Food Holidays: July 9th, 2022

Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: July 9th, 2022. Today is National Pina Colada Day and I know if David was home he wouldn’t mind celebrating this holiday. But I believe I will sit it out because I am not to fond of Pina Colada’s. How about you?

National Pina Colada Day

Pina Coladas are a ] delightfully creamy concoction of Pineapple, Rum, and Coconut Cream, the Piña Colada, was first created in Puerto Rico in 1954. Although Pina Colada history is contested among Puerto Ricans, it is rumored that the bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero first prepared a Pina Colada at the Caribe Hilton’s Beachcomber Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico on August 16, 1954. The hotel had requested that Monchito mix a new signature drink that embodied the flavors of the Island and shortly after Ramon “Monchito Marrero accepted the challenge, and the Piña Colada was born. Regardless of Pina Colada history, we can all agree that this drink is tasty. On July 10th, we celebrate National Piña Colada Day so kick back with the Cocktail served in a hurricane glass and relax.

NATIONAL PIÑA COLADA DAY ACTIVITIES

1. Monchito made no secret of his signature Cocktail and the birthplace of it all, Caribe Hilton, features the recipe proudly on their website. Drink Pina Colada the way that’s it’s been served for over 60 years now. because nothing beats drinking straight from the source.
2. Part of preparing an authentic Piña Colada is learning the tricks of the trade straight from Puerto Rico. Ask a friend who’s Puerto Rican or research online Puerto Rican resources for recommendations on what to use for high quality, authentic ingredients. Your taste buds will thank you for getting the Island flavors just right.
3. Plan a get together with friends and mix up Piña Coladas to celebrate the holiday. Host a Island happy hour.

WHY MOST EVERYONE LOVES NATIONAL PIÑA COLADA DAY

1. Drinking the sweet, creamy, Rum-based favorite, Piña Colada, immediately transports you the Sun drenched, beaches of an Island getaway. Pina Colada is the perfect summer beverage and brings the Island vibe to you no matter where you may be.
2. Pina Colada is just as good without the Alcoholic kick. The Sugary ingredients come together in a dessert-like concoction that can satisfy your sweet tooth no matter what age or drink preference you have.
3. Pina Colada is so great that people have to sing about it! Ask around and I’m sure you’ll find at least one person who can recite back the world-famous Rupert Holmes song “Escape”. “If you like Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain…”

Five Facts about Pina Coladas

1. Piña Colada, a drink created in Puerto Rico Spanish: Piña, Pineapple + Colada, strained) is a sweet, Rum-based Cocktail prepared with Rum, Coconut Cream, and Pineapple Juice, usually served either blended or shaken with Ice.
2. Piña Colada was created on August 16th, 1954 at the Caribe Hilton’s Beachcomber Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico by its alleged creator, Ramón “Monchito” Marrero.
3.  Apparently, the hotel management had expressly requested Monchito to mix a new signature drink that would delight the demanding taste buds of its star-studded clientele.
4. Monchito accepted the challenge, and after three intense months of blending, shaking and experimenting, the first Piña Colada was born.
5. This story is more credible because Piña Colada contains Coconut Cream as one of the primary ingredients, and the Coconut Cream of “Coco López” (which is the pioneer) was invented in 1954 in the University of Puerto Rico by Ramón López Irizarry.

‘Pick Blueberries’ Day

Pick Blueberries Day is celebrated on July 10th every year and it’s the perfect time for Pick Blueberry Day activity as the holiday falls in the Summer. Blueberries are extremely popular Berries in the United States Blueberries are known to be rich in Antioxidants. Raw Blueberries also have the most flavor and great benefits. These factors are reason enough to get out of the house and go Blueberry picking!

HISTORY OF PICK BLUEBERRIES DAY

Did you know Pick Blueberries Day is celebrated annually in July. A Summer month that is ideal for harvesting Blueberries. Pick Blueberries Day is part of National Blueberry Month, which was founded by the National American Blueberry Council and has officially been recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture since 2003.

I have a fun fact for you. There are two distinct types of Blueberries: Lowbush Blueberries or Wild Blueberries and Highbush Blueberries. The former can be identified as small and pea-sized Blueberries that grow on low-level bushes. The latter are larger Blueberries that grow on taller cultivated bushes. People can easily pick Blueberries from semi-wild or wild bushes.

Highbush Blueberries were quite popular in Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands in the 1930s when Highbush Blueberries were introduced there. After that, Highbush Blueberries have spread to other regions in the European Continent and are widely enjoyed.

The most commonly cultivated species of this Blueberry in North America is the ​Northern Highbush Blueberry. Canada is a leading producer of Lowbush Blueberries while the United States produces approximately 40% of the world’s supply of Highbush Blueberries. Some of the popular regions where Highbush Blueberries are produced is British Columbia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Washington, among other Countries.

Initially only used by Native Americans, Blueberries are now used for many things, including topping in several dishes or eaten as a snack. Their overall health benefits are reason enough to have a day dedicated to picking Blueberries.

HOW TO CELEBRATE PICK BLUEBERRIES DAY

1. Blueberry picking is a super fun Summer activity that can be enjoyed from June to mid-August. Make sure you follow the guidelines for picking Blueberries which should fall off bushes easily without having to tug on the Blueberry Bush.
2. Blueberries can be grown in your very own garden. Use this holiday to plant Blueberries and see them grow. Choose a Sunny yet sheltered spot that is not exposed to wind. Plant Blueberries away from Trees as they may block the Sunlight and moisture required for the Blueberry Plant to grow.
3. Whip up a tasty dessert on Pick Blueberries Day which can range from a sweet Salad, or Blueberry Smoothie, Blueberry Cheesecake, or a Pie.

5 FACTS ABOUT BLUEBERRIES

1. Native Americans used Blueberries to treat persistent coughs and to enhance their eyesight.
2. Native Americans referred to them as ‘Star Berries’ since the blossom end has five points that resemble a star.
3. Blueberries are naturally blue owing to the pigment called Anthocyanin that gives them their distinctive color.
4. There are approximately 30 different species of Blueberries growing in various regions.
5. Did you know Blueberries have been consumed by people for over 13,000 years.

WHY WE LOVE PICK BLUEBERRIES DAY

1. Blueberries are a superfood because they are packed with several health benefits. They have Antioxidants that can help improve memory. They’re an excellent source of Energy, owing to their low Glycemic index keeping your Blood Sugar relatively stable. Blueberries also contain Phytonutrients that are Anti-inflammatory and help in alleviating Water retention. They even help in muscle repair after an intense workout. How can one not celebrate a day dedicated to picking Blueberries?
2. Blueberry picking is a fun activity enjoyed by families in the Summer. It’s fun, it’s easy, and the fruits of your labor are genuinely delicious! Be sure to add Blueberry picking to your list of fun activities to do.
3. Blueberries are so versatile that they can be eaten fresh or frozen and Blueberries can be added to a Salad or dessert to enhance the recipe. Did you know Blueberries are one of the easiest superfoods to serve.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates