Web Summary
Q1: Where is the company located?
A1: The company, Rice Fruit Company, is located in the heart of Pennsylvania's apple country.
Q2: What type of products does the company specialize in?
A2: The company specializes in growing and selling apples and other fruits.
Q3: What innovative technology does the company use to capture the height of freshness?
A3: The company uses innovative storage technology paired with proximity to its customers to capture the height of freshness, reduce its carbon footprint, and preserve sweet natured flavors.
Q4: What is the company's mission statement?
A4: The company's mission statement is "Sweet Natured," which describes their fruit and the way they do business. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural sweetness and flavor of their fruits.
Q5: Who are some key executives at the company?
A5: Some key executives at the company include Ben Rice, President; Mike Tully, Operations Analyst; Leighton Rice, Vice President, Quality; Eric Kinley, Maintenance Manager; Tom McKenzie, Facilities Manager; Brenda Briggs, Vice President Sales & Marketing; Jill Hughey, Director of Sales; and Alma Tacuba, Sales.
Q6: What is the company's contact information?
A6: The company's contact information includes a phone number (717-677-8131) and an email address ([email protected](mailto:[email protected])). They are available to receive comments, questions, and concerns from 7AM - 5PM.
Q7: Is the company open for direct sales to individuals?
A7: No, the company is a wholesale operation and does not supply fruit directly to individuals. However, customers can purchase whole boxes of their fruit from local retailers.
Q8: What causes apples to brown, and how can it be prevented?
A8: Apples and other produce contain an enzyme that reacts with oxygen and iron-containing phenols when cut or bruised, causing browning. To slow browning, coat apple slices and dices in a mixture of lemon juice and water or vitamin C- fortified 100% apple juice.
Q9: How should apples be stored to maintain quality and flavor?
A9: Apples should be refrigerated to maintain quality and flavor longer.
Q10: What is the significance of the red color under the skin of an apple?
A10: The red color under the skin of an apple is a natural occurrence, similar to other red fruits like strawberries or raspberries. It can be caused by certain weather conditions during the growing season and is harmless and perfectly okay to eat.
Q11: How can you determine if a peach or nectarine is ripe?
A11: Peaches develop a sweet aroma when ready to harvest, and gently pressing them will yield a little, with the background color changing from greenish to creamy or yellowish/red depending on the variety.