Liberty Richter's Indian introduction is comprised of ready-to-eat dishes that are kosher certified with no preservatives. The Kitchens of India line includes Dal Bukhara, Palak Paneer, and Rajma Masala. The microwavable dishes are packed in 'keep-fresh' packs. For more information, call 201-843-8900, or visit www.libertyrichter.com. Also available are a collection of Indian-styled mango chutneys and Naan bread.
Sable and Rosenfeld created a new line of Indian summer sauces with Kashmiri Curry, Coconut Curry, and Cashew Curry Sauces bottled up in 11.5-ounce glass bottles. These fragrant, all-natural curry sauces are simple to use — they have easy-to-follow directions. For more information, visit www.sableandrosenfeld.com.
Arora Creations is a gluten-free, organic Indian spice blend collection. Each spice packet illustrates the final dish in a colorful photograph. The collection, created as a simple addition to the gourmet chef's collection, allows preparation in one skillet in only 15 minutes. For more information, visit www.aroracreations.com.
Maya Kaimal Fine Indian Foods introduced three fresh Indian simmer sauces: Tikka Masala, Coconut Curry, and Vindaloo. A leading authority on Indian food and an award-winning cookbook author, founder Maya Kaimal offers the first all-natural, high-quality Indian food for busy cooks. Classic Tikka Masala is a creamy tomato-based curry mildly spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, and clove. Typical of South Indian cuisine, Coconut Curry balances sweet coconut milk with fresh ginger and curry leaves for a medium spice level. Vindaloo, the famously hot-and-sour curry, is made by Kaimal with black pepper, coriander, tangy tamarind, and coconut milk to achieve a spicy heat level. Maya Kaimal Fine Indian Foods are designed for the refrigerated section and have a shelf life of 90 days with a suggested retail price of $5.99 for 15 ounces, or four servings. For more information, visit www.mayakaimal.com.
Dulcet Cuisine, LLC from Bear Creek Fine Foods had a beautiful Madras Curry Sauce and Marinade, but the company didn't stop with just that flavor profile. The line also includes an Asian Dressing and Sauce, a Balsamic Dressing and Dipping Sauce, and a Lemon, Mustard and Dill Sauce. What makes Dulcet specialty is its all-natural ingredients, high quality, and sophisticated packaging. Each bottle comes with a recipe and lives up to its "Epicurean Epiphanies for Everyday" tagline. Find out more at www.dulcetcuisine.com.
Nirmala Narine has had an interesting life indeed, growing up in a village in Guyana, South America, with her family's roots in India. A thoroughly engaging woman, she has traveled and cooked all over the world, collecting spice knowledge and influences from a variety of cuisines. Her company, nirmala's kitchen, offers a beautifully designed spice collection that includes the following sets: Essence of Africa, Mystical India, Aboriginal Australia, Exotic Thailand, Malaysia Nyonya, Elixirs of the Kama Sutra, and Sun-Drenched West Indies. Also in the collection are three sea salts infused with exotic spices and teas, such as Guerande Fleur de Sel with Piment d'Espelette (a rare chile from France's Basque region), Japanese Sea Salt with Matcha, and Australian Pink Salt Flakes with Bush Tomato. She offers gift sets that are imaginatively designed from materials indigenous to the various locales. She is also a source for recipes and merchandising ideas for her customers. Call 718-361-7807, or visit www.nirmalaskitchen.com.
Urban Accents introduced a new salt line as well. Its exotic varieties include Caribbean Peppered Sea Salt, Santiago Citrus Sea Salt, and Fiery Szechwan Sea Salt. The Salt Cellars are packaged in clear jars with silver and black labels. Each comes with its own scoop. Go to www.urbanaccents.com for details.
More beautiful rices were introduced by Lotus Foods packaged in a newly designed 15-ounce retail package, along with the debut of a new 100-percent Organic Jasmine Rice and Organic Brown Jasmine Rice in 32-ounce packaging. Each package features photography that depicts each rice's country of origin, or the small family farm where the rice is grown. Other rices included Lotus' Forbidden Rice imported from China with a deep purple color, an aroma, a nutty taste, a soft texture, and an amazing nutritional value. For information, visit www.lotusfoods.com. Lotus also has a new EDLP prepared foods program, making the line assessable for specialty prepared food and deli departments.
Flavors and styles from Asia were also popular at the show. Interesting new concepts included Snake River Farms' Asian Style Specialty Meats. The frozen meat line is comprised of Wagyu beef, thinly sliced for Shabu Shabu and Yakiniku tabletop meal preparations. This American-style Kobe beef comes ready to cook; details can be obtained by calling 208-338-2500.
Wasabi flavors also made their way into innovative products, including those of Beaverton Foods (www.beavertonfoods.com)-branded inglehoffer Wasabi Horseradish Mustard in a 9.5-ounce squeezable container. For more information, call 800-223-8076.
Soy Vay released a pungent Wasabiyaki sauce — an all-natural Asian blend with a zesty kick of real Wasabi great for marinating, basting, glazing, and dipping. Served up in 15.7-ounce bottle, it's an interesting complement to the company's teriyaki and Chinese marinade lineup. For information, call 800-600-2077.
More wasabi news emanated from Boyajian with its Wasabi Oil. A strong essence, this new infused oil balances sweet and spicy flavors. For information, visit www.boyajianinc.com.
Another Asian inspiration with a twist is Pelican Bay's Japanese-style Lemon Lime Panko Bread Crumbs. The extra-crispy crumbs come in a six-ounce package tied off with a bow. For information, call 800-826-8982; the new panko will be available April 1st, 2005.
Aloha Shoyu sweetened things up with its barbecue, teriyaki, and vinegar line that's made in Kalihi, Hawaii. A particularly interesting Mango Teriyaki Sauce was introduced at the show. For information, visit www.alohashoyu.com.
From Power-Selles Imports came additions to their branded Spanish-inspired Matiz line. Piparras, traditional long green peppers from the Basque country, have a mild, slightly pickled flavor. They make a wonderful accompaniment to Bonito tuna and smoked fish, or try them on their own with olive oil and salt. Available in 2-ounce and 1.5-pound jars, you can get more information at www.psimports.com. Tiger Nuts are a unique and traditional product from Spain. They are not nuts in fact, but a sweet, intense tuber that grows in the rich Valencian soil. They are most commonly used to make the famous Spanish Horchata, a rich drink made from tiger nuts, water, and cinnamon. On their own, they make a delicious and nutritious snack. PS Imports is packaging them in three-ounce packs. You can also call direct at 206-783-5823.
Italian food lovers will be inspired with Gia Russa's new Whole Wheat Gnocchi with Sweet Potato that cooks up in 2-3 minutes. The 16-ounce clear-packaged item is produced from whole durum wheat flour grown in the fields of Napoli. Also new is Gia Russa's Whole Wheat Egg Lasagna that is oven ready. For information, call 330-743-6050, or visit www.giarussa.com.
Sabra completely renovated its range of Mediterranean dips, spreads, and salsas with gourmet additions and new red packaging, which makes the line pop at retail. To help home chefs entertain, Sabra has a collection of all-natural Dorot Fresh Frozen Herbs with 20 cubes per pack. Available are Chopped Dill, Crushed Garlic, and Chopped Cilantro, among others. All are ready at a moment's notice. Check out their ready-to-serve hummus collection with fresh roasted red peppers or roasted pine nuts decorating the center of the 10-ounce container. An interesting new addition is the 'To Go' hummus container, a 6.5-ounce combination of crunchy crackers and classic hummus. For more information, go to www.sabra.com.
Another quick boost to the home chef is Chef Creations' new shelf-stable sauce line in Tetra paks. Alfredo and Hollandaise sauces were never so easy with those 32-fluid ounce packages of easy elegance. Made with real butter and heavy cream, the products are great for both foodservice and at-home use. Check out www.chefcreations.com for details.
FoodMatch introduced addictive Barnier Lupini Beans in Spicy Harissa Sauce, a wholesome treat packed with protein, calcium, iron, and fiber. Created with a blend of piquant spices from North Africa, the Lupini beans make an interesting addition to an antipasto. For more information, call 800-350-3411.
