After Carolee Hazard paid a stranger’s grocery tab, she was rewarded with $93. Hazard decided to donate the money and in turn started a movement that has raised more than $100,000 for a California food bank.

Step away from that tuna can.

Its “dolphin safe” label produces warm feelings, but don’t mistake it for “turtle safe” or “ocean safe.” And it’s certainly not “tuna safe.” Accidental entanglements of sharks, sea turtles, juvenile tuna and other marine creatures take their own ecological toll — prompting the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s well-regarded Seafood Watch consumer guide to take an unusual step: It recently began telling consumers to avoid all canned tuna, except for the minority labeled “troll caught” or “pole-and-line” caught. That describes precious few cans, typically from small brands selling for around $2.50 to $6.50.

Yes, the canned tuna in U.S. supermarkets is dolphin safe. So is the tuna of more than 90% of the world’s tuna canners — a big eco-marketing accomplishment. The marketing and labels are effective for selling tuna, but extremely misleading if you think the label means environmentally safe, as you’ll see in the list farther below.
Here’s what prompted the aquarium’s move: There’s no way you can tell by looking at a can of Bumble Bee, Starkist, Chicken of the Sea or generic tuna how the fish inside was caught or other particulars that can reveal your lunchpail’s ocean impact. One study found that for every 1,000 tons of yellowfin tuna caught through one particular dolphin-safe technique, “fishermen caught nearly 111,000 other individual fish, including sharks, rays, marlins and sea turtles — several varieties of which are endangered.” Continue Reading »

Gotta love rivalry. Jamba Juice is upping the ante in its battle against McDonald’s to win smoothie lovers by accepting all McDonald’s smoothie coupons through Aug. 15, 2010. Jamba Juice is even accepting McDonald’s coupons for FREE smoothies. You will recall that McDonald’s abruptly canceled its free smoothie promo last month.

The deal is only happening in select cities, however, so if you do not live in Los Angeles, San Diego, New York City, San Francisco, Sacramento, Miami, Chicago, or Denver, you’re out of luck. But no matter where you live you can print this Jamba Juice coupon to get $1 off your next smoothie. Expires Sept. 1, 2010. Continue Reading »

The luscious green fruit is fragile and rarely seen, even at farmers markets. It becomes an object of lust, longing and an almost mystical rapport. This seems to be a banner season for figs, which are practically made for farmers markets, since they are only at their best when fully ripe, at which point they are too perishable to ship commercially. The Adriatic variety, with thin green skin and strawberry flesh that’s so sweet it’s almost like jam at peak ripeness, is one of the most luscious of figs but rarely encountered fresh, even at farmers markets, because of this fragility; most go to make dried figs and fig paste. The fig lover develops almost a mystical rapport with his fruit, alert to the many external hints — striated or stretch-marked skin, a touch of sunburn and a drop of honey at the bottom — that a supreme treat lies within. Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. Since many people not only do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, but do consume high amounts of sodium as salt is frequently added to processed foods, they may be deficient in potassium. Low intake of potassium-rich foods, especially when coupled with a high intake of sodium, can lead to hypertension. Figs are a good source of dietary-fiber. Fiber and fiber-rich foods may have a positive effect on weight management. In one study, women who increased their fiber intake with supplements significantly decreased their energy intake, yet their hunger and satiety scores did not change. Figs, like other high fiber foods, may be helpful in a weight management program.

How can we be sure the street food trend is out of control? Let’s put it this way: Taco Bell is capitalizing on it.

The fast food taco chain has introduced three new “Cantina Tacos” — including fire-grilled chicken, beef carne asada, and pork carnitas — each served on two corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, and a lime wedge.

Sounds good, right? But even better than the new taco line is the spin campaign the company is using to market it …

It’s hot outside, but the ice cream business is preparing for a blizzard. A legal fight is taking shape as upstart Yogubliz’ Blizz Frozen Yogurt faces a legal challenge from Dairy Queen, which asserts that the Blizz name is too close to Dairy Queen’s own Blizzard dessert.

Dairy Queen — now called DQ. — is owned by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A). DQ said the similarity in the names creates confusion in the market, and the ice cream giant’s trademarks are being damaged, according to a July 26 filing in U.S. District Court in California. Continue Reading »

The flavor kick that will have you caying goodbye to relish,ketchup and mustard

Aloha, hot dog fans. Grab a lei and a mai tai, and get yourself in a Waikiki state of mind. This Hawaiian hot dog recipe, from blogger Rachel at coconut&lime is based on actual fruit-topped hot dogs that the birthplace of our president calls delicious. Mango, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño and lime juice create a chunky salsa for the topping, followed by a drizzle of spicy, vinegary jalapeño-lime sauce. Continue Reading »

Valid through October 26
Tuesdays just got a little sweeter thanks to this deal from Orange Julius. Every Tuesday, the smoothie chain is offering a buy one get one deal on Julius Fruit Drinks. This promotion runs through October 26 at participating locations, so there’s plenty of time to try all of their refreshing flavors. Grab a friend and start sipping!

If your mouth has been watering in anticipation of a free sample of McDonald’s Real Fruit Smoothie, which the company was planning to offer July 22 through 24, you’ll have to suffer without for a little while longer. The company announced late yesterday that it is delaying, or perhaps even canceling, the promotion to make sure it has adequate supplies to meet the anticipated demand.