Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomatoes from Mooney Farms & a Giveaway!

We all know about the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, right? This diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, chicken, fish, olive oil & nuts is said to contribute to heart health & help reduce the risk of certain cancers (among other benefits). But did you know that sun dried tomatoes are a staple of the Mediterranean region? Not only do they contain lycopene which is known for it's antioxidant benefits, but also other nutrients like vitamins A & C. But the best part, they are delicious!

I'll be honest, I thought a sun dried tomato was just a sun dried tomato & that was it. Just one flavor. I was wrong (no one tell my husband I said that).

Mooney Farms is a family owned business that started in 1987 in Chico, California. What was originally a kiwi farming operation, quickly grew into sun dried tomatoes under the label Bella Sun Luci.

The folks over at Mooney Farms were kind enough to send me some sun dried tomato varieties:

•California Julienne Cut with Italian Basil

•California Julienne Cut with Zesty Peppers

•California Julienne Cut with Greek Oregano, Basil & Garlic
 •California Julienne Cut

Like I said, I never knew there were different flavors of sun dried tomatoes, so I was anxious to try these out in different recipes. I made salads, soups, pizzas & pasta dishes (like my own Chicken with Sun Dried Tomatoes over Pasta). The uniquely robust flavor stood out without drawing away from the dish. Unless I centered it around the tomatoes of course...which I may have done one or four times.

I also received some oil packed sun dried tomato varieties:

• Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts

•Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil & Herbs - Halves

•Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil & Herbs - Julienne 

•Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I had never had sun dried tomatoes packed in olive oil before & even though I do love the robust flavor of a sun dried tomato, I was worried that it would be too much in the oil. Yea, I was wrong again (don't tell my husband I said that either). These varieties all had a smoothness that I just can't describe, while still having just the right amount of flavor. Perfect for pasta dishes, panini's & my favorite Simple Sun Dried Tomato Bruschetta.  

Oh no!
View this pic on Instagram.

I now try to include sun dried tomatoes into my meals at least twice a week. Especially since it tastes like I'm indulging myself, while still reaping all the benefits that they have to offer.

Eager to try Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomatoes for yourself?

One lucky winner will receive the same 8 flavor assortment as I did!
The giveaway will conclude on at 12:00 a.m. est on Monday 10/14/13. Winners will be announced via rafflecopter & in a separate blog post which will be published no later than 9:00 a.m. on Monday 10/14/13. Winners will also be notified via email & announced on the Smith and Blessings facebook page. Winners will have 24 hours to submit shipping information, which will then be passed on to Mooney Farms for distribution of product. If 24 hours has lapsed, a new winner will be picked & then will also have 24 hours to submit their information. *Giveaway open to U.S. residents only. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out recipes & contest info from Bella Sun Luci, as well as the latest updates on Facebook & Twitter.

**Disclaimer: I received these products to try from Mooney Farms & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.