Press Release

Canyon Ranch Chef Shows Florida Orange Juice Adds a World of Flavor

Chef Scott Uehlein creates easy, healthy dishes with 100 percent orange juice

LAKELAND, Fla. (March 12, 2007) - The concept of healthy eating is enjoying a global taste makeover. Thanks to the emergence of ethnic cuisines, from Latin to Asian to Mediterranean, Americans are discovering good nutrition and bold, mouth-watering tastes can live in harmony. While ethnic restaurants continue to refresh the dining scene with healthful world flavors, a recent survey of members from the International Association of Culinary Professionals finds that most food experts cook ethnic dishes at home for their families, too.

One such expert, Scott Uehlein, corporate chef of the renowned Canyon Ranch Health Resorts and SpaClubs, identifies with the need for healthy, convenient, and flavorful solutions in the home kitchen. One of his nutritious short-cut secrets is straight out of the refrigerator -- he uses 100 percent pure Florida orange juice to deliver the worldly flavor of citrus found in many international dishes.

"While a glass of orange juice is the quintessential healthy morning drink, it can also go beyond the breakfast table to boost the flavor and nutrition in cooking," says Chef Uehlein. "In addition to its citrus sweet flavor, 100 percent orange juice is a natural source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium, in addition to numerous phytonutrients."

It takes about a cup of Florida orange juice to infuse tangy flavor in Chef Uehlein's simple Cuban-inspired Citrus Flank Steak. Spiced with cumin, coriander and garlic, its combination creates a healthy fiesta of flavors at only 260 calories per serving. This recipe can be found on the Florida Department of Citrus' Web site, www.floridajuice.com/canyonranchspa. Here you'll also find some of Chef Uehlein's other uncomplicated international creations for the home such as Tropical Orange Waffles, Pan-Asian Orange Poached Fish and Mediterranean Orange Chicken.

Juicy Cooking Tips

Try Chef Uehlein's juicy cooking tips for adding a little citrus zing to your family's meals:

  • Use 100 percent orange juice in place of some of the vinegar and sugar in your favorite marinade recipes. Orange juice is a healthy replacement for these ingredients and provides the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.
  • Substitute 100 percent orange juice for white wine in recipes for sauces. It's a great way to incorporate more fruit in your diet.
  • One hundred percent orange juice can be used instead of milk in some baking recipes for an additional dimension of flavor, as well as increased nutritional value.
  • To cut down on calories and boost flavor in thick, sweet barbeque sauces, add 100 percent orange juice to your favorite BBQ sauce.

"To really enjoy a citrus-infused dish, pair it with a glass of orange juice or water with a fresh citrus wedge," says Chef Uehlein. "Eating healthy certainly does not mean you have to forgo flavor."

This information is provided by The Florida Department of Citrus, an executive agency of Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs approximately 90,000 people, provides a $9 billion annual economic impact to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida's schools, roads and health care services.

CONTACT:
Leslie Hill
(312) 729-4414
lhill@golinharris.com

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