To say that my experience at Dole in Monterey last month was fun, energizing and informative would be an understatement; it was inspiring as well as life-changing . . . yes really . . .
This was my first ‘sponsored’ trip which means that Dole picked up the tab for my travel and accommodations and gave us an opportunity to see some of the farm fields first hand as well as tour one of their processing plants. And while I was already familiar with Dole products, what I didn’t expect was to come away from this trip with a different perspective and an even greater appreciation for what this company is about.
So take a look at the short video below – I share my ‘full-circle’ moment . . .
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MIMI’S GREEN DRINK
Recipe Provided by Dole
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 apples, chopped, core and skin included
- 3 stalks celery, chopped tops included
- 1/2 cucumber, chopped, with the skin on
- 1/2 lemon (if using a juicer, add peel as well)
- 2 cups spinach or other leafy greens (we’ve used kale (my personal fav) and romaine lettuce too)
- 2 cups water (omit if using a juicer)
METHOD:
- Add the apples, celery, cucumber, lemon and spinach to your blender or juicer. Add water (omitting water if using juicer)
- Blend until smooth.
SMITH BITES NOTE: We make a similar green drink every day – we simply omit the apple and add baby bok choy and/or a bit of fennel and a splash of agave nectar – absolutely love it!!
Really fantastic video. I must confess I had my own preconceived notions about Dole- thank you so much for sharing your experience 🙂
Debra,
What a beautifully put together video. It’s always nice to be reminded of where our nourishment comes from. Produce is a fragile thing… it takes lots and lots of careful hands to give us something we can enjoy on our own tables, at home.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
[K]
Loved your video and hearing all about your experience. It has definitely made me more curious to learn more about Dole!
Love it, Deb! What a fantastic story about your experience with the company coming full circle.
I love it when a company’s social impact is more important to them than their profits. It was a great video, Deb. I LOVED the shot of Kristen with her camera too!
this sounds so lovely!! oh yum:) thank you for sharing this.
Oh Man, that was such a good video! The Dole folks are gonna love you for this one. It really was just such a nice, personal, honest interpretation of what you think of this company! Has me thinking good things about them too. Bravo!
So beautiful Deb! I could listen to you talk all day long. You have such a lovely voice and such a beautiful way of telling a story! Dole sounds like a fantastic company! What a life changing experience!
Such a thought provoking post…I think my full circle moment in this post is when you said “when we say grace at the table…” It is so important to know where our food comes from and the faces behind the process. Thank you for this…and for who you are!
Deb! I think that was one of the best recaps I’ve ever seen!!
FABULOUS!……I’m thrilled I got the chance to finally meet you in person and experience Dole and all of it’s awesomeness with you!
I had very much the same experience… it was such a great, eye opening experience!
Your video is first class, Debra. Personal, emotional and educational!
What a fabulous post, Debra! Thank you from all of us for coming here and letting us show you the passion we have for the food we supply!
Absolutely fantastic recap! I’m so glad to know, from an objective viewpoint, the kind of company Dole is. Makes my choice in the grocery store much easier.
Debra – thanks for sharing your experience at Dole. I too always pictured Dole as the producer of canned pineapples and juice, not fresh fruits and vegetables until recently, when I read an article in the NY Times Sunday Magazine about the owner and his wife’s battle with cancer. It’s so refreshing to see that a large corporation can share a vision of healthy living through truly fresh produce. I loved your video, made the experience that much more personal.
So interesting! I’m happy that you were able to see the workings of the Dole company, and come away feeling good about it!
Perfect timing! I’ve been really into green smoothies and juicing recently.
Awesome opportunity and great recap Deb!
You have come away with a wonderfully refreshing perspective from this trip. I loved that this was not just a gushing recap of how wonderful everything was. I appreciate that you went on this trip with an open mind, ready to make up your own mind, faced with the facts. Too many people hear “free trip” and go for it whether they believe in the company or not. I appreciate your frankness in telling us your initial impressions and then taking us with you on your full circle journey. I, too, will look differently at Dole thanks to you.
I am so glad you had such a wonderful experience and therefore can share this delicious recipe!
What a wonderful re-cap!!