Not, very often do I get tongue tied when I am trying to write a review and feature such an outstanding giveaway. But, I am there!
I want to be able to capture the Pure Beauty behind this small and simply natural Hawaiian business.
This Island Experience all started when I found a company on Facebook (Counts as an entry later).
I was intrigued by the statement, "Dried fruit made with choice Hawaiian fruit... no weird stuff added!". And excited to see that Uncle Mikey's was family owned and operated.
Who would have thought my excitement would lead to a phone call with Uncle Mickey direct from Hanalei, Hawaii.
Uncle Mikey is such a laid back and easy to talk to person with the Spirit of Hawaii in his voice. I could feel his passion about his quest to bring "real" dried fruit to the world. Yes, world. Uncle Mikey has sent his All-Natural Hawaiian Dried Fruit to 12 Different Countries so far. And there is no doubt in my mind that number will continue to grow.
He explained that for every 100 pounds of fruit (Grade A Hawaiian Fruit) he and his family hand cut and place directly into the dryer; Approximately 8 pounds remain as the Final product to be shipped directly to your door step (Order on-line Today!). This final product is also packaged and hand labeled with the weight and best eaten by date.
Uncle Mikey shared a very touching story about one of his daughters, who helps with this fruitful business. She was in a store one day and saw Uncle Mikey's Dried Fruit on the store shelf. She was so proud to know she had cut the fruit personally and labeled these bags which were going to be enjoyed by others.
Uncle Mikey believes in supporting local farmers, as he can relate since he worked in Taro fields for many years after moving to Hawaii as a teenager. He also knows that in order to produce a gourmet tasting product, he must use the best of the best when it comes to fruit. Especially since the flavor of the fruit stands alone! Nothing is ever added to the fruit. It is 100% All Natural!
I had no idea until talking with Uncle Mikey how most other Dried Fruits are created. Many of these companies add sugar. By added sugar, it adds to the weight of the fruit, up to 4 times which actually makes "candied" fruit...not dried fruit. If you don't believe me go check in your cabinet and look at a package of dried fruit?
So what do you think would happen if you added this store bought fruit into a glass of water? Would it rehydrate into the fruit it is suppose to be? I doubt it. Put a piece of Uncle Mickey's fruit into a glass of water...it will rehydrate into its true natural self.
I wanted to make sure and share that while I was speaking with Uncle Mikey, he was busy packaging up bags of his dried fruit. Wow! That just proves how much passion and love is put into each bag.
Uncle Mikey sent me out the most amazing Dried Fruit to Review and Fun T-shirt also (Plus, an amazing Chocolate Bar - that features his dried bananas..."All Natural Milk Chocolate Bar, Peanut Butter & Banana by Wild Ophelia...younger sister of Vosges Haut-Chocolat).
Okay, now how do I put into words my (our) LOVE and ADDICTION to this REAL DRIED FRUIT EXPERIENCE...
First of all.....THANK YOU Uncle Mikey's for Teaching me the real meaning of dried fruit and its beauty that is is truly worth the cost.
Our taste buds are in sensor overload! Wow, wow, wow! Now I just need to figure out the words to capture the Island Magic for you all to read, know and buy Uncle Mikey's for yourself...or WIN if you are one of the 3 Lucky Ones.
I couldn't believe the aromas that greeted our noses upon opening these hand packed and labeled 1.6oz bags of Hawaiian Fruits. I could close my eyes and feel the Island breezes upon my face. It was like I was being transported to the Islands through the fresh fruitful smells. Really, I have never smelled anything so fresh...in a dried fruit before. Even after enjoying way too many pieces, the pleasant and fragrant aromas remained on my fingers. Which encouraged me to eat more.
I can't wait for you too see the photos I took of Uncle Mikey's natural beauty, that he and his family are able to capture with each piece of fruit.
Dried Pineapple.
Each piece made me think of a flower in full bloom. Look at the beautiful "petals" of Pineapple. I enjoyed the slightly chewy and leathery mouth feel of this Hawaiian fruit. The pineapple was so sweet and retained its natural character.
Dried Hawaiian Bananas
I loved how the bananas were cut into lengthwise pieces...not circular like I am use to seeing in the stores (candied...not dried naturally like Uncle Mikey's). These bananas were full of flavor and slightly chewy. I couldn't image what a fresh banana must taste like on Hawaii. These dried delights were so sweet and natural without tasting over ripe. I need more!!!
Dried Guava
This will put your taste buds in their place! What a flavor explosion on natural tartness. They may have been tart, but I couldn't stop eating them. These were my 3 year old sons favorite out of all the fruit.
I have never had a fresh papaya, before but now I want to try one.
Dried Papaya
The Papaya was very mild and showed off its natural sweetness. I found these the most tame off all the fruit, which is its natural flavor profile. Aren't they beautiful!!
So who want to win an Uncle Mickey's T-shirt and some of his amazing REAL Dried Hawaiian Fruit??
How about 3 of you???
This would be an amazing product to keep on hand with Summer arriving and being away from home and active. I know it will be in our backpacks for some hiking we have planned.
Enter for your chance to win below and don't forget to show Uncle Mickey's some love on his Facebook Page!!!
Disclaimer: Uncle Mikey's provided me with a free
sample of these products to review/giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or
sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
sample of these products to review/giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or
sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
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