CHARLOTTE, NC - Dole is continuing to shake things up with its latest release. The company continues to widen the appeal of fresh foods traditionally found "scary" with recipes and how-to videos, social media interactives, and digital downloads as part of its summer-long celebration of unfamiliar fruits and vegetables inspired by Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. and Monsters University.

“As a mom of three, I can confirm that there are two types of fruits and vegetables in our house: friendly and scary,” said Rachel Young, Dole’s Manager of Digital Marketing and Communications. “However, since many of the fruits and veggies considered frightening are only because of their names or the way they look on the outside, I’ve found that fun recipes and interactive activities can go a long way toward changing minds and creating new favorites.”

With consumers and families practicing social distancing measures and cooking from home, recipes are a great way to help consumers introduce more produce into their daily diet. According to the press release, the produce leader is adding more tangible ways to make eating brussels sprouts, dragon fruit, and cauliflower "less scary" and a lot more fun for kids and their parents.

This latest release is part of Dole’s 2020 tribute to Pixar Animation Studios and a multi-year nutritional collaboration with The Walt Disney Company.

A highlight of the expanded offerings is five new “Monsters in the Kitchen” recipes inspired by famous Monstropolis residents and created by Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, Dole’s Health and Nutrition Communications Manager. They join five other Monsters, Inc.-inspired dishes released earlier last month and create even more great cross-promotional opportunities for retailers to take advantage of.

• Monstropolis Waffles: Mornings will never be the same with these scary-good monster versions of the breakfast classic made with DOLE Green Plantains, Kiwi, and Blueberries
• Oodles of Monster Swoodles: DOLE Sweet Potatoes or Broccoli Stems are way more fun when they are spiralized and mixed with garlic, olive oil, and cherry tomatoes for a little shock value
• Little Boo Brussels Sprouts Bites: Even Boo wouldn’t fear this simple side dish of air-fried DOLE Brussels Sprouts dipped in a mixture of non-fat Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and lemon
• Mike Wazowski Fruit Stack: Everyone’s favorite Monsters, Inc., employee comes alive on the plate thanks to DOLE Kiwi and Pineapple slices arranged with horned and honeydew melon. Dragon fruit and a dried blueberry become Mike’s eye
• Sulley Banana Dip: DOLE Green Apples and Red and Green Grapes are dipped in a blend of DOLE Bananas, natural peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, dried berries, and natural teal gel food coloring to give it that unmistakable Sulley hue

To encourage families to prepare the recipes together, Dole has produced how-to videos for the Oodles of Monster Swoodles, Mike Wazowski Fruit Stack, and Sulley Banana Dip. These will be posted throughout the summer on Dole’s social pages including its DoleTube page while free downloadables are available at www.dole.com/Disney.

It gives my heart joy to see fresh produce enjoyed in new ways, for both the young consumer and young at heart. Keep checking back to ANUK as we bring the latest updates in fresh produce.

Dole Food Company