CherryFlex Softgels provide easy access to the power of cherries.

A local barbershop can be a source of all kinds of information. From neighborhood gossip to the best fishing spots, you never know what you’ll learn while you’re in the barber’s chair. Jim Kroetsch knows this all too well after a haircut about 15 years ago had a significant impact on his life.

While visiting his barber in his hometown of Port Huron, Michigan the two got to talking about the recurring aches that Jim felt in his joints and bones. The barber pointed to a small poster on his wall and asked Jim if he’d tried tart cherry juice.

“A friend of mine who happens to be a barber had a poster that said, ‘Cherries, Miracle Fruit.’ He asked me why I wasn’t taking cherries.”

“Cherries?” Jim asked at the time, puzzled as to what the fruit known to many for its delicious flavor and bright red color might have to do with joints.

Taking his barber’s advice, Jim decided to give tart cherry juice a try. “I started with tart cherry juice,” Jim recalls. Drinking a serving of tart cherry juice concentrate (mixed with a few ounces of water) each morning and evening, Jim had good results and developed a routine. “The FruitFast tart cherry juice really helped so I stuck with it.”

Jim continued with his daily intake of tart cherry juice for several years, until a phone call to FruitFast led to a new discovery. While preparing for his annual trip south for the winter months, Jim called FruitFast to order his winter supply of tart cherry juice.

“I called to order two cases of cherry juice one fall before we headed south for the winter and the operator suggested CherryFlex softgels.” The convenience of CherryFlex Softgels appealed to Jim so he opted to give them a try.

“I ordered a case of cherry juice and a case of softgels. I started taking the softgels and have been taking them ever since.”

Jim has since become an advocate for the health benefits of cherries and has introduced CherryFlex Softgels to a number of friends. ”I tell them how it helps me,” Jim says. ”Ever since I switched to the softgels. I wouldn’t be without them.”

So what suggestions does Jim have for others who are interested in trying CherryFlex Softgels? “You have to make sure to give them time to work. You can’t just take one softgel and expect to see results overnight. Give the nutrients in the cherries a couple of weeks to work and, trust me, they’ll make a difference.”

Want to learn more about CherryFlex Softgels? Read “CherryFlex Softgels: Delivering the Power of Cherries” on the FruitFast Blog, visit the CherryFlex Softgels page on our website, or give one of our customer service specialists a call at 877-591-3101.

CherryFlex Whole Fruit Gel

We’ve given you plenty of reasons to take advantage of the health benefits of cherries here at the FruitFast blog – not to mention plenty of ways to do it! CherryFlex, an all-natural fruit gel created using our exclusive proprietary process, offers the most complete access to the many phytonutrients found in Montmorency tart cherries.

CherryFlex Soft Gels – our best-selling product, have proven to be an easy way to get your daily fruit requirement. CherryFlex ProSport Shots are perfect for taking the power of cherries with you on the go.

Now, there’s a new way to harness the power of cherries.

We are proud to introduce a new addition to the CherryFlex family of products:  CherryFlex Whole Fruit Gel. This delicious Whole Fruit Gel offers the benefits of CherryFlex in a new, convenient package. One tablespoon of Whole Fruit Gel per day provides you with all of the restorative qualities of 100% Montmorency tart cherries while giving you a mega-boost of cherry antioxidants.

“CherryFlex Whole Fruit Gel is a wonderful addition to our product line,” said Steve DeTar, FruitFast President. “We’ve had numerous requests to purchase the CherryFlex gel. Packaging it in an 8.8 oz. jar allows our customers to use CherryFlex however they choose.”

Add a boost of cherry to your favorite smoothie, mix it with yogurt, spread it on a piece of toast with breakfast, or just eat a spoonful right from the jar. How will you use CherryFlex Whole Fruit Gel? Let us know in the comments!

Each CherryFlex Softgel contains the naturally-occuring phytonutrients of approximately 80 cherries.

If you’re a regular reader of the FruitFast blog, you’re probably aware of the many health benefits of cherries. Even if this is your first visit, you may already be drinking a serving of tart cherry juice concentrate each morning, adding dried tart cherries to a salad, or using a cherry supplement. Either way, incorporating cherries into your daily routine is an excellent choice for those interested in healthy lifestyles.

So now that you’ve discovered the benefits of cherries, how can you maximize those benefits? And what is the most effective method for getting your daily intake?

For thousands of people throughout North America and beyond, the answer to these questions is CherryFlex Softgels.

CherryFlex is created using a proprietary process that preserves more of the naturally-occurring phytonutrients found in cherries than any other product in existence. The CherryFlex process incorporates the entire fruit, rather than using only the pulp of the fruit as other processes do, which enables CherryFlex to deliver the full complement of anthocyanins, antioxidants and other natural phytochemicals found in the fruit.

CherryFlex Softgels are our most popular product – and perhaps the most effective method, for accessing the natural health benefits found in cherries. Each CherryFlex Softgel contains the naturally occurring phytonutrients of approximately 80 Montmorency tart cherries. To receive the same level of antioxidants found in one CherryFlex Softgel, you’d have to drink four 8-ounce glasses of single-strength tart cherry juice.

As a point of comparison, other cherry supplements are produced by simply removing all available moisture from the pulp of the fruit, reducing it to a powder, then filling small capsules with the powder. This process removes many of the natural nutrients along with the moisture, resulting in a cherry capsule that offers only a fraction of the phytochemicals found in CherryFlex Softgels.

If you’re an active, health conscious person looking to take advantage of the natural health benefits of cherries, CherryFlex Softgels offer the highest concentration of natural phytonutrients from this wonderful fruit in a convenient package designed for easy daily intake . In other words, CherryFlex Softgels are the most effective product available for harnessing the “power of cherries.”

Lauren ran the Los Angeles Marathon in 2009.

Lauren is a self-described “20-something Southern California girl who dabbles in running.” Although her Twitter bio describes her as a “marathon runner on hiatus,” she’s an active runner who is looking to add training for a triathlon to her list of challenges.

When Lauren told us that she includes tart cherry juice as a part of her workout routine and has seen great results, we wanted to learn more. Below is a Q & A we recently did with Lauren by email.

FruitFast: First, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in Torrance, CA with my boyfriend and our dog Maja.  She’s a German Shepherd Mix and a great running buddy.  I graduated from Cal Lutheran University in 2007 with a double major in Marketing Communications and Business Administration and now I work for an internet company that handles international shipping and I’ve been there for about 3 years.

FruitFast: When did you first become involved in running?

I played soccer my whole life and used to hate running.  I really started to get into running when a friend of mine mentioned she was going to train for a half marathon.  I thought to myself “if she can do it, then I can definitely do it too” and started running later that day.  The running bug bit me and I ended up running my first full marathon 6 months later in March.

FruitFast: How long is your typical run?

My typical run depends on my training schedule but I usually run about 25-30 miles a week and the daily runs range from 4-10 miles with a long run on the weekend.

FruitFast: Have you entered organized races? If so, what distances?

I have run 5 half marathons and 3 full marathons since September of 2009 and I would like to start training for a triathlon this year.

FruitFast: How did you first become aware of the restorative power of cherries?

I first became aware of cherries when a friend of mine suggested them.  I suffered from compartment syndrome in my leg and I was looking for a natural way to help alleviate some of the symptoms and swelling.  She had been using cherry juice for awhile so I decided to add it to my regiment and it was amazing.

FruitFast: Have you always used cherry juice, or have you tried other methods? (dried cherries, fruit bars, softgels, etc).

I also add dried cherries to my oatmeal but other than that no.

FruitFast: Tell us a little bit about how cherry juice and similar products have helped you.

Cherry juice has really helped me to alleviate some of the pain associated with compartment syndrome.  It also helps my legs recover a lot faster from runs than they used to.  In addition to those benefits (as if they weren’t enough) I also see a difference from the melatonin found in cherries with my sleep patterns.  I was taking a melatonin pill when I had trouble sleeping but since I started drinking cherry juice I stopped using them.

FruitFast: Describe your routine for using cherry products.

My cherry routine is usually a glass of cherry juice in the morning mixed with orange juice and soda water.  Sometimes I make smoothies with a frozen berry blend that has cherries in it, cherry juice and other fruit.  I also add tart cherries to my oatmeal and trail mix.

FruitFast: Do you/have you recommended cherry products to friends/family with similar interests?

I would highly recommend adding cherry products into your routine if you are doing any sort of physical activity but I think it benefits everyone.  I think there isn’t one person who couldn’t benefit from the antioxidants in cherries and nutrients.

FruitFast: And finally… when you’re talking to someone about why you use cherry products, how do you describe their benefits?

I usually just mention their recovery benefits and tell them my experience with how much easier my body recovers.  It’s such an easy thing to add in to your routine and the benefits are incredible.

Catch up with Lauren on Twitter at @liloruns or check out her blog at http://www.liloruns.com/.

Read more testimonials and learn more about tart cherry juice and the power of cherries on the FruitFast website.

With the deadline now passed, and recipes turned in and tabulated, now the hard work really begins:  Choosing the winners in FruitFast’s  Berry Cherry Challenge!

Here are the 12 Semi-Finalists:

Entrées:

Roxanne Chan
Jill Drury
Naylet La Rochelle
Mary Shivers
Amie Valpone
Kristel Wiesner

Desserts:

Danielle D’Ambrosio
Margee Berry
Joni Hilton
Sunya Hobson
Alida Nattress
Mary Shivers

Debbie Colaianni and her panel of judges reviewed all kinds of dishes and desserts, narrowing the field for the final round entries.  From here, Debbie and her team will actually be making these dishes – precisely following the recipes – and then a second panel of judges will score and taste the entries and ultimately select the winners!

We want to thank all of the entrants who took the time and made the effort to submit an original culinary delight using FruitFast products in either the Entrée or Dessert categories, or both. There was an abundance of FruitFast ingredients used from cherry juice, Mixed Berry, Pomegranate, CherryFlex Liquids, and plenty of our premium dried fruits.  We are pleased to report that in the short one-month timeframe we had far more entries than we ever expected from no fewer that 23 different states. And from both men and women, too.

Best of all, when this process is complete, FruitFast will have lots of wonderful recipes to share with all our customers and friends – so we all end up being winners.

Stayed tuned to find out who the talented culinary stand-outs are as we will be announcing them on April 30 – right here on our blog and on Facebook.

Another busy week at the FruitFast Store as finally Spring just might have arrived.  We can definitely tell that people are starting to move around more and tackle all those projects out-of-doors!

It has to be the reason customers are clamoring for CherryFlex to help maintain flexibility and joint health* and help ease sore muscles*.

Nick from Algonquin, Illinois echoes the sentiments of many of our cherry juice, softgel and ProSport Shot customers when he wrote this email message;

“ The CherryFlex ProSport Shots are a big hit.  I keep them in a zip-lock bag in my workout bag.  They are convenient, the taste is powerful but good, and most of all they work.  I purposely leave them out when I’m changing at the health club, and people I work out with have asked me about them, so I handed out a few samples to them.  Positive feedback from them as well.  I’ll definitely be a repeat customer. “

Don’t forget that CherryFlex is available in several forms that are convenient, delicious and affordable.  Many of our tart cherry juice concentrate customers have been making the switch to CherryFlex softgels, or liquid fruit supplements that are tasty by the teaspoonful or terrific in beverages and recipes, and then, of course, there’s our delicious fruit bars.  Same great product — same great taste and benefits.

Think Spring – think CherryFlex!

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Berkley, California … Taylorville, Utah … Arcadia, Michigan …  Eugene, Oregon … New York, NY … and Miami, Florida.

Food lovers from around the country are sending in their recipes and entering the Berry Cherry Challenge.

We are very pleased with the response so far to our first-ever FruitFast recipe contest!  And there’s plenty of time left to send your favorite original recipe to us, too, for a chance to win $250 cash or a much coveted KitchenAid mixer.

Contest entries are being accepted through Tuesday, April 5^th for Desserts and Entrées using Brownwood Acres/ FruitFast products in original recipes.

Second and third place winners will have their choice of FruitFast products valued at $125 and $75 respectively.

It’s easy and fun and the winning cooks and their recipes will be announced and featured here on the FruitFast website.

What could be better?  Lots of FruitFast fans will receive discounts just for entering, too, and we will all get to enjoy these fabulous recipes!

You’ll find all the information you need right here.  Enter today for a chance to win!

Looking for options when it comes to a healthy, low-carb, low calorie snack?

It’s easy to fight the urge to indulge and end the bulge with FruitFast Fruit Supplement Bars.  Steering clear of potato chips, ice cream, candy bars and processed snacks is easier with these 100% fruit bars that are great-tasting and good for you and your family.

If you are counting calories, CherryFlex, Wild BlueBerry IQ and the Wonderful Pomegranate Bars all contain about 100 calories each.  Unlike many other processed treats, FruitFast bars contain no preservatives, refined sugars or additives and are gluten-free.

Developed and patented by the USDA, FruitFast Bars are the perfect answer for in-between meals, using USA grown fruit in our proprietary process that produces premium quality fruit pastes.

Don’t be tempted by processed products with unknown ingredients and chemicals.  Try our FrutiFast bars for their delicious, natural taste and convenience.

“Helping you enjoy better health” is the slogan at the Health Food Mart in Topeka, Kansas.  And like all of our retailers, they are proud to carry the Brownwood Acres/ FruitFast line of products – In fact, it’s hard to keep product on the shelves.

Steve Syrokosz

“We have been carrying Brownwood Acres products for as long as I have been here and that’s over 8 years now,” said store manager, Steve Syrokosz.  “The tart cherry juice concentrate is always on our best-seller list for the store.  We have lots of farmers who come in and will buy 3 or 4 pints of the tart cherry juice concentrate and take two doses a day.  They like the more natural aspect of staying healthy – that’s why they buy it.”

Customer feedback is important to store employees, so they ask why they keep coming back for FruitFast products.  Maintaining healthy joints is the major reason, according to Steve, and their overall well-being.  The Health Food Mart also carries CherryFlex, Great Lakes Cranberry and Pomegranate softgels, along with FruitFast Blueberry juice concentrate.

When a segment on the Dr. Oz national television show aired recently touting the health benefits of tart cherry juice, they were sold-out in a day.

And once again, Steve called Brownwood Acres/ FruitFast to place another order.

Thanks to the Health Food Mart for promoting healthy living!

On your mark, get set, GO… whip up a Culinary Sensation!

FruitFast’s Berry Cherry Challenge is underway now through April 5, 2011.   It’s your chance to show off your cooking and baking talents and creativity in this first ever recipe contest to win $250 in cash OR a brand new KitchenAid Tilt Head Mixer.

www.speckmanphotography.com

FruitFast staffers/ cooks will judge the entries in the two categories – Entrées and Desserts.  In our first round of judging, we’ll rank the entries based on their originality, ease of preparation and creative use of the FruitFast product(s).  Those receiving the highest marks will move to the second phase of judging where we will be looking for originality, ease of preparation, taste and creative use of fruit.

Submissions may also be accompanied with photos or videos, but these are not necessary and contestants must be 18 or older.  You can find all the answers to your questions by reading the Berry Cherry Challenge rules here.  Or you may email your questions to me, debbie@fruitfast.com.

It’s simple to enter:  fill out the entry form and email as an attachment to my email address, or print and mail or fax your favorite Entrée or Dessert recipe before the deadline at midnight on April 5^th.

We’ll be featuring the winners and their creations on our website, blog and on Facebook, along with other FruitFast recipes you share.

So don’t delay!  Participate today by sending in your favorite recipes.