Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Bella Viva Dried Fruit and Nut Assortment Review / Giveaway



dried fruit
As a mom of three girls, the question I'm asked more than any other is, "Mom, can I have a snack?"

So I love to have lots of healthy snack options on hand.  Many I make myself, but it's always fun to try out new healthy products!

So when I was asked to review the Bella Viva Eco Fruit Tote, with over 9 pounds (yes, 9 pounds!) of dried fruits and nuts, I jumped at the opportunity.

Soon thereafter, a huge box appeared at my door, filled with sweet fruit and savory nuts, all stored in a reusable canvas bag.  Each fruit or nut was in its own separate bag - a total of 11 bags. My kids (and I) dove in and gave everything a try.

I think my favorite was the dried yellow peaches.  I had never tried dried peaches before and I found them to be sweet as peaches, without the peach fuzz or the dripping juice.  (Of course, the dripping juice is the best part of the peach...)  I also really liked the dried pears.  I am not much of a fresh pear fan, due to their odd texture.  But dried, you get the flavor and sweetness without that texture.

The kids really liked the dried blueberries, which will definitely find their way into pancakes and muffins.  And none of us had ever tasted a persimmon before, much less a dried one.  The first couple of bites tasted like... well, not much taste.  But then the taste set in - kind of like eating a flower.  It was definitely an unusual experience!

The Eco Fruit Tote also has pitted prunes as well as BettyAnne plums.  I though prunes were dried plums?   But the two products are definitely different-tasting.  The BettyAnne plums are sweet without that pruny taste.

Many people try to avoid dried fruits containing sodium dioxide, and this set has three bags which are SO2-free, and this collection has three: the blueberries, the persimmons, and another bag of thin-sliced peaches.

What have I missed?  Oh yes, there are red flame seedless raisins, as well as apricots.  And there are cashews and raw almonds.

I can think of so many uses for these wonderful dried fruits and nuts:
  • eating out of hand for a snack
  • mixed into trail mix
  • mixed in oatmeal or cereal
  • baked in cookies, muffins, and cakes
  • stewed in a traditional beef stew
  • baked into a noodle pudding
And that's just a few of the uses I thought of - I'm sure you can come up with many more!

The Eco Fruit Tote would be a wonderful gift for just about anybody! For the holidays, for a birthday or anniversary, or for a housewarming! Believe me, everyone will just love this amazing gift. And when (if?) you finish the fruit and nuts, you can reuse the tote bag when going grocery shopping.

I really loved the Eco Fruit Tote, and I know you will, too!

Would you like to buy the Eco Fruit Tote, either for yourself or for a gift? Head on over to Bella Viva. As of this writing, shipping for the Eco Fruit Tote is free!

Want to save on your Eco Fruit Tote?  Just use the code blogdiscount2x720 when you check out.  You'll automatically get 15% off your order.  (Woohoo, a discount!)  This discount is good until July 20th.

Or would you like to get an Eco Fruit Tote completely for free?

Frugal Follies is sponsoring a giveaway for one Bella Viva Eco Fruit Tote!

Your fruit and nut assortment will include dried peaches, seedless raisins, cashews, BettyAnne plums, almonds, apricots, prunes, pears, blueberries, and persimmons.  Total weight is 9.5 lb.  You'll also get a reusable tote bag.

To enter, use the Rafflecopter below!  The giveaway is open to US residents aged 18 and older. This giveaway will end on Thursday, June 7th, at 12:01 am Eastern time.  If you are the winner, I  will contact you shortly thereafter, and you will have 72 hours to respond.  If you do not respond within that time, your entry will be  declared invalid and a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


(This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.)
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

198 comments:

kelly,  May 15, 2012 at 4:31 PM  

I would love to try any of them, but the blueberries sound really good

Traci Lynn Butler,  May 15, 2012 at 9:22 PM  

Would love to try the Fresh White Peaches Organic Peaches

Kelly N. May 15, 2012 at 10:26 PM  

Leave a comment about which dried fruit or nut from this assortment you'd like to try the most!

Please put your Rafflecopter name or email address in your comment.


dried peaches

Anonymous,  May 15, 2012 at 10:32 PM  

Would love to try the BettyAnne plums!! grammypenny@frontier.com

Amber May 16, 2012 at 12:56 AM  

They all sound yummy but persimmons are my favorite! I don't think I've ever had them dry before so I'd love to try 'em!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

peg42 May 16, 2012 at 8:08 AM  

I'd love to try the mixed fruit.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

Ann Fantom,  May 16, 2012 at 9:58 AM  

I would want the cashews the most

abfantom at yahoo dot com

La Pookette May 16, 2012 at 1:03 PM  

I would love the dried fruits - I haven't had any in years. Nuts are always in my house, though, and I'm not just talking about the people who live there!

Bakersdozen May 16, 2012 at 1:36 PM  

I love dried fruit. The peaches and apricots are what I would reach for first. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

SueZH May 16, 2012 at 4:18 PM  

I'm curious about the blueberries. Love them fresh but never tried them dried.

SueZH May 16, 2012 at 4:20 PM  

I like the Dark Chocolate Cherries. Did not know how to "like"them but I did "like" Bella Vivia.

Ann-Marie,  May 16, 2012 at 10:45 PM  

sweet2ann@bellsouth.net

You gave a fabulous description of the Eco Dried Fruit Tote, I think any of them would be nice to try. I'm partial to peaches.

Marcie W. May 17, 2012 at 12:22 PM  

I would love it ALL but the almonds, prunes, and dried persimmons (for cookies) sound amazing!

Marcie Wahrer (rafflecopter)
wickedperfection83@yahoo.com

sarah cooke,  May 17, 2012 at 1:23 PM  

I have never tried persimmons so that would be what I would look forward to trying the most.

Anonymous,  May 17, 2012 at 1:29 PM  

oh boy, I LOVE dried Apricots, that much I know. I would really like to try the dried plums! I love plums, dried ones must be just delicious.
Spacemonkey907 (at) yahoo.com

Debra Gaswint,  May 17, 2012 at 1:53 PM  

CASHEWS, I love cashews! The red flame seedless raisins sound interesting.

puye May 17, 2012 at 4:56 PM  

Would love to try the Fresh White Peaches Organic Peaches
agnesye@hotmail.com

sksweeps May 17, 2012 at 10:05 PM  

I'd love the apricots and blueberries!

sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net

Cindy Merrill,  May 18, 2012 at 4:27 AM  

The dried pears would be a special treat- very scarce, hard to find, even at our local healthfood store, they don't have them often.

Selinda,  May 18, 2012 at 6:33 AM  

I would like to try the dried pears! I have never seen or had those and I bet they are delicious!

Thanks,

selinda_mccumbers at yahoo.com

Yona Williams May 18, 2012 at 6:45 PM  

I've never had dried pears before andI'd love to try it. Email: yona(at)pricelesswriters.com

gallerhea May 20, 2012 at 1:07 AM  

Dried peaches and dried pears! Sounds sublime!!!!

Rhea Stogsdill Chladek

Anonymous,  May 20, 2012 at 9:41 AM  

I would love to try the bluberries

ashley.dominguez30@yahoo.com

Anonymous,  May 20, 2012 at 10:55 PM  

dagmara.hawkins@yahoo.com
I like dried pineapple and apricots and prunes.

Wendy ArtsyChaos May 21, 2012 at 12:02 AM  

Don't think I have ever had dried pears, I'd like to try those most!
hiwendyhi at yahoo dot com

Anonymous,  May 21, 2012 at 1:31 AM  

They all sound delicious, but I would like to try the persimmon as I have never had one.
Debbie.Erickson14@gmail.com

Anonymous,  May 21, 2012 at 4:16 PM  

I'd love to try the blueberries:)

marchadrienne@yahoo.com

McKinney Mommas May 22, 2012 at 11:03 AM  

I'd love to try the blueberries or peaches! Yum.
[shilohleah & mckinneymommas at yahoo dot com]

Wild N Mild $$$ May 22, 2012 at 11:39 AM  

I'd like to try the dried yellow peaches.
Jennifer Rote
wildnmild4u at yahoo dot com

Anonymous,  May 23, 2012 at 12:39 AM  

I would like to try the dried pears.
shuqmiao at gmail dot com

stowelljg May 23, 2012 at 6:06 PM  

I would like to try the California's Grand, 4.5lbs. It looks like a great assortment of dried fruits and nuts. I grew up in Southern California and fondly remember visiting the date farms and stands. If you haven't tried a Date Shake, you don't know what you are missing!

js22 May 25, 2012 at 4:33 PM  

I've never seen dried pears, but I'd love to try them!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Joanne Schultz
email in blogger profile.

Anonymous,  May 26, 2012 at 7:32 AM  

I like the dried strawberries but I would buy the California's Organic Tray - so I could samples several of the other dried fruits. Thank You for this Contest, Reviews, and letting me know about the free shipping! leaguebet@gmail.com

Stephanie H. May 26, 2012 at 5:15 PM  

I can't wait to try the 12 oz Natural Dried Blueberries and the Almonds.
Stephanie Hungerford
lpninpain@gmail.com

Anonymous,  May 29, 2012 at 2:16 AM  

I would like to try the cashews.

kileypayne@hotmail.com

Anonymous,  May 31, 2012 at 4:39 PM  

almonds and blueberries does sound great

heatherwhitford at ymail dot com

Suz Reads,  May 31, 2012 at 6:41 PM  

I would love to win and try a persimmon because I have never had one!

Suz Reads

Karen V,  May 31, 2012 at 6:56 PM  

Blueberries. Sounds yummy!

vanderpug at sbcglobal dot net

Christina June 1, 2012 at 12:48 AM  

Christina - xristya@rock.com - I'd like to try dried apricots and cashews!

Jessica J,  June 1, 2012 at 7:11 PM  

I don't think I've ever tried dried peaches so I'd like to try those most!

Anonymous,  June 2, 2012 at 4:45 PM  

I think I would like to try the Organic Goji Berries because I have never tasted them before. I have heard the they are delicious. Thank you!
leaguebet@gmail.com

Anonymous,  June 2, 2012 at 9:44 PM  

i want to try the persimmons

heatherwhitford at ymail dot com

Becca June 3, 2012 at 12:24 AM  

I am most excited for the blueberries :) sbcashortie at hotmail dot com or Becca

Holly S. June 3, 2012 at 2:47 PM  

I've never had dried peaches and would love to try them. Thanks for the giveaway!
hstorm799{at}gmail{dot}com

sottovoce June 3, 2012 at 9:45 PM  

The blueberries are the things I am most excited about trying. :-) Thank you.
jaquerichards at yahoo dot com

April June 3, 2012 at 9:45 PM  

I want to try the pears as well because I also am not a huge pear fan due to the texture but I like the flavor.

sweetmelbelle31 June 4, 2012 at 2:08 PM  

I would love to try the dried persimmon slices.

sweetmelbelle31 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous,  June 4, 2012 at 4:34 PM  

I would like to try the dried apricots
marypopmom@yahoo.com

Unknown June 5, 2012 at 12:00 AM  

I'd really like to try their trail mix/ gorp... sounds delicious

gohanxavier@yahoo.com

Unknown June 5, 2012 at 12:18 AM  

id love the california organics gift basket!

dani marie

ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com

Salleefur/Jesselyn/Jesster June 5, 2012 at 12:55 AM  

Oh boy, I love everything in this divine prize package!

I'm probably the most excited about the dried Blueberries and Persimmons, followed closely but the Apricots and Peaches... and now you have me intrigued about the BettyAnne Plums... (my Honey/Hubby will devour the Cashews in no time...!)

(Jesselyn A/Jesstinger)
jessterlyn(at)aol(dot)com

clynsg June 5, 2012 at 7:48 AM  

The apricots would be my first choice, but I would be interested in the pears. I also have never cared for them fresh because of the texture, but would be interested in getting just the taste!

cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

Anonymous,  June 5, 2012 at 12:21 PM  

I would like the Tropical Organic Gift Basket 11lbs
shawnac68@hotmail.com

Gabe A.,  June 5, 2012 at 4:36 PM  

Mixed fruit Yes! G a b r i e l dot A l e x a n d r o u at p l a t t s b u r g h dot a l u m dot e d u

pauline15 June 5, 2012 at 7:47 PM  

I would love to try the Dried Sweet Apple Rings!
pauline15_01(at)hotmail(dot)com

kimbo1970 June 5, 2012 at 9:32 PM  

I'd like to try the roasted and salted cashews the most.

eddingsfamily@prodigy.net

Tammy Hastings,  June 6, 2012 at 12:14 AM  

I would love to try the dried peaches.
katelynsmom1@att.net

Deborah Hogue June 6, 2012 at 12:58 AM  

My favorite from this giveaway would be either Pears or Blueberries. Thanks for the opportunity.

Unknown June 6, 2012 at 7:04 AM  

I like the dried cranberries.
Sherry Conrad
discriminating_diva at yahoo dot com

Barbara Montag June 6, 2012 at 7:09 AM  

I'd like to try the dried prunes - would be great in my oatmeal.
Thank you.
Barbara Montag
barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com

Kathy P June 6, 2012 at 8:58 AM  

id mos like to try the Dried Betty Ann Plums
kathypease(at)gmail(dot)com

Elle June 6, 2012 at 9:42 AM  

I'd like to try the ranier cherries!
ellesjunkmail at gmail dot com

julescar74 June 6, 2012 at 10:22 AM  

I love love love dried fruit. Its wonderful so easy to transport and it doesn't go bad like fresh fruit. I'd love to try the peaches and pears, along with apricots (my favorite) and blueberries. Yummy

KIM CRAWFORD,  June 6, 2012 at 11:02 AM  

THE PEARS OF THE DRIED YELLOW PEACHES SOUND YUMMY!

kimandbutch@gmail.com

kelley c June 6, 2012 at 11:51 AM  

I'm most curious about the dried blueberries.

kelley l
kelleyc76 at live dot com

Becca June 6, 2012 at 12:01 PM  

Fruits and nuts trail mix sounds good!

trulywaiting at gmail.com
Rebecca Acker

Holly Hook,  June 6, 2012 at 12:44 PM  

I'm most excited to try the dried pears, it's something I've never had before.

Rafflecopter: Holly Hook

Erica G June 6, 2012 at 2:44 PM  

I want to try the prunes. I have never tried prunes so this would be a first.

Erica G

Barbara R. June 6, 2012 at 4:02 PM  

I would love to try, Organic Pomegranate Arils.

Barbara Ryan
fotw_ 1999 at yahoo dot com

Lisa June 6, 2012 at 4:26 PM  

I would really like to try the Organic Dried Mango. msmith572@yahoo.com

Unknown June 6, 2012 at 7:14 PM  

I would like to try the blueberries and the pears!
mindomatter76@gmail.com

carol lewis,  June 6, 2012 at 8:21 PM  

BettyAnne plums would be interesting to try!
spcale at yahoo dot com

Anonymous,  June 6, 2012 at 8:39 PM  

I would love to try the dried pears.

awoodssmith at gmail dot com

UGA fan June 6, 2012 at 10:53 PM  

I'd like to try the cashews!
Christopher Brown
cdentonbrown (at) gmail (dot) com

E June 6, 2012 at 11:48 PM  

c c davis at gmail here, I would love to try the blueberries, they sound yummy!

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