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
•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.
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.
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.
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.
I love sun dried tomatoes! Now I'm hungry!
ReplyDeleteThe Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil sound delicious!
ReplyDeleteThe tomato pesto with whole pine nuts sounds great to me!
ReplyDeleteskkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
I would love to try the Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
ReplyDelete-Lilith Katz
I would like to try the Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
ReplyDelete• Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts sounds great
ReplyDeleteI think I'd like the Basil Sun Dried Tomatoes and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Thanks so much for this give away.
ReplyDeleteTomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts
ReplyDeleteThe pesto with pine nuts.
ReplyDeleteThe pesto with pine nuts.
ReplyDeletethe pesto with pine nuts
ReplyDeleteI am most excited to try California Julienne Cut with Italian Basil
ReplyDeleteBruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try the Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts. (Angie PreciselyMine)
ReplyDeleteooooh brushette sun dried tomato! Soooo yummy! Melissa I hope I win this one I love sundried tomatoes!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try any, but especially the one with the pine nuts.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try the ones with California Julienne Cut with Greek Oregano, Basil & Garlic! Yummy!
ReplyDeleteSun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts
ReplyDeleteSun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts sounds yummy,
ReplyDeleteI am most excited to try the Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts
ReplyDeleteThe 'Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil' is tickling my fancy as we speak!
ReplyDeleteBasil and Garlic
ReplyDeleteBruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil sounds so yummy!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
Joey J.
Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil on a flatout sounds fabulous!
ReplyDeleteOoo! Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato!!
ReplyDeleteThe Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sounds great!
ReplyDeleteTomato Pesto! Sounds great...
ReplyDeleteThe one with Zesty pepper sounds good
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the Italian Basil,mmmm:)
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSince my husband is Italian, and I do t cook Italian, we would love to try the Italian Basil.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try the Zesty Pepper flavor
ReplyDeleteDigicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I am most excited to try the Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It sounds so good.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the sun dried tomatoes in olive oil!
ReplyDeleteCouponclippinmommy at yahoo dot com
I would like to try the Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil & Herbs - Julienne
ReplyDeleteaddictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
I would like to try the Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
ReplyDeleteSun Dried Julienne Cuts
ReplyDeletei would love to try the sundried tomato pesto with pine nuts on a grilled sandwich with some lovely aged white cheddar. we use sundried tomatoes in all types of recipes from casseroles to chili. thanks for such a tasty and very versatile giveaway!
ReplyDeletetomato pesto with pine nuts. yum!
ReplyDeletetrixie420247 at yahoo dot com
I would like to try the Zesty Pepper variety.
ReplyDeletei've tried all but Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil so i'd like to try that!
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
ReplyDeleteThe Italian Basil sounds delicious! I have also used the pesto before and it is super good too!
ReplyDeleteThe Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts would be great to try :)
ReplyDeleteSun Dried Tomato Pesto with Pine Nuts....yummy!
ReplyDeleteThe Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts, sounds SOOO good!
ReplyDeleteThe Italian basil sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteThe Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil sounds amazing! We love tomatoes in our house; these would be gone in no time!
ReplyDeleteHolly Storm-Burge
hstorm799{at}gmail{dot}com
I'd love the tomato Pesto with whole pine nuts.
ReplyDeleteThe Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts sound great to me!
ReplyDeleteI think the California Julienne Cut with Greek Oregano, Basil & Garlic sound great.
ReplyDelete• Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts sounds great
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try Sun Dried Tomato Halves with Olive Oil and Herbs.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I want to try the Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil & Herbs - Julienne.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try the Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil & Herbs - Halves!!
ReplyDeletenicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com
love to try the italian basil ty
ReplyDeleteThe Tomato Pesto sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteI am thinking the juillienned tomatoes on some pasta would be incredible!!
ReplyDeleteCalifornia Julienne Cut with Italian Basil. Would love to try these on a pizza!
ReplyDeleteThe Italian herbs sound delish!
ReplyDeleteBruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
ReplyDeleterick_aei@hotmail.com
California Julienne Cut with Greek Oregano, Basil & Garlic looks really good
ReplyDeleteSun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the Tomatoes with Zesty Peppers.
ReplyDeleteI"d like to try the Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil & Herbs - Julienne
ReplyDeleteThank ou!
The Italian Basil! I love cooking with sun dried tomatoes! It's almost time for my stew and I always love sun dried tomatoes on a pizza!
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the Brushcetta and the Julienne with Zesty Peppers.
ReplyDeleteI like it zesty!
basil and garlic sounds great
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the Sundried Tomatoe Halves with Italian Herbs! It sounds delicious and I can think of so many recipes in my cookbook that I could incorporate it in :)
ReplyDeletebabydjs_mom@yahoo.com
The pesto with pine nuts
ReplyDeleteI've never had sun-dried tomatoes before so I'd want to start simple with the italian herb one and then get bold trying other flavors.
ReplyDeleteOMG yummy!! The Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil!! myamurphy@mail.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the California Julienne Cut with Greek Oregano, Basil & Garlic
ReplyDeleteBasil Sun Dried Tomatoes and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
ReplyDeleteI love their bruschetta mix!
ReplyDeletethe tomato halves
ReplyDeleteSun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts
ReplyDeleteid love to try •California Julienne Cut with Greek Oregano, Basil & Garlic
ReplyDeleteI'm most excited to try their Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil & Herbs - Julienne....I bet it'd delicious.
ReplyDeleteI want to try the pesto with whole pine nuts!
ReplyDeleteOOoh the California Julienne Cut with Zesty Peppers sounds like it is right up my alley!
ReplyDeleteThey all sound very good! Sorry, I cant pick just one!
ReplyDeleteI really want to try the pesto with pine nuts!
ReplyDeleteI'm really interested in trying the Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts!
ReplyDeleteThe Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Pinenuts looks great. I'm a big fan of pesto.
ReplyDeletebasil and garlic
ReplyDeleteThe basil and garlic.
ReplyDeleteOooo the one with pine nuts sounds tasty!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am excited to try the one with pine nuts!
ReplyDeleteI'm most excited to try the Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil & Herbs - Halves.
ReplyDeleteThe pine nuts.
ReplyDeleteBruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
ReplyDeleteThe Tomato Pesto <3 It sounds amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe sun dried tomato pesto sauces would be great on french bread.
ReplyDeleteCalifornia Julienne Cut with Italian Basil Would probably be my choice
ReplyDeleteI would like to have the California Julienne Cut. I would also like to try the Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to try the zesty pepper. My husband loves to cook with tomatoes so he would love this prize pack.
ReplyDeleteThe Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil sounds yummy
ReplyDeleteI've had these before but have not been able to find them at my local grocery store. They are delicious! I like the oregano the best
ReplyDeleteOil packed with pesto
ReplyDeletejshallow01 @ hotmail. com
The one with whole pine nuts in it! That sounds really delicious!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil & Herbs - Julienne :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the Zesty Pepper one!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely a bruschetta girl, so I can't wait to try Bruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to try the California Julienne Cut with Zesty Peppers!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to try the California Julienne Cut with Greek Oregano, Basil & Garlic
ReplyDeleteBruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil sounds yummy!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try the one with pine nuts
ReplyDeletehrddiana556@gmail.com
The pesto with pine nuts.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try California Julienne Cut with Greek Oregano, Basil & Garlic
ReplyDeleteThe tomato pesto
ReplyDeleteThe Italian Basil looks so yummy to me!
ReplyDeleteThe sun dried tomato pesto with the whole pine nuts.
ReplyDeleteBruschetta with Italian Basil Sun Dried Tomato & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
ReplyDelete-Brittany M Doerfler-
I would love to try the Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Whole Pine Nuts!
ReplyDeleteI would love to try California Julienne Cut with Greek Oregano, Basil & Garlic...i love freschetta with sun dried tomatoes and fresh rosemary....also add to pasta and rice...delicious!
ReplyDeleteOooh the bruschetta! Thankful for the chance to. Win something great!
ReplyDeleteAllison.bahr@yahoo.com