The holidays are right around the corner and it’s time for some meal planning! Getting through the holidays can be tricky, especially when hosting or contributing to multiple family gatherings. Meal planning is simply looking ahead and deciding what recipes to prepare for when, and what you need to make them. Doing this is particularly helpful when you have special occasions coming up or you’re expecting company. Proper meal planning will help you: Buy groceries more effectively: no more last-minute runs to the store! Prepare balanced meals: the holidays are a great time to splurge, but it’s always helpful to have [...]

Autumn conjures up images of stunning foliage, warm cardigans, gorgeous seasonal produce and Fall spices. Heartwarming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, not to mention the ubiquitous pumpkin spice blend, pair beautifully with this season’s abundant apple and pear varieties. Fall spice recipes are popular with adults and kids alike. Here are some of our favorite cozy Autumnal recipes featuring apples, pears and Fall spices. Pear Fall spice recipes  Butternut squash and pear soup with spiced chickpeas  Put on your coziest sweater and warm your heart with this original spiced butternut squash and pear soup featuring baked Moroccan spiced chickpeas.  Source: Chelan Fresh  Roasted pear chai rice pudding  [...]

Many of the orchards in Chelan valley are a family affair, with women playing a critical role in running smooth operations and growing the business. In our blog series “Women in Agriculture” we sit down with them to discuss their roles and thoughts on the industry. This month we checked in with Reyna Flores, at Chelan Fruit in Chelan. Chelan Fresh (CF): Hello Reyna and thank you for taking time out of your busy day to speak with us.  Can you please tell us a bit about your role at Chelan Fruit? Reyna Flores (RF): Of course! I am a supervisor at Chelan Fruit, where [...]

Raw or cooked, Bartlett pears are a healthy addition to any meal as they are loaded with fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. You’ll know your Bartlett pears are ripe when they turn from green to yellow.  This tasty, grainy, and juicy pear variety has a true “pear flavor” is very versatile in the kitchen. Here are some of our favorite ways to eat Bartlett pears:  Cucumber and pear gazpacho  This original cucumber pear gazpacho is spiked with honeydew melon to create a refreshing and delicious chilled summer soup.  Source: Chelan Fresh  Poached ice tea pears  Nothing says summer like ice tea! Our poached [...]

Many of the orchards in Chelan valley are a family affair, with women playing a critical role in running smooth operations and growing the business. In our “Women in Agriculture” blog series we sit down with them to discuss their roles and thoughts on the industry. This month we checked in with Nita Pace who works at Chelan Fruit.  Chelan Fresh (CF): Hi Nita and thanks for taking the time to speak with us. Can you please tell us about your role at Chelan Fruit? Nita Pace: Of course! I am a Supervisor for the pear line at Chelan Fruit in Chelan, WA.  CF: How [...]

We’ve been making full use of the gorgeous seasonal produce to create original recipes that are cool and tasty. With only a few weeks of summer left, why not try one of the following recipes?  If you have a hard time getting your hands on fresh cherries, just use frozen! (Check out our tips for storing and freezing cherries)  Cucumber and pear gazpacho We’re in love this cucumber pear gazpacho spiked with honeydew melon. It’s refreshing and absolutely delicious! A real showstopper.  Source: Chelan Fresh  Apple pear fennel salad This crisp and hydrating salad includes two of our favorite fruits: pears and apples! Enjoy as a [...]