Linda Gassenheimer’s Favorite Finds at the Fancy Food Show
Linda’s Gassenheimer’s Favorite Finds at the Fancy Food Show, 2007
The Fancy Food Show held each year at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City draws thousands of foodies. People from all facets of the food industry - small markets, major grocery chanins, chefs and caterers - descend on the show to see what is new in the food world. Somer 25,000 retailers attend and select the specialty products we will see on the shelves this autumn.
I noted several major trends this year: Health and organic foods were popular last year, but this year the category has mushroomed. There was a natural and organic foods pavilion with 650 products at the show.Convenience foods for quick and easy meals was a major trend. As one attendee remarked, “If I can’t eat it now, forget it.”New ingredients and combinations are employed to make new sauces, condiments and drinks products,
Here are some of my favorite finds:
Healthy and Natural
New age fruits took center stage in this category. Pomegranates, Goji Berries and Acai are healthful fruits, packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Stonewall Kitchen Pomegranate Grilling Sauce
The tart, refreshing taste of red pomegranates helps to create a sauce with a subtle sweetness. It’s perfect for chicken, pork or fish. In addition, the Roasted Apple Grilling Sauce was the winner of the 2007 NASFT Outstanding Cooking Sauce Award. Suggested retail prices for either product $6.50 for 11 oz. bottle. 800-207-jams (5267), www.stonewallkitchen.com
Himalania Organic Goji Berries.
The newest fruit of the health food sector is the Goji berry. These little red berries are rich in B vitamins and a good source of protein and potassium. Originating from the Tibetan plateau, they have been harvested by monks for thousands of years. They are certified USDA Organic. Use them right out of the bag for snacks, in cereal, over salads or bake them into muffins or bread.Suggested Retail price $4.99 for 4 oz. bag, $7.99 8 oz. bag, 310-559-0259 www.himalania.com
O.N.E. Amazon Acai Drink
Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is a fruit grown wildly in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest. Fresh acai berries are the main ingredient in this refreshing, delicious natural drink. Suggested retail price $2.89 for 11 oz. bottle, 888-one-coco, www.onenaturalexperience.com
Republic of Tea Acai Green Tea
The deep purple acai fruit lends flavors of concord grape and ripe blueberries to this natural tea. Suggested retail price $.950 for 50 tea bags, 800-298-4832, www.republicoftea.com.
Niman Ranch Apple Gouda Sausage
Niman Ranch produces fine meats. Their new products Apple Gouda, Spicy Italian and Thai-Style sausages are made without nitrates and are packed with flavor. Smoky, creamy Gouda cheese and apple make a slightly sweet dinner sausage. Lemongrass, ginger, cardamom and coriander add aromatic flavors to the Thai sausage. Suggested retail price for each of these flavors $9.95 for 12 oz. package, 866-808-0340, www.nimanranch.com ,
Convenience Foods,
Melissa’s Steamed Lentils Delicious, fresh lentils, ready-to-eat hot or cold make serving this nutritious and tasty food a breeze. Just open the package and use in salads, as a side dish or garnish. There are no preservatives or additives. Lentils are high in protein and an excellent source of fiber. Suggested Retail Price $3.99 for 17.6 oz. package, 800-558-0151, www.melissas.com
Hot Sauces were a hot product at the show.
Dave’s Gourmet Adjustable Heat Hot Sauce
Some like it hot, some not. Choose your own heat level with this pump spray hot sauce by turning the cap. You can decide if you want a little spicy, hot or fiery. The pump spray gives an even distribution of sauce on your food. By the way, if you’d like to cast your vote for president, go to Dave’s web site www.davesgourmet.com. There are hot sauces featuring caricatures of all the major candidates. When you buy a bottle, it is a vote for that candidate. Profits go to the American Cancer Society. Suggested retail price $9.99 for 7.1 oz jar. 800-401-0372, www.davesgourmet.com,
Texas Sassy Tequila Ketchup,
This is ketchup with a kick. The tequila flavor is great for a dip for seafood. It’s also good on hamburgers and hot dogs. Suggested Retail Price $12.99 for 12 oz bottle. 512, 215- 4022, www.texas-sassy.com,
Sunland Peanut Butter Spread Creamy, packed with flavor and all natural, this peanut butter is a winner. Their new flavors, banana, caramel and raspberry do not contain hydrogenated oil. Suggested Retail Price $4.75 12 oz jar 866-732-6880 www.sunlandinc.comwww.peanutbetter.com