Today’s health-conscious consumers want real, cultivated blueberries in blueberry identified products. Research shows they are willing to pay 30 percent more for products containing real blueberries. These berries rank at the top in antioxidants (which have beneficial effects on eyesight, memory and other aspects of aging) when compared to nearly 40 other fruits and vegetables. They contain a range of vitamins and minerals, are a good source of fiber, contain virtually no fat and are low in sodium.
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council; Folsom, Calif.
916-983-0111; www.blueberry.org
Citrus is nutritional
Citrus Nutritionals are 100 percent juice concepts created with citrus flavors and other ingredients to flavor and fortify beverages and food products for specific target groups and/or health concerns. Consumers already are familiar with the health benefits of citrus products. These products also can mask any undesirable flavor notes associated with vitamins and other added ingredients.
Danisco USA; New Century, Kan.
800-255-6837; www.danisco.com
Roasted sweet corn
Roasted sweet corn is available in IQF and freeze-dried forms. Corn’s rich texture and sweet flavor have made it one of America’s favoriate vegetabhles. It also provides many nutrients, including fiber, folate, vitamin C, thiamin (vitamin B1) and others. This garden-fresh sweet corn is bright yellow with slightly blackened edges, has a slightly smoky flavor and is available year-round.
Van Drunen Farms; Momence, Ill.
815-472-3100; www.vandrunenfarms.com
Sweet and healthy
A premium cranberry product, sweetened dried cranberries, now has been enhanced with cranberry seed oil (a superb source of antioxidants, vitamin E and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids). Omega-3 fortified sweetened dried cranberries provide approximately 240 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per 1/3 cup serving. The health-promoting characteristics of omega fatty acids are well known, and the addition of omega-3 to the already popular snack further boosts its healthy appeal.
Decas Cranberry Products; Wareham, Mass.
508-295-0147; www.decascranberry.com
Pom rich in antioxidants
A new standardized pomegranate extract, Pom40p, contains a minimum 40 percent punicosides, which are the most powerful antioxidants in pomegranate. Unlike its competitors, this product is standardized to the water-soluble punicalagins and has the exact ratio of phytochemical markers that occur in pomegranate juice. Research indicates that pomegranate extracts and juice may have health benefits relating to osteoarthritis, oxidative stress, atherosclerosis, hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.
P. L. Thomas; Morristown, N.J.
973-984-0900; www.plthomas.com
Low-dose citrus note