Welch’s is 150 years old this 2019 and we celebrated with a purple party last weekend! I'm so happy to tell you all that Welch's has partnered with my blog to help in their mission to "Share What’s Good." So that means you can expect me to write about healthier nutritional choices from now on, mamas!
For 150 years, Welch’s has brought the natural goodness of grape juice to millions of homes around the world. But did you know that the Philippines is their biggest market in Asia? Ang lakas pala natin sa grape juice! The real good news there is Pinoys chose 100% real grape juice vs powdered juice or flavored juice.
To be honest, I've been buying fake juices for a loooong time. Yes, nakakahiya man aminin but that was how I was raised and I continued that tradition with my family. But a few years ago, my husband told me to try real fruit juice. Pagdating sa grape juice, favorite niya ang Welch's. So that was the start of my slow transition from powdered juice drinks (which was mainly sugar) to real juice. Now, because of Welch's 100% Grape Juice, I feel better about giving my kids juice, knowing that I'm giving them real natural goodness that's healthy!
My new friend Erika Rodriguez is the VP for Marketing of Gemco, the Philippine marketing agent of Welch’s International. We met late last year when Iñigo and I worked together to promote our favorite Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice. Erika is very much what Welch's stands for—giving her family and friends good and healthy food. She's so wholesome and good for the heart and soul! I loved her immediately! I want to be just like her!
Anyway, Erika says that Welch’s wants to remind mommies like us the value of making better choices at home and how our wise decisions on nutrition can impact the family’s overall health and well-being. "Welch’s is an advocate of better nutritional choices for families all over the world. To celebrate its 150 years, we continue the tradition of encouraging more people to lead a healthy lifestyle, and it starts with the food and beverage that we consume," Erika says. "Even amidst our busy lifestyle, moms must make sure that our family – especially the growing kids – only get the best when it comes to nutrition."
The Philippine distributor of Welch's is Fly Ace Corporation—another company close to my heart! Remember when I was a Jolly Mommy a few years ago? So happy to see Fly Ace President Lucio 'Jun' Cochanco Jr. again at the Welch's party! Sir Jun said that they're proud to carry Welch’s as it's not only a heritage brand but also one that is popular among Filipino families. He said, "We celebrate with Welch’s as it marks 150 years. It is a product that we are proud of since it is well-loved because of its nutritional values and the natural goodness that it gives to consumers. Moving forward, we want more Filipinos to share in the joy of drinking Welch's together especially during special occasions and family moments."
At the event, I shared the stage with gorgeous and super fit and healthy mommy Aliza Apostol a.k.a. @mustlovemom on Instagram. She's really been drinking Welch's since she was a child, and since her husband is a chef, their meals are always fresh and healthy. She's such a good example to me! I was so inspired to work out after being in her presence!
Anyway, one concern of health-conscious mommies that Aliza raised was the sweetness of Welch's. Well, we need not worry at all. Unlike other beverages that contain huge amounts of sugar and artificial coloring, Welch’s is vitamin-packed and 100% natural. Scientific studies show that grape juice made from Concord grapes contain natural sugars but compared with other forms of sugar, sugars in grapes are considered to be low in the glycemic index. Thus, grape (or grape juice in this case) is unlikely to raise one’s blood sugar significantly.
Erika says, "Each bottle of Welch’s is made from Concord grapes, assuring moms that they give their kids a large, concentrated amount of polyphenols which a natural plant nutrient that plays a key role in supporting a healthy heart. These same polyphenols contribute to the antioxidant power of 100% grape juice."
Another thing Aliza and I love about Welch's is it's not owned by a conglomerate. It's lovingly harvested from over 900 family farmer-owned vineyards across America. They then use the entire Concord grape – skin, seeds and all – to release the plant’s true polyphenol power. In fact, at least 20 grapes are squeezed into each 4-ounce glass. Imagine the vitamins and minerals in each glass of Welch’s that has nurtured generations of families not only in the Philippines but all over the world!
Speaking of families, here are a few of my favorite mom influencers that attended the Welch's event:
 |
| The Casa Mamas |
 |
| April of Daily Dose of Brie and Feliz of Today with the Lucas |
 |
| Louise of Mommy Practicality and Ina of The Asian Parent |
Of course, since we were talking about good nutrition, there was a cooking demo!
Chefs Peachy Mathay and Trisha Ocampo shared delicious recipes with us, all of which had Welch's 100% Grape Juice as an ingredient! We had an appetizer, salad, dessert, and sangria! But the recipe below is my favorite:
Grape Salsa with Goat Cheese Crostini
Yield: 6-8
Ingredients:
Grape Salsa
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
½ cup Welch’s 100% Grape Juice
1 cup seedless grapes, quartered (red, green or a mix)
1 cup tomatoes, diced
1 tbsp jalapeño, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
½ cup red onions
1 tbsp lime juice
salt and pepper
½ cup Welch’s 100% Grape Juice
1 cup seedless grapes, quartered (red, green or a mix)
1 cup tomatoes, diced
1 tbsp jalapeño, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
½ cup red onions
1 tbsp lime juice
salt and pepper
Goat Cheese Spread
8 oz goat cheese
225 grams cream cheese
¼ cup heavy cream
salt and pepper
1 loaf baguette
cilantro
Procedure:
In a sauce pan, pour the balsamic vinegar and the Welch’s 100% Grape Juice. Reduce in half or until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Cool down and set aside.
225 grams cream cheese
¼ cup heavy cream
salt and pepper
1 loaf baguette
cilantro
Procedure:
In a sauce pan, pour the balsamic vinegar and the Welch’s 100% Grape Juice. Reduce in half or until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Cool down and set aside.
In a mixer (using a paddle) or bowl, mix the goat cheese, cream cheese, and heavy cream together until light and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside in the refrigerator.
In a bowl, add the quartered grapes, tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, red onions, lime juice, and the reduced grape juice. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside in the refrigerator.
Slice the baguette into ¼” thick slices and arrange on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Flip and repeat the process. Bake in a 350 F oven until golden, about 5-8 minutes.
To assemble, spread the goat cheese on the crostini. Add a spoonful of grape salsa and garnish with cilantro.
For more information about the 150 years of Welch’s and how to know the different ways to enjoy 100% natural grape juice, visit www.welchs.com or follow Welch’s PH in Facebook and IG. Welch’s fruit drinks and snacks are distributed by Fly Ace Corporation and are available in leading retail stores nationwide.
*This post was brought to you by Welch's 100% Grape Juice.
I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Good day! E-juice
ReplyDelete