California Giant Crowns Recipe Contest Winners

Cognizant that consumers are continually seeking new ways to enjoy fresh berries, Watsonville-based California Giant Berry Farms partnered with the Food and Culinary Professionals division (FCP) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) this spring to host a recipe contest.

Tapping into an influential group of food and culinary dietitians, the contest encouraged participants to develop main, side and starter recipes incorporating fresh berries as part of a healthy lifestyle. The “Reciberries for Life” contest specifically challenged members to develop creative and unique recipes for berries that inspire at-home chefs to include berries in their everyday menu.

Acknowledging recipes in seven categories, the grand prize winning recipe was awarded to a “Double Berry Rice” entry that includes both blackberries and raspberries. Served either hot or cold, this recipe is great for summer berry season, picnics and family BBQs.

“This is exactly the type of recipe we were looking for in creativity, appearance, and something that would really showcase our berries,” explained Cindy Jewell, director of marketing at California Giant. “It’s perfect timing to have these recipes available for peak season.”

Other winning recipes featuring the full range of the company’s berries included: Fire and Ice salad that includes all bush berries; Strawberry Basil Bruschetta; Very Berry White Chocolate Smoothie featuring fresh strawberries and raspberries; and Berry Stuffed Chicken Rolls using both blueberries and raspberries.

All submissions were judged on taste and texture, ingredient availability, ease of preparation, overall appearance and appeal, said Jewell, noting that in light of the audience, “it was not a surprise that most entrants included nutritional information.”

Winning recipes will be featured in FCP materials and California Giant Berry Farms is sharing the award-winning recipes on its website and mobile site.

Through an ongoing social media program, California Giant will also promote the recipes on Facebook, Twitter and to the food blogging community. Additionally, contest winners will be linking their individual websites and blogs to California Giant’s website.