Deliciously Healthy USA Pears available at your nearest store

USA Pears are among the world’s finest pears. USA Pears are grown in Oregon and Washington. Among the 8 major varieties of pears, Green Anjou, the green/yellow-green, egg shaped pear from USA is the most preferred all around the world. The Pear Bureau Northwest was established to promote, advertise and develop markets for fresh pears grown in Oregon and Washington. The SCS Group represents the USA Pears in India.

This season, The Pear Bureau Northwest brings the freshest and the two most popular varieties of USA Pears for the Indian consumers. Pears are an important part of one’s diet and are an excellent source of fiber which helps in digestion and reduces cholesterol levels and the risk of coronary heart disease and Type II diabetes. Additionally, consuming more fiber in the form of pears increases satiety, helping to reduce overall calorie intake.

These varieties include:
         Green Anjou recognizable for their egg-shaped appearance, having a bright green color, and sometimes has a soft red blush. They are known for their versatility in culinary uses. Green Anjou pears are PEAR-fect for just about any use, from slicing fresh into salads to baking into pies to pureeing for sauces and beverages.
         Red Anjou identical to Green Anjou, generally dark maroon in color, sometimes with light vertical streaks of color that were naturally created by the sun while the pear was still on the tree.

Pears are one fruit that ripen best after harvest. While selecting pears in the store, look for those that are firm, fragrant, and unblemished. Remember that they will continue to ripen and develop their full flavor and juiciness after you buy them. You can’t judge the ripeness by color. There is only one way to test the ripeness; simply apply gentle pressure with your thumb to the neck of the pear near the stem. When a pear is at its peak and ready to eat, it will yield slightly to gentle pressure.
While unripe pears can be stored at room temperature for upto a week, once pears are ripe they should be stored in the refrigerator, where they will keep for three to five days.

Pears are an excellent source of fiber and a good source of vitamin C. One medium pear provides about 24 percent of daily fiber needs for only 100 calories. They are sodium-free, cholesterol-free, fat-free with 190 mg of potassium that can help fill you up and keep you satisfied. According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, these benefits may aid in weight loss and weight management.

The Platter Fest at California Pizza Kitchen

This sports season, California Pizza Kitchen has come up with a new pop-up menu 'The Platter Fest'. Enjoy the T-20 games with the 3 platters on offer and one can enjoy the same with delectable mocktails and cocktails.

There are 3 platters on offer, A veg platter, Non-veg platter and a Combo platter. Each platter has 6 different appetizers and can be shared by 2 or 3 people. I tried the Non-veg platter which had Chipotle grill chicken, Sonora chicken roll, Cilantro Baked fish, chicken nuggets, fish finger and delicious chicken basil bruschetta. The platter is served with a bowl of sasla, sour cream and chilli cheese dip.

The fish fingers were crisp and tasted well with the chilli cheese dip. Sonora chicken roll was good to taste with Salsa or chilli cheese dip. Cilantro baked fish was a salty to my taste but the taste was mellowed with sour cream. Instead of chicken nuggets, I had chicken wings on my platter which tasted delish with chilli cheese dip. Chicken Basil bruschetta and Chitpotle grill chicken became good appetizers for my mocktail.

The 3 drinks from the pop-up menu had mocktail and cocktail option which can be combined with the appetizers. I tried the mocktails - Orange Mojito which was a refreshing drink with fresh oranges, Orange juice, lemon and mint. Mango Ecstasy which was my favorite and contained fresh Watermelon Chunks, Mango Puree topped with sparkling Water. My least favorite was Electric Blue which was very sweet for my taste Fresh Malta Orange, orange juice, Ginger Ale, with a hint of Lychee topped with Blue Curacao.

For the Combo platter, chipotle grill chicken, chicken wings, Cilantro baked fish, chili cheese toast, Margherita roll and spicy garbanzo fritters was served. The veg options on the platter was impressive, I have always been a fan of chili cheese toast and Margherita rolls and they were delectable even without a dip. Spicy garbanzo fritters were spicy but dry so this had to be had with a dip.

While, I did not try the Veg platter, you can try them next which served Mediterranean roll, Mexican quesadillas, Corn Baja croquettes, Spicy garbanzo fritter, Chili cheese toast and vegetable bruschetta. So head to CPK, as it is fondly called, and enjoy the platter before you enjoy their pizza's and pasta's for main course and not to forget their lip-smacking desserts. The option is limited for platter but then they have some platters on their regular menu too. Have the platter when served hot as you would not enjoy the appetizer when it has turned cold.

You can enjoy The Platter Fest from 7th March to 31st March 2016 at your nearest California Pizza Kitchen while you watch some amazing T-20 games.