Attending the Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC has always been an amazing and informative experience. We’re always introduced to new, innovative foods and food products, or rediscover healthy ingredients that have been around for centuries. Take for example the recent launches from Pereg Natural Foods, producers of all-natural products that includes ancient grains and ancient grain blends, gluten free pasta, couscous, rice, gluten-free cereal and much more. Responding to the ongoing demand for natural, farm-to-table and healthy foods, Pereg Natural Foods introduces a new range of new super foods and ancient grains.
The new launches include a new line of Kaňiwa (baby quinoa), as well as new blends and flavor-infused varieties of Freekeh, Teff, Farro, Basmati Rice and Quinoa, as well as other all-natural, and kosher certified products. Some of the new launches are pictured.
Baby Quinoa
Dark reddish-brown in color and about half the size of a tiny quinoa seed, kañiwa cooks up quickly to resemble a smaller version of red quinoa. Unlike regular quinoa, kañiwa doesn’t have saponins, the coating that gives quinoa a somewhat soapy, slightly bitter flavor if not rinsed properly. Kañiwa is actually easier to process due to the absence of saponins. (Note that all quinoa from Pereg is pre-rinsed and ready to cook from the package.) Another advantage kañiwa has over quinoa is that it’s an even better source of iron. Kañiwa is also an excellent source of complete protein and amino acids and is gluten-free. This grain cooks up with a crunchy texture and offers a nutrient rich food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Retail: 5 oz. boxes ($3.57); Re-sealable 16 oz. bags ($5.50).
Freekeh Grain
Pereg’s Freekeh is available in green roasted, ginger sesame and vegetable flavor blends. Freekeh is young, green wheat that is roasted over an open flame to give this grain a delicious slightly smoky flavor and chewy texture similar to bulgur. Freekeh is lower in fat than brown rice, higher in fiber than quinoa or brown rice, also a great source of calcium. It can be used in soups, casseroles or enjoyed seasoned up as a side dish; freekeh makes a great alternative to rice or couscous. Retail: $3.99
Teff Porridges
Pereg’s Teff porridges are available in brown or ivory varieties as well as mixed with nuts and berries or with chocolate. In addition to being gluten-free, Teff is higher in protein than wheat, is a great source of iron, calcium and amino acids. This ancient whole grain has a pleasantly sweet nutty flavor, and the small size makes it easy to digest. Whole brown and white teff can be toasted and used to add a little crunch to salads and muffins; boiled teff can be prepared with milk or water for a sweet porridge or spiced up as a side dish; raw teff can be ground into flour and baked into injera bread, a traditional Ethiopian dish. Pre-seasoned, flavored teff porridge makes a delicious breakfast, side dish, or even a healthy dessert. Just add water and boil this easy to prepare any time of day meal. Retail: $3.99
Farro Side Dishes
Farro side dishes from Pereg are offered in plain, or blended with mushrooms or new roasted garlic flavor. Farro is a hardy ancient grain and is a variety of wheat savored for its rich texture and mild flavor.It is a healthful grain that’s an excellent source of fiber, protein, magnesium, and iron. Farro is deliciously seasoned up as a side dish as an alternative to rice or quinoa, tossed with some protein and vegetables in a hot or cold salad, in soups or stews. For an extra boost of flavor try boiling farro in vegetable broth instead of water. Retail: 5 oz boxes, $3.99; Roasted garlic 12 oz canister, $5.99
Basmati Rice
In addition, Pereg will feature new flavors of Quinoa side dishes, including ginger sesame, quinoa with lentils, quinoa with nuts and berries, and quinoa with roasted garlic in 6 oz boxes retailing at $3.99. New re-sealable 16 oz bags of grain from Pereg will include buckwheat, black lentils, baby quinoa, brown and ivory teff.
Pereg products are available at select retailers throughout the US and Canada, and directly to you on www.pereg-gourmet.com.
