Plant the Seeds for Healthier Habits with Ocean Spray's(R) First-Ever Fruit & Veggie Juice Drink Line

LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO, Mass., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring is the perfect time to begin planting the seeds for healthier habits in the kitchen.  Take advantage of the season's abundance of fresh fruits,  vegetables and juices by exploring new ways to add them into your daily routine. Now you can be Picasso of your plate by adding foods with vibrant colors, crisp textures and luscious taste.

But, with busy schedules, nutrition and healthy habits often take a back seat.  That's why Ocean Spray introduced a new member to its juice family, it's first-ever Fruit & Veggie Juice available in 100% Juice and Light: Fruit & Veggie Tropical Citrus and Fruit & Veggie Cranberry Strawberry Banana. The 100% juice line contains two full-servings of fruits and vegetables in every eight ounce glass, a perfect combination for anyone looking for refreshing fruit taste with veggie benefits.

"Getting enough fruit and vegetables in our diets is important for everyone," said Larry Martin, vice president of marketing at Ocean Spray. "Consumers trust us to help nourish their families with a variety of good-for-you products that deliver unmatched flavor. Our new Fruit & Veggie juice line does just that."

Fruits and vegetables are more than side dishes. They can be used to create delicious dressings, zesty glazes and flavorful desserts that pack a one-two health punch. Whether you're entertaining guests or planning a weekly meal, there are easy ways to incorporate fruits and veggies into your meals.

Start by turning your kitchen into a garden extravaganza. Surround yourself with fresh produce, as well as fruit and vegetable juices, keep them front and center so you're more apt to use them, incorporate garden inspired plates and glassware into your table setting, or grow your own veggies.

No backyard, no problem – consider a garden in a bottle. Enjoy your bottles after the juice is gone by giving old bottles a second life. Cut your bottles in half, add soil and see what you can grow. Nothing is more inspiring or satisfying than growing your own fruits and vegetables and it's good for you, too. Research shows that gardening for 30-45 minutes a day has significant health benefits.

While you're waiting for your garden to grow, mix things up with tasty new spring and summer recipes. From drinks to dessert, there are cool easy ways to add a healthy twist to your routine. Find more delicious ways to brighten up your plate at www.oceanspray.com.

Fruit & Veggie Frozen Pops

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups Ocean Spray® 100% Juice or Light Juice Drink Fruit & Veggie Cranberry

Strawberry Banana or Tropical Citrus

8 5-ounce paper cups

8 6-inch squares of heavy-duty foil

8 wooden craft sticks

DIRECTIONS:

Pour 1/2 cup juice into each paper cup. Place foil over tops of cups; press and form around cups so top is tight. With sharp knife, cut a small slit in center of foil on each; carefully insert sticks in each so it is standing up straight. Place cups on tray or baking sheet with sides. Place flat in freezer. Freeze overnight or until solid. To serve, remove foil; warm cups slightly with hands to lift out, or peel paper from frozen pops.

Makes 8 pops.

Harvest Stir Fry

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 red bell pepper, cut in bite-size strips

1 cup pea pods, trimmed, cut in half

1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained

1 cup Ocean Spray® 100% Juice or Light Juice Drink Fruit & Veggie Tropical Citrus

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup orange marmalade

2 tablespoons soy sauce

4 teaspoons cornstarch

DIRECTIONS:

Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise; thinly slice crosswise. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 3 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Push to one side of skillet. Add bell pepper and pea pods; cook 1 minute or until starting to soften. Stir in orange segments.

Combine vinegar, marmalade, soy sauce and cornstarch in medium bowl. Stir into skillet. Bring to a boil; cook until thick and chicken is no longer pink. If desired, serve over hot cooked rice.

Makes 4 servings.

Garden Berry Trifle

INGREDIENTS:

1 3/4 cups Ocean Spray® 100% Juice or Light Juice Drink Fruit & Veggie Cranberry

Strawberry Banana or Tropical Citrus

1 3-ounce package cook and serve vanilla pudding mix (not instant)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 7-ounce angel food cake, cut in small cubes (approximately 6 cups)

3 cups sliced fresh strawberries and/or red raspberries

DIRECTIONS:

Mix juice or juice drink and pudding mix in 1 1/2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and place piece of waxed paper directly on surface of pudding. Cool completely.

Combine whipping cream and powdered sugar in medium bowl. Using electric mixer or hand whisk, beat until soft peaks form.

Layer half the cake cubes in large glass bowl. Top with half the berries. Spread half the pudding mixture over the berries; carefully spread half the whipped cream over pudding. Repeat layers. Garnish with additional berries if desired. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate 3 hours.

Makes 8 servings.

To make individual servings, layer dessert in individual parfait glasses in order listed above.

About Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry growers in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and other parts of Canada as well as more than 50 Florida grapefruit growers. Ocean Spray was formed 80 years ago by three cranberry growers from Massachusetts and New Jersey. Florida grapefruit growers joined the Cooperative in 1976. Ocean Spray is North America's leading producer of canned and bottled juices and juice drinks, and has been the best-selling brand name in the canned and bottled juice category since 1981. Ocean Spray posted fiscal 2009 sales of $2 billion.

SOURCE Ocean Spray