Where can you send your leftover fruit?

A lot of people are looking at what they can do to help the environment and lessen their impact, and a great way to do this is to try to become zero waste, which means finding a use for all food and consumables purchased. If you find you often have leftover fruit in your office at the end of the week, and it's not taken by employees, you could contact one of the below charities who might be able to take the produce off your hands.

UK Harvest collect food from a variety of places, from restaurants and fruit & veg markets to ordinary businesses. You can arrange for immediate collections of produce and it is distributed to charities across the UK.

If you are able to take your leftover produce to a local food bank or supermarket, check with Trussell Trust, as you may be able to donate food to go to the local community.

If you are interested in composting, take a look at Get Composting to see if this is something you can get involved with in the office.


There are also great apps like OLIO, and Too Good To Go where you can share your food. On OLIO you can share food that's close to expiration or food you're just not going to eat, and with Too Good To Go restaurants and stores can distribute food that is still good, but would otherwise be thrown out.

Have any other tips for sharing your leftover fruit? Let us know @office_fruit! 

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2020

Mother's Day is almost here again, so if you're stuck for some inspiration we've found some gifts that we're sure the mother figure in your life will love!

Under £20

Hanging Geometric Planter with Foliage - B&M Stores - £8

Personalised Fresh Water Pear Bracelet - Getting Personal - £19.99

Personalised Mum's Favourite Cheeseboard - Card Factory - £19.99

£20 - £50

Out Of This World Gift Box - Bookblock.com - £42.20

Calm and Cosy Soy Candle Making Kit - Not On The High Street - £26

Personalised Shopper Bag - Next.co.uk - £29

Luxury

Lily & Roo Huggie Pear Drop Earrings - Not On The High Street - £75

Radley Blair Watch - Next.co.uk - £90

Lancome La Vie Est Belle Eau De Parfum Gift Set - Debnhams.com - £75

What have you got your mum this Mother's Day? Let us know @office_fruit! 

What Fruit Comes From: Peru?

Welcome to the first instalment in our new exciting series, What Fruit Comes From series. This week we focus on Peru! With three main climate zones (coast, highlands and jungle), you can find a huge number of different fruits. Below we show the special and unique fruits that come from Peru, and/or are important ingredients of Peruvian cuisine.

Limo Peruano (Peruvian Lime)

The Peruvian lime is quite small at 3-4 cm, and has a yellow to dark skin with light green flesh inside. It is highly acidic, extremely sour, and has a distinct strong flavour. It is a key ingredient in Peruvian cuisine.

Lacuma

This fruit is native to Peru and is known as "The Last Gold of the Incas". They are round and green with a yellow/orange flesh. They have a unique flavour of maple and sweet potato. They are rarely eaten raw. They are usually used for ice cream, cakes, puddings and desserts.

Chirimoya (Custard Apple)

Also spelt as Cherimoya, these fruits are native to the Andean highlands of Peru. They are heart-shaped, and have a rough-textured, tin skin which can be yellow-green through to a dark green. The flesh is white, juicy and has the texture of creamy custard, with seeds inside. They are sweet, with a taste of a mix between banana, pineapple, peach and strawberry.

Aguaymanto (Peruvian Cherry/Cape Gooseberry)

This is also known as the Tamatito Silvestre, Tomatillo, Capuli, or Cape Gooseberry. It is native to high altitude areas in Peru where it grows wild, and has been cultivated since the time of the Incas. It has a non-edible skin. It is yellow-orange in colour, and has a sweet and sour taste.

Pitahaya (Dragon Fruit)

Also known as Dragon Fruit, this fruit is native to Mexico, Central America and some Southern American countries like Peru. It is the fruit of a cactus and comes in three colours: yellow with white flesh, pin with pink flesh, and pink with white flesh. The flesh has a mild sweetness and tastes like a cross between a kiwi and a melon.

Pepino Dulce (Sweet Pepino)

This fruit is native to the Andean regions of Peru. Its origins are unclear. They can come in different shapes and sizes, from small or large, round or oval. They have a brightly coloured orange flesh whic is sweet, firm and juicy. The flavour is a mix of honeydew melons and cucumber.

Guayaba (Guava)

Guayabas, or as they're more commonly known, guavas, originated in Mexico, but these were cultivated in Central and South American in ancient times. Evidence has been found that this fruit was part of the diet and medicine of Pre-Incan cultures. These are a super fruit due to their health-promoting and medicinal properties.

Camu Camu 

This fruit is native to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. The fruit is extremely acidic and has a taste comparable to a mixture of a sour cherry and lime. It is best in juices, jams, ice creams and yoghurts. It has a very high Vitamin C content.

Tumbo (Banana Passion Fruit)

This fruit is in the passion fruit family. It is known as banana passion fruit in English as its shape and size resembles a banana. The orange, passion fruit-like cluster of black seeds and pulp is enclosed by a firm yellow skin. They are rarely eaten raw as they are acidic and tart. They are best in juices, jams and ice cream.

Aguaje (Moriche Palm Fruit)

The Moriche palm trees are native to the tropical Amazon regions of Peru. The fruits of these trees, known as Aguaje in Peru, have a red/purple/brown skin with a texture similar to a pineapple. There is a thin layer of firm, yellow/orange pulp underneath the skin, which covers a large seed. These fruits are eaten raw, in desserts or used in juices, jams, ice cream and alcoholic beverages.

Cocona (Amazon Tomato)

This is a tropical citrus fruit native to the Peruvian Amazon region. It is considered to be the Amazon Tomato and is often included in salads. They are similar to a pepper in shape and size, and can vary in colour from yellow to red, tasting like a mix between a lime and a tomato. They are used to make sauces to accompany soups, or are used in juices, jams and desserts.

Tuna (Cactus Fruit)

This is also known as cactus fruit or prickly pear. It has been cultivated in Peru since the ancient times. It is an oval fruit with a thick skin, and is green, red or orange in colour. The flesh is bright red to purple, and contains small seeds. It tastes to similar to a watermelon, and when processed into jams, juices or alcoholic beverages it can taste a bit like strawberries and figs.

Noni (Indian Mulberry)

Also known as the Indian Mulberry, this fruit isn't native to Peru, but is often used in dietary supplements. It is a similar size to a potato, and is a yellow/white colour. They taste very bitter and don't have an appetising taste. The fruit is famous for its health benefits and is used in juices, teas and natural medicine.

Which Peruvian fruit would you like to try? Or have you tried any of them? Let us know @office_fruit! 

Profile On: Granny Smith

In this week's Profile On, we focus on the Granny Smith apple, let's find out all about it!

What is it?

A Granny Smith is a crisp, crunchy, bright green apple. Often it will have wax on the skin as a protectant, which gives the apple a beautiful shine.

Where does its name come from?

They are named after the first grower of the fruit, Maria Smith.

Where's it from?

They started life as French crab apples from Tasmania, but were first grown in Australia in 1868. Maria Smith threw out these French crab apples, which then took root and grew into what we now know as Granny Smith trees.

When is it in season?

They are generally available all year round, as they are grown around the world. They are grown in places like Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South America and the US.

What does it taste like?

They have a juicy, tart, sweet taste. This strong flavour makes them great both raw, in desserts, cider or salads. They have a high acid content which means they don't lose their shape once cooked, and they're great in salads as they are slow to oxidise (or turn brown) once cut.

What are the health benefits?

They are rich in antioxidents, and low calorie. A typical apple has 70 calories, and 17 grams of carbohydrates, which is lower than most other apples. They also contain lots of fibre, which is vital for a healthy diet.

Did you know?

They were first promoted by the New South Wales Government in 1895 as a good export apple as they are a hardy apple, which means they can be stored for long periods.

Do you love the Granny Smith apple? Let us know @office_fruit!

Would you like a manzana? What about a nektarine?

We love language here at FFTO HQ, so we wondered what our best selling fruits are called in some European languages? Let's find out! 

Apple

Spanish: Manzana

French: Pomme

German: Apfel

Avocado

Spanish: Aguacate

French: Avocate

German: Avocado

Banana

Spanish: Banana

French: Banana

German: Banane

Grapes

Spanish: Uvas

French: Raisin

German: Trauben

Lemon

Spanish: Limón

French: Citron

German: Zitrone

Melon

Spanish: Melón

French: Melon

German: Melone

Nectarine

Spanish: Nectarina

French: Nectarine

German: Nektarine

Orange

Spanish: Naranja

French: Orange

German:  Orange

Pear

Spanish: Pera

French: Poire

German: Birne

Peach

Spanish: Melocotón

French: Pêche

German: Pfirsich

Pineapple

Spanish: Piña

French: Ananas

German: Ananas

Plum

Spanish: Ciruela

French: Prune

German: Pflaume

Which was the most interesting translation for you? Let us know @office_fruit!

What is Wellness and how is it translated to the office environment?

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you have probably heard about Wellness. It's a concept that is being brought into many spheres of our live, and people are using this as a focus of life-style changes. Read on to find out about Wellness, and how this can be translated into everyday working life...

So what is Wellness?

It's making the conscious effort to practise healthy habits daily, to improve your physical and mental health, to help you get more out of your life. YOLO! Luckily you can make a big impact by making even small changes, and taking it slow.

Social connections

Connecting with other people is crucial for wellness, as socialising makes us feel connected to others, and to the world. Spending 10 minutes a day catching up with a friend or loved one is a goal that is easy to fit into your busy day.

How can I do this at work? Take some time away from your desk to chat to someone, maybe it's at the kettle, or at the lunch table, and focus on talking to them and what they are saying rather than worrying about that to-do list. You'll find yourself refreshed and ready to take on a new task.

Exercise

If you can't (or don't want to!) fit in an intense gym session or run every day, even by doing 20 or 30 minutes of gentle exercise can help.

How can I do this at work? Take a brisk walk on your lunch break, or use the stairs rather than the lift.

Nutrition

Adopting a more healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables, and less processed foods, will work wonders not just for your body, but for your mental well being too! Feel proud of yourself for fueling your body in the right way.

How can I do this at work? Take advantage of your office fruit box, and why not try packing veggies as snacks too? Sliced peppers and cherry tomatoes are a great snack without the sugar.

Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep is crucial to keep your mind and body healthy. Have a look at your sleep routine, and see if you need to make any changes. Limit your caffeine after 12pm, incorporate relaxing activities before bed (there are many yoga routines on YouTube to help you get into a relaxed state of mind), and try getting up at the same time every day,

How can I do this at work? It's very tempting to grab coffee after coffee when at work (what else is going to get you through that meeting?), but if you need the drink try decaff coffee - it will give you the same flavour and feeling, but without the stimulant that might keep you awake later.

Mindfulness

Practising mindfulness helps your focus and mood, and can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which is good for both the body and mind. By focusing on what you are currently feeling or thinking, you can get to the root of how you react to certain situations, and help you work through adjusting your behaviours. Try an app like Calm or Headspace for mindfulness meditation, or jump on the adult colouring book trend and get creative while tapping into your consciousness.

How can I do this at work? Sometimes we can find ourselves in very stressful situations at work, and it can be hard to find a way through them. The Calm app has a specific section for Emergency calm, so if you need it, why not grab some headphones, sit in a quiet place where you won't be disturbed (we have been known to go to the toilet for solitude!) and listen to the track. If it's not an emergency situation, why not focus your mind while at your task, and try to ignore any outside noise. You will find the tasks get done a lot quicker.

Do you practise Wellness? Let us know @fruitfortheoffice! 

What fruit can you give to your pets?

Do you have any furry friends at home, and want to share the fruit love with them? Find out what fruits you can share with your pets!

When feeding fruit to your furry friends, you have to bear in mind that it should be done in moderation as fruit contains more sugar than vegetables. If your pet is overweight fruit should be limited, and smaller animals (like rabbits) should only be fed up to 2 tablespoons of fruit per day. Make sure all fruit is washed and remove any rind, inedible skins, seeds and pits. Having said all that, there are still plenty of benefits to feeding fruit to your pets, so let's find out which fruits are safe!

Fruit has more sugar than vegetables, so should be limited to overweight pets. make sure all fruit is washed and remove rind, inedible skins, seeds and pits.

Apples

Good for? Overweight pets, and senior pets with a low metabolism. Can be eaten by cats, dogs and rabbits
Contain? They are high in fibre and low in fat. They contain Vitamin A and C which are essential for healthy bones and tissue
Don't forget! You need to remove the core and seeds as they contain cyanide

Apricots

Good for? Cats, dogs and rabbits
Contain? They are full of potassium and beta-carotene.
Don't forget! Don't give them the stems or leaves, the stems are poisonous

Bananas

Good for? Cats, dogs and rabbits
Contain? They contain potassium which can support heart and kidney functions. They are high in carbohydrates and sugar so should be given to dogs sparingly.
Don't forget! Slice the banana into reasonable slices

Blackberries & Blueberries

Good for? Cats, dogs and rabbits
Contain? They contain antioxidants, fibre and vitamin c

Cantaloupe

Good for? Cats and dogs
Contain? They contain Vitamins A, B and C, which can help alleviate inflammatory tissues
Don't forget! The skin can carry harmful bacteria, so remove this and the seeds. Cut the melon into manageable wedges before feeding

Cranberries

Good for? Cats and dogs
Contain? They contain Vitamin C, fibre and manganese, and they can help fight UTIs!
Don't forget! They can be served raw, cooked or dried, but not as a juice or sauce as they contain too much sugar and can upset your pet's stomach

Mangoes

Good for? Cats, dogs and rabbits
Contain? They have lots of vitamins
Don't forget! You need to remove the hard middle pit as it contains cyanide. You also need to remove the skin, and serve it in small amounts as it could otherwise cause an upset stomach

Oranges

Good for? Dogs will like them, but cats will probably not be interested (author note: when I get an orange out my cats run away!)
Contain? They have lots of nutrients like Vitamin C, that can help a pet's immune system and flush out toxins
Don't forget! You need to remove the seeds, peel, leaves and stem - your dog can only eat the fleshy part of the fruit

Pears

Good for? Cats and dogs
Contain? They contain Vitamin A and C, and fibre
Don't forget! Feed them in moderation, and remove any seeds

Pineapple

Good for? Cats, dogs and rabbits
Contain?  They contain lots of vitamins, and minerals such as folate and zinc, which can help your pet's digestion and immune system
Don't forget! As they contain a lot of sugar they are best served in small quantities. Remove the spiky skin and hard core

Raspberries

Good for? They are good for cats, dogs and rabbits, but only in small doses!
Contain? They contain lots of fibre and Vitamin C, and are low in sugar. They have anti-inflammatory properties which makes them great for older pets
Don't forget! They contain small amounts of naturally occurring sweetener called xylitol, which can be fatal if ingested in large amounts

Strawberries

Good for? Cats, dogs and rabbits
Contain? They contain lots of nutrients which help strengthen your pet's immune system, and slow age-related issues
Don't forget! They can be served fresh or frozen, and raw or pureed over their normal food

Watermelon

Good for? Cats and dogs
Contain? They are almost 92% water, so they are great for hydration. They contain Vitamin A, C and B-6, as well as potassium which helps maintain healthy muscle and nerve function

What fruit do you feed your pets? Let us know @office_fruit!