There is something festive about a fruity cocktail during the holiday season and since pears and apples are fall fruits they lend themselves well to celebratory beverages. We have compiled a few of our favorite cocktails here to add a bit of specialness to your next gathering. Our SugarBee® Hot Spiced Cider is the perfect warm and cozy treat for a cold winter’s day by the fire. The addition of cranberries in the SugarBee® cider balances the sweet SugarBee® apples with a little tartness. This recipe is wonderful on its own as a nonalcoholic drink, or can also be used as [...]

There is a new apple on the market and it’s a stunner! Introducing the Lucy™ Glo and Lucy™ Rose apples: These apples have a very distinct flavor that is both tart and sweet with a crisp texture. But it’s their gorgeous pink interior that makes these apples standouts. Sure, they are delicious raw, but why not use them to dish up a show stopper? Here are a few of our ideas on how to incorporate them into your baking and cooking to wow your family and guests. Because of their lovely color, both the Lucy™ Glo and Lucy™ Rose make a [...]

When we think of pears, we conjure up images of decadent pastries, pies and cakes. However, pears hold their own in many savory dishes as well, and fall is the perfect time to get into the kitchen and cook up some of these warm and toasty recipes featuring the versatile pear. Looking for something different on Taco Tuesday? Try our sweet and savory Pear Pomegranate Salsa with feta cheese. Serve this pear salsa with your favorite tacos instead of traditional salsa, or try it on a salad for a refreshing crunch. Our Butternut Squash and Pear Soup is a luscious way [...]

The Produce for Better Health Foundation has declared September National Fruits and Veggies Month and we couldn’t be more thrilled to help them celebrate. Adding an additional serving of fruits and vegetables to every meal will up your nutrition for the day, and it’s easier than you think. Here are our suggestions on how to participate in the September “eat more fruits and veggies” #HaveAPlantPledge with some delicious ideas for every meal of the day. Breakfast Start your day off on the right foot with our Apple Berry Smoothie Bowl, made with KORU® apples.  It’s loaded with fruits and veggies as well as natural fats [...]

The Northwest Pear harvest is in full swing with an expected crop that will be slightly smaller than last season. Growing conditions in the NW have been ideal through the summer so in spite of the smaller numbers, the crop is expected to be very high quality this season. Bartlett pears with their beautiful yellow skin and sweet, juicy flavor are available now. The Bartlett pear is iconic as a late summer into fall favorite. After the Bartlett pears are picked then come the Starkrimson and Red Bartlett pears by early September, followed by Concorde, D’Anjou, Bosc and Red Anjou by [...]

Most store-bought pears will be firm and often need to be ripened a little before eating. But what is the best way to ripen pears at home? For starters, make sure to select firm, unblemished pears with zero bruises or torn skin for best results. Also, avoid refrigerating unripe pears as it can stunt their ability to ripen. Here are our three principle methods for ripening pears: The slow method: Kitchen counter  Pears will happily ripen on your kitchen counter in 4-7 days. Place them in a bowl and check on them regularly to see when they’re ready to eat.  The [...]

Pears are wonderful in the summer! Their refreshing juiciness and crisp texture make them an ideal snack on a hot day. Pears can also be used in a variety of recipes that are perfect for the warmer months as well as backyard barbecues and family gatherings.  Here are our favorite pear recipes for summer:  Pear cucumber gazpacho Chilled and refreshing, this savory cold pear and cucumber soup is just the ticket. Make a big batch and impress the crowd at your next barbecue!    Frozen pear Bellini Delicious and icy cold, you’ll want more than one of these gorgeous frozen pear Bellinis. Here’s a little [...]

People forget that you can freeze and store cherries simply and easily! Our farmers have worked hard this season to produce a bountiful cherry crop and Chelan Fresh cherries are readily available for at least one more month! The cherries this season are big and sweeter than ever! Now is the time to buy those cherries and continue to enjoy them immediately or freeze some for later this fall. Contact your Chelan Fresh sales representative to ensure your cherry program lasts well into August. 509-682-4252. Here are a few tips for freezing cherries. Steps to freeze and store cherries: Purchase extra quantities [...]