Food and Beverage

Oregon cherry grower brings sweetest crop to stores in 100th year

Published

1 year ago

June 20, 2023

THE DALLES, Ore. /PRNewswire/ – Good things come with time, and this year’s cherry season is no exception, especially for Orchard View Cherries whose centennial crop is in local stores now.

“Since we began picking last week, our trees are showing potential for a very nice crop with excellent quality,” said Brenda Thomas, Orchard View Cherries’ president. “We are excited that our 100^th anniversary season shows so much promise, with peak availability for July 4 festivities.”

Orchard View Cherries at sunset (CNW Group/Orchard View Cherries)

Orchard View was established by Thomas’ great-grandparents in 1923. Over the years the operation evolved to specialize in the true craftsmanship of cherries — and only cherries. Thomas’ team now manages over 3,500 rain-shadowed acres along the Columbia River, with cherries planted in microclimates suited to each variety. Growing both red and blush cherries, each is carefully staged to assure the best cherry available at any given time is the one delivered to stores.

Thomas credits the enduring success of the farm to the efforts of the families who have worked alongside her own to bring cherries to the market each year.

“Our cherry family includes many in our community who join us as we grow, harvest and pack,” she said. “A lot of expertise and a lot of heart goes into producing what we believe are the world’s best cherries. We are grateful for everyone who contributes, from our neighbors in The Dalles to those who travel to work with us each season for the eight-week harvest.”

But there’s one person in particular whose passion for cherries and commitment to education has shaped not only his own life but the lives of those around him. J. Carmen Gamez Garcia, known by friends far and wide as Carmelo, and known for his signature wide-brimmed hat, is a self-made cherry grower, community advocate and Orchard View’s own field manager. “Carmelo is an exceptional representative for the mid-Columbia cherry community,” shared Thomas.

Born and raised in Mexico, Gamez moved to Oregon with a third-grade education when he began picking cherries in the mid-1970s. There he met Mel Omeg and Bob Bailey, Thomas’ father, whose families have been farming adjacent properties for nearly 60 years. The Omeg family partnered with Orchard View in 2018 to bring the best of The Dalles’ cherries from its multi-generation growers. Gamez’s dedication to learning and the invaluable guidance of these two mentors paved the way for his deep understanding of cherries and their cultivation.

His expertise and willingness to share his own knowledge have made Gamez a respected figure in the community, “If someone is looking for advice, I always do my best to help them out. It’s what my parents taught me,” he shared. His father, bearing his same name, and mother, Maria Martha Garcia Luna, engrained the power of education into his being. Not only in his professional life, but personally too, participating in various school board and education initiatives. Gamez believes in the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities. He has always been committed to sharing his knowledge and experiences, serving as a mentor and advisor to aspiring cherry growers and community members seeking guidance.

Gamez’s commitment to cherries and his community manifested in the purchase of his own orchard in 2010. The Dalles holds a special place in his heart, as he believes it offers one of the most conducive climates for cherries. From the optimal chill hours to the fluctuating temperatures of hot nights and cold days, every element aligns harmoniously, resulting in the best cherries nature has to offer. Since its inception, Gamez’s crop has been packed in the Orchard View brand.

As Orchard View celebrates its 100th anniversary and Gamez reflects on his extraordinary journey, their stories intertwine, representing the legacy and passion of cherry growing in Oregon. Both exemplify the dedication, hard work, and commitment required to produce the finest cherries and contribute to the flourishing cherry industry.

The celebration of a century of cherries and the invaluable contributions of those who have shaped the industry will be savored by all who indulge in the fruit of their labor.

You can find delectably sweet Orchard View Cherries locally at Fred Meyer and Zupan’s Markets.

SOURCE Orchard View Cherries

Author

Daily News Staff

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Food and Beverage

Bring the Taste of Takeout Home

Published

1 day ago

October 8, 2024

Daily News Staff

(Family Features) Some nights, especially when schedules are jam packed, the allure of grabbing takeout or swinging through a drive-thru between activities may sound more appealing than spending time in the kitchen. You can skip the to-go boxes, however, with these tasty Asian-inspired dishes that come together almost as fast as delivery while allowing you to get creative at mealtime.

Packed with fresh shrimp and crispy veggies, this Crab and Shrimp Sushi Burrito fuses some favorite takeout dishes together to satisfy cravings in half an hour. Using Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice, which cooks up soft and fluffy, provides a flavorful and aromatic base. This combination of seafood, homemade sauces and flavorful veggies makes for an unforgettable taste experience comparable to your favorite quick-serve restaurant.

Or let your kitchen appliances help create a satisfying, soothing take on a Thai classic. A quick and easy bowl of deliciousness that’s sure to comfort the whole family, this Thai Red Curry Chicken and Rice Soup features chicken, lime juice, Thai red curry and coconut milk mixed with basmati rice.

Ready in just 10 minutes, Success Boil-in-Bag Basmati Rice is quick, easy and mess-free, and it’s guaranteed to always cook right – just place the bag in chicken broth to experience the long-grain rice’s subtle, nutty flavor and unique texture. Plus, Success Rice is free from artificial additives and unprocessed ingredients, so you can feel good about serving it with a variety of dishes.

Find more recipe inspiration to tackle takeout cravings and more at SuccessRice.com.

Crab and Shrimp Sushi Burrito

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
2tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1tablespoon black sesame seeds
4 sushi nori sheets
1/2 carrot, ribboned, divided
1/2 cucumber, ribboned, divided
6 crab sticks, shredded, divided
6 large shrimp, cooked, deveined, tails removed and butterflied, divided

Rinse rice bag under cold water to remove starch. Prepare rice according to package directions.
In small saucepan over medium-low heat, heat rice vinegar, sugar and salt until sugar and salt have dissolved, about 1 minute. Set aside.
In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.
Transfer cooked rice onto large baking sheet. Drizzle half the vinegar mixture over rice, turning until all rice is fully coated. Taste and add more vinegar mixture, if desired. Spread rice into thin layer and cool to room temperature. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Lay down one sushi nori sheet. Spread layer of rice on it. Place half the carrots and cucumbers on rice. Place crab and shrimp on top.
Place another sushi nori sheet just under first one and roll. Repeat with remaining sushi nori sheets, rice, carrots, cucumbers, crab and shrimp. Wrap both burritos in plastic wrap. Let rest 10 minutes.
Slice burritos in half and serve with spicy mayo.

Thai Red Curry Chicken and Rice Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

6 cups chicken broth
2 bags Success Basmati Rice
1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 pound chicken breast tenders
2 tablespoons lime juice
4 green onions, thinly sliced

In pressure cooker on saute setting over high heat, bring broth and rice bags to boil. Boil, uncovered, 10 minutes. Remove bags with fork and set aside.
Add coconut milk, curry paste, soy sauce and brown sugar to pressure cooker. Turn off saute setting. Add chicken. Cover and lock to seal. Set to pressure cook setting over high heat about 10 minutes, or until chicken is tender. Carefully, manually or naturally, release pressure according to manufacturer’s instructions before removing lid.
Set pressure cooker to saute setting over medium heat. Remove chicken and shred with two forks; add to soup along with lime juice and green onions. Remove rice from bags and stir into soup. Simmer until rice is heated through.

SOURCE:
Success Rice

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Food and Beverage

AMERICA’S #1 CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BRAND UNVEILS ITS “BIGGEST” COOKIE INNOVATION EVER: CHIPS AHOY! BIG CHEWY COOKIE

Chips Ahoy! is launching a new product line called Big Chewy Cookies, which are over three times the size of their regular chewy cookies. Designed for on-the-go snacking, these cookies come in three flavors: classic Chewy, Chocolatey Brownie, and Chocolatey Caramel. The cookies will be available nationwide in October for $2.29 per pack.

Published

1 week ago

October 1, 2024

Daily News Staff

Over 3x the size of Chips Ahoy! Regular Chewy – Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy is a New Offering Created for On-the-Go Snacking

EAST HANOVER, N.J. /PRNewswire/ — The cookie experts at Chips Ahoy! are at it again – this time showing up bigger than ever before. Introducing the Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie – an entirely new product line from America’s #1 chocolate chip cookie brand. As the brand that is “Here for Happy,” this innovation from Chips Ahoy! brings cookie lovers an offering that is over three times the size of Chips Ahoy! Regular Chewy in an individually wrapped pack, making it the ideal go-to snack for splitting with a friend.

These new Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies will up the ante in snack aisles and convenience stores across the country. Designed with Gen-Z Chips Ahoy! lovers in mind – this oversized treat is perfect for on-the-go snacking during their busy lives or to split with a friend.

Boasting chocolatey chips over four times larger than the iconic Chips Ahoy! Chewy cookie for a bigger, more chocolatey bite, the cookie itself clocks in with a diameter over three times the size, and will be available in three delicious flavors:

Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie: Delivering classic Chips Ahoy! Chewy flavor now bigger and with the just the right amount of chocolatey chips to compliment the larger cookie and its soft-baked texture.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Brownie: A decadent brownie-flavored base takes indulgence up a notch and delivers an extra chocolatey bite for even the biggest sweet-tooth.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Caramel: Delicious caramel-flavored chips blend with the iconic sweetness of the Chips Ahoy! chocolatey chips to create a delicious mash-up of caramel and chocolatey flavors to deliver a big, indulgent bite.

“From our original cookies to our newest innovations, Chips Ahoy! fans have long enjoyed our iconic brand and mouthwatering flavors,” said Jen Levin, Senior Brand Manager for Chips Ahoy! US. “For over 60 years, Chips Ahoy! cookies have been the go-to cookie for chocolate chip cookie lovers of all ages. Now, with the launch of Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies, we’re excited to be their on-the-go cookie choice as well, offering indulgence and happiness in each big, delicious bite. And perhaps the best part of all? Their bigger size means you have enough Chips Ahoy! deliciousness to share with a friend!”

Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies

Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie will begin rolling out to retailers nationwide starting in October. Each 2.5 oz pack will be available for an SRP $2.29 at convenience stores. For more information on Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, follow @chipsahoy on Instagram and @theofficialchipsahoy on TikTok to follow the latest Big Chewy Cookie news.

About Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as Oreo, Ritz, LU, Clif Bar and Tate’s Bake Shop biscuits and baked snacks, as well as Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

CONTACT: Anna Marie Heaton, annamarie.heaton@mslgroup.com

SOURCE Chips Ahoy!

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Beverages

Death Wish Coffee Co. Celebrates National Coffee Day With The Launch of its First-Ever Light Roast

Death Wish Coffee Co. introduces its first Light Roast blend, offering a balanced flavor profile with sweet fruit notes, bright acidity, and robust depth, catering to evolving consumer tastes.

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2024

Daily News Staff

The Premium USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified^™ Blend Delivers a Bright, Smooth, and Bold Taste Unlike Any Other

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. /PRNewswire/ — Death Wish Coffee Co., the number one Organic and number one Fair Trade coffee brand in the United States*, has brightened up its portfolio with the launch of its first-ever Light Roast blend – a perfect balance of sweet, bright, and bold.

Death Wish Coffee Co.’s Light Roast Blend

The three-bean blend was intentionally crafted to highlight the sweet fruit notes of Colombian coffee, the bright acidity of Peruvian coffee, and the depth and body that premium Robusta has to offer. Slow-roasted to perfection, this complex brew will suit coffee enthusiasts who are seeking a lighter roast to invigorate their senses and keep them going all day long without compromising on quality or flavor. The Fair Trade Certified^™, USDA Organic, and Kosher roast can be enjoyed hot or iced and sipped during any time of day for a sustainably sourced pick-me-up that consumers can feel good about.

This addition is an expansion of Death Wish Coffee Co.’s core lineup of premium Medium, Dark, and Espresso roasts, which comes in response to the shifting flavor preferences of younger consumers.

“This exciting addition completes our core portfolio of Medium, Dark, Espresso, and now Light roasts —providing a range of high-quality, Fair Trade Certified^™, and USDA Organic roast shades for the discerning coffee consumer,” said Tom Ennis, President and CEO of Death Wish Coffee Co. “We are excited to offer a light, bright, and bold coffee for the new generation of coffee consumers that don’t want their parents’ coffee brand.”

Light Roast is available in 16 oz. ground bags, with whole bean and single-serve pods to follow. Light Roast can be purchased on www.deathwishcoffee.com and Amazon, with plans to hit Target shelves in early 2025.

Outside of its core line, Death Wish Coffee Co. also sells flavored options that are Fair Trade Certified^™ and made with no artificial flavors. Each product follows rigorous standards that protect the environment and livelihoods of coffee farmers. For more information about Death Wish Coffee Co., please visit www.deathwishcoffee.com, and follow the brand on Instagram @deathwishcoffee.

About Death Wish Coffee Co.
Good things start small. Mike Brown brought his bold idea to life in 2012—seeking a stronger coffee for his local community. He searched far and wide for the world’s best beans, perfected a unique roasting technique, and Death Wish Coffee Company was born. What started as a few employees packing orders in the basement of a quaint coffee shop is now the #1 Fair Trade and #1 Organic Coffee Brand* in the United States and can be found in more than 25,000 stores nationwide, on Amazon and deathwishcoffee.com. Death Wish Coffee Company blends, including its Dark Roast, Medium Roast, Espresso Roast, Valhalla Java, and now Light Roast, are always Fair Trade + USDA Certified Organic. For more information, visit www.deathwishcoffee.com.

*Source: SPINS, TOTAL US MULO, Shelf Stable Coffee and Grounds, Dollar Sales, L52W, W/E 5/19/24

SOURCE Death Wish Coffee Co.

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