier Gift Worth Giving

gift-basket-1I love the holidays, but this year seems more stressful than past years. It’s getting down to the wire and I need a quick, thoughtful gift. I think I’ve got it – a personal gift from the heart that is useful, fun, and perfect for the new year! I’m a foodie at heart, so why not share my passion with all of the people I love?

Gift baskets have taken on a modern, fun twist in recent years. Here is my plan: take five flavorful and festive items, grab a basket or pretty bag, combine, and dress it up! My personalized gift looks like this: two or three comice, forelle, or red Bartlett pears, a fine wedge of cheese (I like bleu), a mini jar of jalapeno jelly, sesame crackers, and a bag of dried apricots, almonds, or walnuts. Try red and green pears for a festive centerpiece! The combination of items is purely enticing, and is one gift surely to be enjoyed through the end of the year; the bonus is that this gift doubles as a healthy appetizer or new year’s eve party dish! To save a few bucks I buy in bulk, and dress it up with tissue paper, ribbon, and fresh rosemary sprigs. But the best part of this gift is that it comes from the heart, full of things I want to share with my loved ones.gift-basket-2

Not into these items? Change it up to suit your personality; make it unique! Throw in your favorite kitchen tool, dried herbs, an apron, candle, bottle of wine, or a beloved book or recipe. If you love it, it’s sure to make your loved ones smile. Or if you’re drawing a blank, kitchen or finer food stores have varieties of fun items and delicacies to mix and match with pears as the festive focal point. For some ideas on foodie items to pair with pears, visit the pear, wine, and cheese pairing section of this website. Merry gifting and happy holidays!

Share/Save/Bookmark

True to His Roots

Here’s the first of several videos I’ll be posting of Torin Koos, the cross-country skier we proudly sponsor.  Torin grew up in running, skiing and working in the pear orchards near Leavenworth, Washington.  In less than two months he’ll be representing  U.S.A. in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and this short video gives you a peak at what it’s like to train for the winter games.  Stay tuned for some exciting things we’ll be doing to show our support for Torin as he goes for the gold!

P.S.  Torin’s favorite pre-race breakfast includes a big bowl of oatmeal topped with brown sugar and slices of Green Anjou pears.  It’s no wonder we love him!

Share/Save/Bookmark

Flickr Photos

Red Bartlett Branch

Pears on the tree

Policemen with Pears

Torin in Torino

More Photos