Opal Fruits are a type of chewy, fruit-flavored candy that were originally produced by Mars, Inc. in the United Kingdom. They were first introduced to the market in 1960 and quickly gained popularity due to their unique flavor, texture, and packaging. Opal Fruits come in a variety of flavors including strawberry, lemon, lime, orange, and blackcurrant. They are also available in various shapes such as stars, hearts, circles and squares. The candies are made with real fruit juice and contain no artificial colors or flavors.Opal Fruits are a type of chewy, fruity candy that was originally produced by Mars, Incorporated. They were first introduced in the UK in 1960 and were popular until their rebranding as Starburst in 1998. The original flavors included strawberry, lime, orange, and lemon.
History of Opal Fruits
Opal Fruits were developed by the Mars Company in the United Kingdom, and first released in 1960. It was originally called “Opal Mints”, but it was changed to “Opal Fruits” in 1964. The brand was so successful that it was eventually rolled out to other countries, including Australia and the United States.
The original flavors of Opal Fruits were strawberry, lemon, orange and lime, which were all very popular with consumers. In 1985 they added a fifth flavor – pineapple – and although it wasn’t as popular as the other flavors, it still remained part of the mix.
In 1994, the company decided to change the name from “Opal Fruits” to “Starburst”, in order to make it more marketable outside of the UK. The flavors also changed slightly, with a new one being added – raspberry. Despite this change, many people still refer to them as “Opal Fruits”.
Today, Opal Fruits remain a popular treat around the world. Although they may not be as iconic as they once were, they are still sought after by many people who remember them from their childhoods. They are especially popular in Australia and the US where they are still sold under their original name of Opal Fruits.
Ingredients of Opal Fruits
Opal Fruits are a chewy, sweet and tangy candy fruit snack that is popular with both adults and children. The ingredients of Opal Fruits include sugar, glucose syrup, acidity regulators (citric acid, malic acid), flavourings (orange, lemon, strawberry and blackcurrant), colours (anthocyanin, carminic acid) and vegetable oil.
The sugar content of the product is quite high at 54%, which is why it is so sweet. The glucose syrup helps to bind the ingredients together while the acids give it its tangy taste. The flavourings provide the different tastes for each of the four flavours available. Anthocyanin and carminic acid are responsible for giving the product its bright colours. Finally, vegetable oil helps give it a smooth texture.
Altogether these ingredients combine to make a delicious candy fruit snack that everyone can enjoy!
Nutritional Value of Opal Fruits
Opal Fruits are a delicious and nutritious snack for all ages. They are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that can help to keep you feeling energized throughout the day. The fruits are low in calories and fat, making them an ideal snack for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. They also contain no added sugars or preservatives, ensuring that you get the most natural form of nutrition possible. In addition to their nutritional benefits, Opal Fruits are also a great source of dietary fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.
In terms of vitamins and minerals, Opal Fruits contain significant amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Magnesium. Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system while Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision. Vitamin B6 helps to maintain healthy red blood cells while Potassium is important for muscle contraction and Magnesium helps with energy production in the body. Each serving of Opal Fruits contains up to 30% daily value of these essential vitamins and minerals.
Overall, Opal Fruits are a great way to get your daily dose of nutrition without having to worry about gaining unwanted calories or unhealthy additives. Not only do they provide essential nutrients but they also make for a great snack that can be enjoyed any time throughout the day.
The Benefits of Eating Opal Fruits
Opal fruits are a unique variety of fruit that is both delicious and nutritious. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an ideal snack or addition to any meal. Opal fruits have a range of health benefits that make them an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health. Here are some of the major benefits of eating opal fruits:
1. Improved Digestion: Eating opal fruits can help improve digestion by boosting the production of digestive enzymes in the body. This helps break down food more efficiently and can reduce digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, and gas.
2. Cardiovascular Health: The high levels of fiber in opal fruits can help reduce bad cholesterol and improve overall cardiovascular health. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
3. Brain Function: Eating opal fruits can help improve brain function due to their high content of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients can help improve memory, concentration, and focus while also helping to reduce stress levels.
4. Weight Management: Opal fruits contain high amounts of fiber which can help keep you feeling full for longer periods of time so you don’t have to snack as often between meals which helps promote weight management goals.
5. Immunity Boosting: The antioxidants present in opal fruits can help boost immunity by fighting off free radicals in the body which can cause oxidative damage to cells over time leading to chronic illness if left unchecked.
Overall, there are many benefits to eating opal fruits that make them a great addition to any diet or meal plan. They are delicious, nutritious, and provide numerous health benefits that make them a great way to stay healthy while still enjoying your favorite snacks!
Opal Fruits Recipes
Opal Fruits are a great addition to any recipe. Whether you’re looking for an easy snack, a light dessert, or something to wow your dinner guests, Opal Fruits have the versatility to make any dish special. From sweet pies and cakes to savory salads and sandwiches, there are plenty of recipes that incorporate Opal Fruits for a delicious outcome.
For those with a sweet tooth, try making an Opal Fruit meringue pie. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing the crust with butter, flour, sugar and egg. To make the filling, combine egg whites with sugar and cream of tartar in a bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Then fold in chopped Opal Fruits into the mixture before pouring it into the pie shell. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
For something on the savory side, an Opal Fruit salad is always a hit. Start by combining red onions, diced celery stalks, olive oil, lemon juice and salt in a bowl and set aside. Separately mix together mayonnaise with Dijon mustard before adding it to the onion mixture. Once combined add in diced cooked chicken breast and chopped Opal Fruits before stirring everything together until evenly mixed. Serve chilled over mixed greens for an easy salad that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
If you’re looking for something more decadent then try making an Opal Fruit upside-down cake – it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends! Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before buttering up a round cake pan and sprinkling brown sugar over top of it evenly. Place halved Opal Fruits over top of the sugar before mixing together flour, baking powder, salt and butter in another bowl until crumbly in texture before adding eggs one at time while mixing on low speed between each addition until fully incorporated. Add milk while continuing to mix on low speed until everything is blended together smoothly before pouring it over top of the fruit layer in the pan and baking for 40 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before inverting onto a plate or cake stand for serving – enjoy!
No matter what type of dish you’re whipping up – savory or sweet – incorporating some tasty Opal Fruits will take your recipe from ordinary to extraordinary!
Where to Buy Opal Fruits
Opal Fruits are a classic candy that many people love. They have a unique flavor that is hard to find anywhere else. Fortunately, it’s easy to find Opal Fruits if you know where to look. Most major grocery stores carry them, and they can also be purchased online.
If you’re looking for a more convenient option, you can find Opal Fruits at most convenience stores. Many gas stations and corner stores will have them in stock as well. You may also be able to find them in vending machines in certain locations.
If you’re looking for something a little more special, there are several websites that specialize in selling Opal Fruits. These sites often offer larger packs of the candy at discounted prices, making it easier to stock up on your favorite treat.
No matter where you buy your Opal Fruits, make sure to check the expiration date before purchasing them. This will ensure that you get the freshest product possible and ensure that your candy is safe to consume.
Different Types of Opal Fruits
Opal fruits are a type of fruit that is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and are often eaten fresh or used for making juices and jams.
The most common type of opal fruit is the “opal apple”, which is a small round fruit with greenish-yellow skin and a sweet taste. Other varieties include the “opal pear”, which is yellowish-green in color with a slightly sour taste; the “opal cherry”, which has a reddish-brown skin and a sweet taste; and the “opal plum”, which has purple or black skin with a tangy flavor.
In addition to these popular edible varieties, there are also many ornamental varieties of opal fruits that are grown for their attractive foliage or flowers. Ornamental opal fruits can be found in shades of pink, purple, orange, yellow, red, and white. These ornamental varieties are not usually edible but can be used as decorations in gardens or as centerpieces for special occasions.
Opal fruits have been cultivated for centuries by many cultures around the world due to their versatility and unique flavor profiles. They are low in calories but high in vitamins A and C as well as dietary fiber. They also contain antioxidants which can help protect against diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Overall, opal fruits make an excellent addition to any healthy diet due to their sweet flavor and beneficial nutrients. Whether you choose to enjoy them fresh or use them to create jams or juices, you can be sure that they will provide you with essential vitamins and minerals while adding some sweetness to your life!
Conclusion
Opal Fruits are a delicious, chewy and fruity candy that people of all ages enjoy. The original flavor line-up was comprised of strawberry, lemon, orange, and lime. Throughout the years, new flavors have been added such as cherry and pineapple. Even though the name changed to Starburst in 1998 in the United States, many people still fondly remember them as Opal Fruits. They are a classic candy that will likely be enjoyed for generations to come.
Whether you call them Opal Fruits or Starburst, they remain a popular treat amongst candy lovers everywhere. The unique chewy texture and variety of flavors make these fruits a delicious choice when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth cravings!
