Eat the “flowers” from Edible Arrangements, petal by petal. Photo by Melody Lan.

Edible Arrangements:
Eating the Bouquet

CAPSULE REPORT: When you can’t think of the right gift and everyone else is sending flowers, what can you do to stand out? Send an “edible arrangement”—a gourmet fruit basket that looks like flowers! That’s part of the concept behind Edible Arrangements, one of our favorite places from which to send thank-you gifts (we’re really happy to receive them, too).

Amid all of the wonderful gourmet foods that come our way, one of the most satisfying treats of the last year was a basket of “long-stemmed fruit” from Edible Arrangements, a company with a growing number of outposts across the country. They don’t ship overnight—the fresh fruit arrangements are too fragile and need to be hand-delivered the day they’re made. But you can order the fruit baskets online and deliveries will be made from a local store. If you’re in proximity to one of them, you’re in luck. If not, convince a local entrepreneur to open a franchise!* Whether for a gift fruit basket or a fresh fruit centerpiece for your own entertaining, you’ll be happy to have one in the neighborhood. Read more in the full review below.

*As of this writing, there are stores in in 36 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the U.K., even Dubai. Inc. Magazine has named Edible Arrangements one of America’s fastest-growing companies, and new stores are popping up like mushrooms.

At Edible Arrangements, artistic types sculpt cantaloupe and honeydew into leaf-like shapes, create pineapple daisies with melon ball centers, make rosebud strawberries, and turn grapes into exotic blooms. There will be one heck of a “wow” when the cellophane-wrapped “bouquet” arrives.

Each piece of fruit is affixed to a long wooden skewer, which makes eating it fun—and also invites dipping it into fondue or a sauce. If the recipient might bristle at something so purely nutritious, fudge sauce is available, as well as options with chocolate-dipped skewered strawberries and apples, and separate boxes of chocolate-dipped fruit (all delicious).

Serving Suggestions

We love these fab fruits as:

One woman we know who is determined to stay on the straight and narrow, sends herself a basket at the beginning of every week as a reminder that low-calorie food is fun. If it isn’t gobbled up by everyone who sees it, the cut fruit will remain perky for a few days in the refrigerator—longer if disassembled and wrapped tightly as you would protect cut fruit (but then, what’s the point).

With Valentine’s Day approaching, think of Edible Arrangements as an alternative to the boxes of chocolate you might ordinarily bestow. It's more from the heart and better for the heart. We think it will get you many more hugs and kisses.

—Karen Hochman

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS Sculpted Fruit Arrangements From $45 to $200 depending on size and container * Find store nearest you at: EdibleArrangements.com Orders can then be placed online or by phone. *Prices and product availability are verified at publication but are subject to change. Shipping is additional. These items are offered by a third party and THE NIBBLE has no relationship with them. This link to purchase is provided as a reader convenience.   Grow Your Own Edible Bouquets

If there’s a healthier and more delicious dessert or gift...we haven’t come across it.

Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, by Matthew Biggs, Jekka McVicar and Bob Flowerdewns. If you want to “cultivate your own garden” and grow vegetables, herbs and/or fruits, this is a definitive reference guide. Click here for more information.	Fruit: An Illustrated History, by Peter Blackburn-Maze. Uncover the history behind your favorite fruits and discover new and exotic ones. This volume is filled with interesting facts, myths and legends surrounding nature’s sweetest treats. Click here for more information.	Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden, by Lee Reich. A must-have for home gardeners, this guide will teach you everything, from to how find and select fruits to growing and maintaining them. In no time you’ll have a garden brimming with unusual fruits and berries. Click here for more information.

FORWARD THIS NIBBLE to your fruit-loving friends, dieters, vegetarians and vegans, people who buy hostess gifts and corporate gifts, and anyone who wants to know about something new and exciting.

ABOUT THE NIBBLE. THE NIBBLE™, Great Food Finds™, is an online magazine plus newsletters about specialty foods and the gourmet life. It is the only consumer publication and website that focuses on reviewing the best specialty foods and beverages, in every category. The magazine also covers tabletop items, gourmet housewares, and other areas of interest to people who love fine food. Connect to it all on the home page of TheNibble.com.

© Copyright 2004-2006 Lifestyle Direct, Inc. All rights reserved. All information contained herein is subject to change at any time without notice. All details must be directly confirmed with manufacturers, service establishments and other third parties. The material in this newsletter may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Lifestyle Direct, Inc.