We know produce is healthy and say we try to eat more, but are we really? Excuses include lack of time and knowing how to prepare it.
So, how do you change consumer habits? Forward thinking growers and processors are stepping up to the plate to entice Canadians to dig into fruits and veggies.
CPMA, Canada’s produce show, was ripe with innovative ideas to uncommoditize produce and grow consumption. Here are six easy and convenient solutions for healthier snacking and meals.
1. Make your own pickles overnight, and impress your friends! Mastronardi Produce makes it possible with the Sunset Dill it Yourself Pickle Kit. It contains everything needed, except water and vinegar, to make a crunchy veggie snack.
2. Mann’s Nourish Bowls cut prep time and require no cooking skills, delivering a nutritious meal or side in 4 minutes. Also ideal for brown baggers. On-trend flavours include Sesame Sriracha, Southwest Chipotle, Maple Bacon and Cauli-Rice Curry.
3. Champêtre sous vide potatoes from SaladeXpress are steam-cooked to retain the nutrients, flavour and texture with no added preservatives. Just heat and serve for a tasty, convenient side dish.
4. To get kids excited about veggies for snacking, Pure Flavor® Mini Munchies, pint-sized tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, are packaged with kid appeal. Pure Flavor® produce is locally and sustainably grown in a 25-acre state-of-the-art greenhouse. Pure-Flavor.com
5. Onyx fermented garlic is slow roasted to bring out its sweetness. Ready to use bulbs, cloves and paste add complexity to a variety of dishes, even ice cream.
6. Beets with no messing around. Add the nutrition and vibrant colour of beets to smoothies, sauces, yogurt and baked goods with Love Beets Beet Powder.
As a packaged foods consultant, Birgit Blain helps brands that struggle to maintain listings. Her experience includes 17 years with Loblaw and President’s Choice®. Contact her at Birgit@BBandAssoc.com or learn more at www.BBandAssoc.com
© Birgit Blain