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Dec01
National Recipe Contest Features Specialty Grapefruit
MISSION, TX — The season for a special variety of grapefruit grown only is Texas is now. Texas ranks third in U.S. citrus production, yet it’s the only region in the country that grows Rio Star grapefruit, a deep red, sweet, juicy grapefruit.
TexaSweet Citrus Marketing Inc. and Taste of the South magazine are co-sponsoring the first national Rio Star Grapefruit Recipe Challenge. Home cooks and professionals are invited to enter original recipes. An entry form, contest rules and frequently asked questions are posted. Total prize money allocated for the contest is $5,000.
“The editorial and test kitchen staffs of Taste of the South are looking forward to helping judge the finalists’ recipes in this compelling contest. Many consumers think of grapefruit only as a breakfast item. This venue will highlight the versatility or Rio Star. We’ve determined to showcase three recipe categories in the contest – salads, entrees and desserts,” said Lorna Reeves, editor of the magazine.
“We recognize that, today, Rio Star is not a typical southern staple like rice, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes or grits. Our mission is to create product awareness of this special variety of grapefruit to as many southern and other regional consumers as possible,” said Eleisha Ensign, executive director of TexaSweet Citrus Marketing Inc., the promotional and marketing arm of the industry. “We’re convinced that one day, Rio Star grapefruit will be considered a must have citrus product that’s on the grocery list of consumers nationwide,” she continued.
Rio Star grapefruit is grown exclusively in the southern-most tip of Texas – the Rio Grande Valley where warm tropical breezes and a temperate climate offer excellent growing conditions. Texas citrus is tree-ripened and handpicked to ensure superior quality throughout the season. Rio Star grapefruit is distributed nationally and exported to Canada and other countries each season from October through May.
Contest entry forms and rules may also be requested by writing to:
Texas Rio Star Grapefruit Challenge, 901 Business Park Drive, Ste. 100, Mission, Texas 78572.
Please enclose a self-addressed-stamped envelope.
###
Editor note: Additional generic and recipe photography is available at www.texasweet.com.
Mini Cookies with Grapefruit Filling
Let the kids make and spread the filling after grapefruit has been sectioned.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ Texas Rio Star Grapefruit, sectioned
2 tablespoons grapefruit zest
1 box (11 oz.) vanilla wafer cookies
Combine cream cheese, grapefruit sections and zest. Beat until smooth and of a spreading consistency. Spread a small spoonful of cream cheese mixture on flat side of one wafer and top with an additional wafer.
Note: For softer cookies, cover and place in refrigerator for one hour.
National Recipe Contest Features Specialty Grapefruit
MISSION, TX — The season for a special variety of grapefruit grown only is Texas is now. Texas ranks third in U.S. citrus production, yet it’s the only region in the country that grows Rio Star grapefruit, a deep red, sweet, juicy grapefruit.
TexaSweet Citrus Marketing Inc. and Taste of the South magazine are co-sponsoring the first national Rio Star Grapefruit Recipe Challenge. Home cooks and professionals are invited to enter original recipes. An entry form, contest rules and frequently asked questions are posted. Total prize money allocated for the contest is $5,000.
“The editorial and test kitchen staffs of Taste of the South are looking forward to helping judge the finalists’ recipes in this compelling contest. Many consumers think of grapefruit only as a breakfast item. This venue will highlight the versatility or Rio Star. We’ve determined to showcase three recipe categories in the contest – salads, entrees and desserts,” said Lorna Reeves, editor of the magazine.
“We recognize that, today, Rio Star is not a typical southern staple like rice, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes or grits. Our mission is to create product awareness of this special variety of grapefruit to as many southern and other regional consumers as possible,” said Eleisha Ensign, executive director of TexaSweet Citrus Marketing Inc., the promotional and marketing arm of the industry. “We’re convinced that one day, Rio Star grapefruit will be considered a must have citrus product that’s on the grocery list of consumers nationwide,” she continued.
Rio Star grapefruit is grown exclusively in the southern-most tip of Texas – the Rio Grande Valley where warm tropical breezes and a temperate climate offer excellent growing conditions. Texas citrus is tree-ripened and handpicked to ensure superior quality throughout the season. Rio Star grapefruit is distributed nationally and exported to Canada and other countries each season from October through May.
Contest entry forms and rules may also be requested by writing to:
Texas Rio Star Grapefruit Challenge, 901 Business Park Drive, Ste. 100, Mission, Texas 78572.
Please enclose a self-addressed-stamped envelope.
###
Editor note: Additional generic and recipe photography is available at www.texasweet.com.
Mini Cookies with Grapefruit Filling
Let the kids make and spread the filling after grapefruit has been sectioned.
Combine cream cheese, grapefruit sections and zest. Beat until smooth and of a spreading consistency. Spread a small spoonful of cream cheese mixture on flat side of one wafer and top with an additional wafer.
Note: For softer cookies, cover and place in refrigerator for one hour.
How to section a grapefruit guide