Açaí: An Antioxidant Powerhouse

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1 Açaí: An Antioxidant Powerhouse An Abundance of Antioxidants- Açaí is one of the Earth s most potent sources of antioxidants. Açaí berries are high in anthocyanins, the phytochemicals that give the berry its purplish red color, and are widely known for their health benefits in preserving cell integrity by protecting cells from free radicals. For the health conscious consumer base, the addition of açaí increases the intake of these phytonutrients which in turn may reduce the risk of cancer, lower cholesterol and promote skin health. Breakfast Applications: Start Your Day with Açaí- Açaí is an excellent source of dietary fiber, phytonutrients, and fatty acids as well as iron, calcium & vitamin A. Açaí provides an exotic and exciting energy boost to spice up your breakfast when added to fruit juices, smoothies, yogurts, and açaí bowls. An açaí bowl is very similar to a thick smoothie that contains açaí puree, some type of frozen or fresh fruit (like banana or mango), and sometimes soy, almond or coconut milk to thin the mixture out while providing a little bit of creaminess. An açaí bowl may incorporate any number of possible ingredients to offer a well-balanced meal. These might include oatmeal, granola, fresh fruit, yogurt and more. Açaí s high fiber content keeps you feeling full and satiated, making an açaí bowl or smoothie a perfect match for the health conscious consumer. Chocolate is the Answer! Açaí presents an earthy, well-rounded flavor that is excellent when combined with chocolate and other sweet treats. Try combining açaí with banana, mango, chocolate and coconut milk to give yourself a tasty, dairy free smoothie high in nutrients that satisfies your sweet tooth in a healthier way. Incorporating açaí in chocolate drinks, ice creams, sorbets and other treats adds a tropical twist to traditional flavors. Drink Applications- Açaí is a versatile ingredient that can be sweetened up when combined with fresh fruits or other fruit juices, such as mango and banana, adding nutritious phytochemicals into your beverage. Açaí is very low in sugar and offers detoxification properties. It is an excellent addition to beverages or drinkable yogurts that will boost the nutritional content of the product. Consuming nutrient dense liquids, such as açaí, is a fast way to absorb nutrients into the blood stream providing an energy boost. Product is Organic- All the açaí that iti Tropicals supplies is not only wild grown and harvested, it is organic and non-gmo. Organic agricultural practices produce environmentally friendly products excluding the use of synthetic components such as pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Products that are certified organic are not sourced from genetically modified ingredients. The organic symbol can be used as a marketing tool on the labels of finished products.

2 Acerola- Clean Label Vitamin C Applications Off the Charts Vitamin C Content: Acerola, also known as the Barbados Cherry, is commercially grown and harvested primarily in Brazil. Acerola contains carotenoids, the pigments that give the cherry its red color. Additionally, acerola imparts a distinctive tart flavor that blends well with other juices. Acerola is one of the world s most potent sources of Vitamin C and bio-flavonoids. Just 100 grams of single strength acerola juice contains twenty-five times the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C. Acerola puree concentrate, also available as a clarified juice concentrate, can be added to vitamin gummies to help consumers achieve their daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. This super fruit is a great source of natural Vitamin C for finished products. The Clean Label Craze: As the clean label trend evolves, food and beverage companies seek new strategies to meet its requirements. While there is no true definition for clean label, it is often associated with the following claims: fewer ingredients, no artificial flavors or additives, earth friendly and healthier. In addition to these claims, the clean label trend leans towards including natural sources of vitamins and nutrients. Rather than listing ascorbic acid on your nutritional label, try including acerola as an ingredient that inherently contains Vitamin C. Acerola can be a solution in working towards a clean, simple and nutritious label. Jazz Up Refreshments with Acerola: Acerola is a great addition to beverages, justifying a 100% juice claim in finished products. Acerola blends particularly well with mango and pineapple juice, the tart flavor contrasting with the sweetness these and others. Acerola can also be incorporated into smoothie mixes. The addition of acerola to finished products reduces the ph and increases the shelf life without imparting a citrus flavor that is commonly associated with ascorbic acid. Acerola Jams & Jellies: Acerola adds an interesting and unique twist when incorporated into traditional jam and jelly recipes. The Vitamin C content in acerola helps with ph control when added to jellies or jams which is derived from a natural source, and produces a clean label finished product. The combination of sour and sweet creates a pleasing flavor combination that make a delicious accompaniment to crostini s, cheeses and other hors d'oeuvres!

3 Coconut Cream- The Culinary Dream A Culinary Wonder: From the coconut we derive many different products including coconut water, coconut oil and desiccated coconut. The richest and most decadent is the final product the coconut offers: coconut cream. This rich, slightly sweet cream is similar in consistency to heavy whipping cream, yet offers a non-dairy alternative for vegans or individuals who just like coconut! It s Coco-licious & Nutritious! Unlike many other dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream is not lacking in nutritional content. In addition to being cholesterol free, coconut cream contains lauric, caprylic and capric acid, all medium chain fatty acids. These medium chain fatty acids are good fats that are easily digestible, quickly converted into energy, support healthy brain function and development, and are also present in coconut oil. Coconut Cuisine: Coconut cream plays a starring role in Malaysian, Indonesian, Indian and Thai cuisines. From curries, to soups, to creamy sauces, coconut cream will add a full-bodied richness that pleasantly rounds out complimentary flavors. Wow your crowd with a funky and rich carrot, coconut cream and peanut butter soup! This soup application tastes great hot or cold, and combines carrot puree, coconut cream, peanut butter, ginger and spices to taste. For a lighter palate pleaser, sauté lemon grass, ginger, garlic, carrots, onions and mushrooms in coconut oil. Once softened, add chicken broth and coconut cream to create a light and refreshing soup base. Presto! The combination of the creaminess from the coconut and the tanginess from the lemongrass creates an excellent dish! Coconut Confections- The Coco-Dream: Create unique and dreamy desserts by incorporating coconut cream into your recipe. Coconut cream is commonly used as a substitute for dairy products, in ice creams, gelatos and other frozen novelties. Additionally, the melting point of the fat in coconut cream enhances how flavors are expressed on the palate and improve mouthfeel of frozen desserts. Coconut cream can be used as a substitute for cream or milk in recipes for cupcakes, cheesecakes, puddings, custards, icings and more. Try making coconut cinnamon cupcakes using coconut milk as a substitute for water to add moisture and body to the cupcakes. Top off the cupcakes with whimsical coconut frosting by swapping out the milk in traditional vanilla frosting for coconut cream. Vegan desserts will not fall short by maintaining a luxurious feel with the use of coconut cream. Drinks: When it comes to beverage applications, the possibilities with coconut cream are endless. Transform coconut cream into coconut milk with ease by simply adding water to lower the fat content, and diversify potential uses. Combine coconut milk with cocoa to make a vegan chocolate beverage. Coconut cream can also be a substitute for half-and-half in freshly brewed coffee or in a vegan latte. Coconut cream or coconut milk also make great additions to smoothies or milk shakes. Coco-Beauty-Coconut Cosmetics: The same internal health benefits received from consuming coconut cream, can also be beneficial to the body when used externally. In addition to food applications, coconut cream can be utilized in cosmetic items such as soaps, lotions, shampoos, conditioners and facial cleansers. The fat content and medium chain fatty acids in coconut cream and coconut oil moisturize the skin and hair leaving it smooth, soft and well hydrated. The lauric acid present in coconut cream contains antibacterial and anti-aging properties which fight to preserve skin cells against damage from free radicals, leaving your skin radiant and glowing.

4 How to Use Pink Guava in Your Product Refresh Your Palate- Guava has been a staple ingredient in Latin cuisine for decades. Its tangy taste enhances a myriad of applications. Guava can be used in beverages, jellies, jams, cakes, pastries, ice creams, sauces, marinades, dressings or yogurts. Guava not only contributes an exotic flavor, but also adds a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants to finished products. Guava: A Bountiful Source of Vitamin C & Vitamin A- Guava is an excellent source of Vitamins A and C, both of which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants inhibit oxidation and neutralize free radicals that can cause tissue and cellular damage. While counter-acting these negative molecules and reactions, incorporating more antioxidants into your diet may reduce the risk of high cholesterol, heart disease and cancer. Guava also contains lycopene, a carotenoid that accounts for the reddishpink color of the fruit, which boosts the antioxidant content. Additionally, guava is high in Vitamin C, with 2-3 times more than that of an orange. Incorporating guava into finished products can increase the intake of these desirable vitamins and nutrients for the growing health conscious consumer base. Add the Tropical Flavor of Guava to Tasty Sweet Treats! Guava adds an acidic tang which pleasantly compliments sweeter food items. Incorporating guava into baked goods such as pastries, cupcakes, icings, sorbets and ice creams forges a well-rounded flavor combination of tangy and sweet to traditional desserts. For a guava ice cream, try combining guava puree with heavy whipping cream, milk, sugar and vanilla in an ice cream maker. Guava offers a delicate tropical flavor that is light and refreshing while reducing the added sugar content in the ice cream. The inclusion of guava into ice creams and sorbets reduces the fat and sugar content per serving while boosting flavor, nutrient and fruit intake. Guzzle the Guava! The addition of guava to drink applications introduces a zesty and aromatic component to finished products. Incorporating guava into your beverage will not only add a unique flavor, but also a pleasantly pink tint, while increasing the nutritional value of the beverage. Only 100 grams of guava puree contains more than enough Vitamin C, an antioxidant that aids in support of the immune system and preservation of cell strength, to meet the daily recommended intake. Guava blends well with other fruit flavors such as mango, banana and pineapple to design a delicious, exotic, tropical beverage. Get Saucy with Savory Applications- Guava can add an interesting flavor to savory applications such as marinades, dressings or dipping sauces. The addition of an acidic component, such as guava, to meat marinades adds flavor, contributes a richer color and increases tenderness. The maximum benefit of a marinade can be enjoyed by cutting the meat into smaller pieces. Consider combining guava concentrate, soy sauce, brown sugar and ginger with cubed chicken to create delectable chicken kabobs with a kick!

5 Passion Fruit- The Quintessential Tropical Ingredient The Fruit of Passion: With a bold flavor unlike any other, passion fruit embodies the definition of exotic and can be used in many applications. Passion fruit is a spherical shaped fruit containing pulp with small black seeds, grown and harvested commonly in the tropical regions of South America. When the fruit is squeezed, and the seeds are removed from the pulp, what remains is a juice that containing an enticing and robust flavor. Passion fruit juice is high in Vitamin A, supplying antioxidants in the form of phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. Quench Your Thirst With a Passionate Cocktail! The end of the week has arrived, and you re ready to unwind with a cool, refreshing and spirited beverage. Passion fruit is the perfect addition to cocktails, creating an exotic, luxurious feel to a relaxing drink at home or dinner parties with friends. Impress guests with a pisco sour, a popular Latin drink containing passion fruit juice and pisco, a white brandy native to South America, lime juice and a little bit of sugar or simple syrup. Add passion fruit juice to margaritas or sangria to offer a taste of the tropics in an indulgent palate pleaser that enhances traditional flavors. Inspire Passion into Confections: Passion fruit juice provides a heady, rich flavor with a pleasant aromatic note. It compliments well in dessert items which may include pie fillings, cake frostings, ice creams, sorbets or glazes. Passion fruit also combines well with dark chocolate. Incorporate passion fruit puree into a traditional vanilla ice cream recipe, and freeze the ice cream into rectangular molds. After removing them from the molds, coat them in dark chocolate and voila! You have a delicious, chocolate covered passion fruit ice cream bar. Distinguish your dessert options with this unique, tangy, full-bodied twist on classic recipes. Drink Applications: Differentiate your beverage line with the addition of this exotic flavor. Passion fruit pairs well with other fruit juices to make tasty beverage blends. Try blending passion fruit and mango juice with sparkling water to create an effervescent spritzer with a passionate edge! Savory Applications: Passion fruit is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into savory applications as well. Add a sweet, yet tart note to salsas or spicy sauces with the addition of passion fruit to provide a unique blend of savory and sweet. Passion fruit works well in marinades, dressings and vinaigrettes by contributing its tart acidity. Consider combining passion fruit juice, aged balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt & pepper to create a passion filled balsamic vinaigrette that is simply delicious and perfect for salads!

6 Mind, Body, Soul - Think good, look good, feel good Coconut Splash Coconut Water is known as Mother Nature s Super Drink. Since it is so good for the inside of your body, why not try it on the outside? By infusing coconut water into personal care products like shampoos, conditioners, and lotions, the hydrating properties of the coconut water will restore damages, leaving your hair and skin light, alive, and full of electrolytes. A nice refreshing face mist of coconut water is a great way to wake up and start your morning. A cleansing facial wipe is a soothing way to finish the day, keeping your skin renewed without stripping it of its natural oils. Virgin Coconut Oil - VCO Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids as well as important vitamins, K and E. The content of Vitamin E moisturizes the skin, reduces the appearance of pores, and acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin K has been known to act as an anti-inflammatory, as well as aids in the reduction of dark circles under eyes. A dollop of coconut oil through hair will help cut down on undesirable fly-aways on a humid day. It s also safe on the skin of babies. Try rubbing some coconut oil under the baby s nose during a cold to help them ease sore, dry skin. Coconut oil also works wonders to sooth and protect against diaper rash. Wear the Tropics Acai, acerola, and mangosteen all have antioxidant benefits in the form of Vitamin C, aiding in repairing cell damage caused by free radicals. Another desirable aspect of acai and acerola are their anti-aging properties. Acai also contains omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids which are ideal for preserving the skins elasticity, smoothness, and hydration. An exfoliating body scrub with papaya, pineapple, or guava will not only slough away dead skin cells, but will leave you smelling great! Aromatherapy Our tropical and exotic fruits can be beneficial in many ways. Incorporating essences into candles or carrier (coconut) oils can enhance calming and meditative practices. Including tropical essences such as mango, passion fruit, and guava into perfume offers a vacation scent in a bottle.

7 Moo goes the Cow, Crack goes the Coconut I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for iticecream! Remember as a child holding that vanilla ice cream cone while racing to lick up all the melted goodness dripping down onto your hand? Next thing you know, all of the ice cream is in your stomach, on your face, and on the floor. How did that happen so fast? Now you want more and your parents lecture that too much ice cream is not good, putting a damper on your dreams. But wait! Adding a fruit puree at 25% to a finished ice cream product can lower the fat content, offering a claim of low-fat ice cream. Reformulation of recipes to include fruit will not only cut fat, calories and added sugar, it will increase flavor and help in achieving the daily recommended value of fruit! Don t Top the Cheesecake, Infuse the Cheesecake After the Happy Birthday singing concludes for your 5-year-old nephew, the lights go on and your eyes dart to that awe-inspiring cheesecake. Patiently passing along the slices that appear too small, your sister-in-law cuts one just big enough. The time has arrived. The slice you ve been waiting for. Now you scurry to the toppings and load up the slice with pineapples and whipped cream. The cheesecake is now perfect. If only that didn t take so long! By adding or substituting tropical fruits into the cheesecake-making process, the satisfaction of indulging in your favorite dessert will be achieved so much faster. Who needs the Big Apple when we can provide the big pineapple, or mango, or coconut! Be More Cultured with Tropical Yogurts Why stick to the domestic flavors of yogurt like strawberry and blackberry when you can diversify? By using mango, acerola, acai and many of our other exotic flavors, the finished product will contain tropical ingredients from all around the world that naturally increase sweetness, Vitamin C, and fiber content. The use of purees and concentrates, allow for easier blending and smoother consistency. Consider substituting water for coconut water to create a lower viscosity in a drinkable yogurt for onthe-go needs. Whipped Cream with an Acerola on Top Let acerola, also known as a Barbados Cherry, be the tropical cherry on top of your sundae. Whether the coconut whipped cream is going straight from the bottle to your mouth or you re decorating the guava custard pie with pink guava cream cheese icing, our tropical fruits blend well to satisfy that sweet tooth craving. Our various fruits add a range of color to brighten up any whipped cream topping, while enhancing the flavor and keeping the label clean. They are the perfect topping to finish off any presentation.

8 Soups and Salsas and Dressings, Oh My! Soups Up! Souping is the new Juicing. The world we live in associates soup as being a hot meal. That doesn t always have to be the case. A nice gazpacho in the summer can be cool, refreshing, and full of fruit! But if you prefer the heat, who says mangoes can t be paired with jalapeños? Tropical fruits can be paired with heat from high temperatures too. After all, they originate in the tropics! Try adding coconut milk for an easy house made Thai curry soup or even a coconut cream of mushroom soup. Combining pineapple and tamarind creates a sweet and sour soup for a fun, healthy alternative to a traditional meal. That salsa wrote! Tortilla chips have really come a long way. They were redesigned to hold more salsa on them. Genius. Now it s salsa s turn to step up. The traditional mild, medium and hot salsas are classic. But it is time to modernize them. Adding mangoes, pineapples, passion fruit, and papayas are just a few notions to enhance the salsa world. What better way to consume vegetables and fruits in one great bite. No fork required! Dress it Up! Dressings are a great way to make a salad more vivacious, ranging from light vinaigrettes to richer, creamier options. An acerola vinaigrette allows for a tart taste in every bite while skyrocketing the Vitamin C content. Fruit concentrates, like pineapple, can be infused with balsamic glazes to maintain the consistency while adding a fruity spin. Mangoes and coconuts pair well in creamy dressings. Prefer meats and potatoes? Marinades work just as well. Guava balances well in a barbeque sauce or an Asian five-spice marinade leaving you simply mouthwatering. Need something savory for your steak sauce? Tamarind won t disappoint in flavor or aiding in the daily values fulfillment of fruits. Who knew Tropical fruits could be this fun? What s the Spread? Tired of butter on your toast and cream cheese on your bagel? Jellies, jams, and marmalades made with an exotic and tropical twist can help the start of your day a bit more relaxing by channeling vacation memories. Not only will the taste be intriguing, their nutritional perks will shine through. That toast sounds even more appealing now, doesn t it? But it doesn t have to stop at breakfast. Add a tropical flavor to the standard cheese and cracker appetizer. A nice tropical fruit jam spread will definitely make you the hostess with the mostess.

9 Tropical Fruits are Sweeter Than You Think Fruit Cake 2.0 Parents often worry that their children consume too much sugar. Birthday parties ultimately result in sugar overload. No one wants to be the parent that doesn t allow tasty treats, or forbids their child from participating in the fun. iti Tropicals offers endless options of exotic fruits that can be incorporated into cupcakes and cakes. By substituting acerola puree for water in a cake recipe you ll be able to create a tasty dessert with an added benefit of providing high amounts of Vitamin C and low amounts of sugar. Now when you volunteer to bring a fruit cake to the party, no one will cringe! The Pies the Limit Coconut Cream pies are already a hit, sadly we cannot take credit for that. What iti Tropicals can take credit for is our variety of coconut creams. With options such as organic, conventional, fair trade and stabilizer free, there are many ways to meet your pie making needs. The addition of other fruit purees will add body and mouthfeel while concentrates will add bold flavors. But don t just stop there. All of our diverse fruits have advantageous health benefits. Rich in beta-carotene, a guava coconut cream pie will benefit your skin, eyes, and immune system. Your taste buds will thank you too! The Tropical Bakery Tropical fruits are being utilized in many countries around the world, and it s working! Let s hop on this tropical fruit train together and make bakery pastries- cultured. iti offers a variety of banana purees to fulfill your banana bread desires. Donuts do not have to be bad for you. Neither do scones, pastry puffs, or tarts, just add banana! It s fruit, right? Changing that jelly donut from strawberry to passion fruit is an ingenious flavor advancement! Calling all Chocoholics! The combination of dark chocolate, rich in antioxidants, and nutrient packed coconut oil produces a well-balanced treat. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids. They aid in feeling satisfied and reducing stored fat during metabolic reactions in the body. Chocolate makes people happy, and coconut oil helps improve your mood. It sounds like we just created a super treat! Not to mention that this treat can be vegan too. Take this chocolate-coconut oil mixture and use it as a decadent drizzle. Coconut chocolate-covered fruit is the future. Coconut oil has a low melting point, which means if you freeze your coconut chocolate açaí treats, they won t take long to defrost. Before you know it, you ll be able to enjoy the antioxidants, fiber, and paradise.