What we found inside this week’s box of chocolates

Forrest Gump’s charming philosophy proves true for social media as well as life: These platforms are like a box of chocolates. You never know what posts you’re going to get.

seen on social logo graphic
seen on social logo graphic
(Graphic: Amy Sowder)

Forrest Gump’s charming philosophy proves true for social media as well as life: These platforms are like a box of chocolates. You never know what posts you’re going to get.

This week, scrolling through social media has revealed a new crazy-fast grocery company, impressive produce artistry, a study that questions long-held assumptions, a belt of beautiful bell peppers and a crazy-looking fruit that caused at least one nose to scrunch.

LinkedIn

Feeding on the business news on LinkedIn, we noticed a familiar face, Jay Schneider, formerly of Acme Markets, but with a different role since March, as head of produce at Gorillas U.S. Founded in Berlin with a New York City location as well, Gorillas is an app that offers “groceries at retail prices, delivered in 10 minutes.” Clearly, this is an ambitious business model tailored for very urban areas.

So, this giveaway promotion of JerseyFresh blueberries grown at Pleasantdale Farms in Hammonton, N.J., makes sense. Those little blue gems will be super fresh in this case. Savvy use of LinkedIn for promoting your new company, Schneider.

Find them by searching for “Gorillas” on LinkedIn.

Instagram

This post caused a literal double take. We thought it was orange, yellow and red icing at first. Nope, that’s watermelon, cantaloupe, mangoes, peaches and carrots — over blueberries, of course. We will never tire of artwork made with food.

Fro Foods says it’s a small business aiming to bring fresh fruits and vegetables from around the world to your door. The company gave credit to, but didn’t tag, @edible_food_art_for_kids, by food artist Sarah Lescrauwaet_Beach. Her work is amazing, using fresh produce to depict child-friendly entertainment icons from Winnie the Pooh and Shrek to the Simpsons and Harry Potter.

Can YOU feel the love? Find them at @frofoodsuk and @edible_food_art_for_kids

Facebook

This post felt like a poke in the chest, asking us this question: Is eating locally grown food really better for the environment? Some of us thought so, but like many questions, there is no simple answer. And it deserves an open mind and a lot of research using established, trustworthy sources.

Nutrition Diva is a health and nutrition podcast and weekly column hosted by Monica Reinagel, a licensed dietitian nutritionist and certified nutrition specialist. She cites a scientific journal and says: “Shipping large quantities of food in cargo ships or train may actually burn less fuel than transporting the same amount of food a much shorter distance in hundreds of small trucks.”

Hmm, food for thought. Find them at @QDTNutrition.

Twitter

It’s always fun to see the produce in action, traveling along the packing house conveyor belts, being sorted, graded and cleaned. The 19-second video message here is that Christopher Ranch, a California garlic grower-shipper, is now sending their green bell peppers across the West Coast.

Very short videos are an effective way to communicate on social. We got that message. #gobells Find them on Twitter at @CRgarlic.

TikTok

“Have you ever seen raw chocolate before? It’s called cacao, and it’s a fruit,” says @chefpriyanka on her latest reel. Yes, we could’ve sworn we’ve seen what the origin of chocolate looks like, but still, seeing this fruit in a reel feels new and shocking all over again. Inside, it looks like a tower of great northern or butter beans. And those are some bitter butter beans. (Say that out loud five times fast. We dare you.)

Priyanka Naik, a self-taught Indian vegan cook, Food Network champion and is working on her first cookbook, The Modern Tiffin. She’s got the TikTok mojo. Find her at @ChefPriyanka.

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