In the vast and ever-evolving world of culinary delights, discovering new products that not only tantalize the taste buds but also cater to specific dietary needs or ethical considerations is truly exciting. Each month, I make it a point to explore unique offerings, from pantry staples to innovative beverages, and share my honest insights. This month’s roundup is particularly diverse, featuring an array of meticulously crafted items that promise to elevate your daily meals and special occasions alike. Whether you’re seeking wholesome gluten-free options, exotic spices with a story, or convenient, high-quality coffee drinks, this curated selection has something for everyone. Join me as we delve into these exceptional finds and perhaps inspire your next culinary adventure.
Schär: Pioneering Gluten-Free Excellence
For over a century, Schär has stood as a beacon of dedication in the realm of specialized dietary needs. With an unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals facing unique food sensitivities, Schär USA, Inc. has become a trusted name within the celiac, gluten-sensitive, and IBS communities. Their extensive product range is nothing short of impressive, encompassing everything from staple breads and delightful cookies to an assortment of crackers, candies, and even frozen items like versatile puff pastry dough and croissants. This vast selection ensures that those on restrictive diets can still enjoy a rich and varied culinary experience without compromise.
My recent exploration led me to Schär’s Gluten Free Table Crackers, a product that truly embodies their commitment to quality and digestibility. These crackers are not only easy on the digestive system but are also certified non-GMO and, significantly, Monash certified Low FODMAP – a crucial distinction for individuals managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Schär suggests enjoying these versatile crackers on their own for a light snack or as a perfect accompaniment to hearty soups or chili. However, I found their light, crisp texture to be an ideal foundation for elegant canapés. I topped them with a creamy, fresh guacamole, finely diced sweet bell peppers for a satisfying crunch, and a sprinkle of nutrient-rich pumpkin seeds. The result was a guilt-free, plant-based indulgence that was both quick to prepare and absolutely scrumptious, proving that healthy eating can indeed be both delicious and convenient, especially when hosting or enjoying a quick party appetizer.
May holds significant importance for the celiac and wider dietary health communities, being recognized as Celiac Disease Awareness Month in the US. This occasion is marked by a flurry of related events observed globally, including Food Allergy Awareness Week (May 14-20), World Celiac Day (May 16), Digestive Disease Week (May 18-21), and World Digestive Health Day (May 29). Schär, a proud sponsor of the Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF), is marking these occasions with special offers and engagement opportunities. CDF supporters can currently enjoy a special discount: by using the code WELCOMESCHAR1, they can receive $10 off their order on shop.schar.com. This code is valid for one-time use through May 31, 2024. Furthermore, Schär is actively participating in dedicated Instagram giveaways, inviting the community to engage and celebrate under the hashtag #CDFMayGiveaway. These initiatives underscore Schär’s dedication not just to providing excellent products but also to actively supporting and raising awareness for the communities they serve.
Heray Spice: The Golden Thread of Afghanistan
The story of Heray Spice is one of passion, heritage, and a profound commitment to community. It began with Mohammad Salehi, an enterprising individual who relocated to Chicago from Afghanistan in 2014. Despite forging a new life, his heart remained tethered to the vivid saffron fields he had left behind in his birthplace, the province of Herat. Driven by a deep desire to uplift Afghani farmers and bring the unparalleled quality of Afghan saffron to the world, Salehi meticulously built Heray Spice. His vision was to harness the abundant saffron resources of the region, creating a bridge between the rich traditions of Afghanistan and global culinary enthusiasts. The result is a company that not only delivers an exquisite product but also embodies a powerful narrative of empowerment and cultural exchange.
Heray Spice saffron “embodies the essence of centuries-old traditions and a commitment to excellence.” This isn’t just a marketing slogan; it’s a philosophy. The company takes immense pride in directly sourcing its saffron from local Afghan farmers who are committed to sustainable agricultural practices. This direct trade model eliminates intermediaries, ensuring fair compensation for their hard work and dedication. By supporting fair trade principles, Heray Spice empowers these farmers, significantly contributing to their livelihoods and fostering a positive, sustainable impact on local communities. This saffron is a testament to purity, containing no additives, artificial dyes, or preservatives, guaranteeing an authentic and potent culinary experience.
You may recall my previous mention of Heray Spice in an older post, where I enthusiastically integrated their saffron into a revitalized version of my mom’s classic spice cake recipe. This time, I decided to venture into new territory, utilizing this magnificent spice in a creamy, comforting rice pudding. The saffron infused the pudding with its signature warm, subtly floral aroma and a beautiful golden hue, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of plump dried cherries and the satisfying crunch of finely chopped pistachios. It transformed a simple dessert into an aromatic masterpiece, a true celebration of flavor and texture.
Continuing my saffron-infused culinary journey, I also tackled a sharbati saffron cake. Following the recipe provided on the Heray Spice website, I made a slight adaptation, using all-purpose flour in place of the more specialized sharbati flour, which proved impossible to source locally. The adaptability of the recipe, even with this substitution, speaks volumes about the quality of the saffron itself.
The resulting cake was nothing short of a revelation: rich, incredibly moist, and endowed with a uniquely aromatic profile that lingered beautifully on the palate. This sharbati saffron cake was a delightful culinary discovery – more than just a dessert, it felt like a thread of hope, weaving a connection across different times and places. In every bite, the exquisite saffron stood out as the delicious, unifying force, reminding me of the power of food to tell stories and bring cultures together. Heray Spice continues to expand its offerings, having just launched several new artisan spices. I eagerly anticipate incorporating these superb additions into future dishes, further exploring the rich tapestry of flavors they bring to the table.
La Colombe: Cold Brew Innovation Hits Chicago
La Colombe, a name synonymous with high-quality coffee and innovative brewing techniques, recently unveiled their new 11 fl oz Draft Lattes, making a significant splash in the Chicago market. But why Chicago, you might ask? The Windy City holds a special place in La Colombe’s cold brew narrative, underscored by several compelling statistics and facts:
- The year 2023 marked an unprecedented high for cold brew sales across La Colombe cafes nationwide, with a striking majority of these sales—a remarkable 56.6%—originating from Chicago alone. This highlights a distinctive preference for cold coffee beverages among Chicagoans.
- Consistent trends since 2020 show that cold coffee sales in Chicago have reliably outpaced those in all other La Colombe cafe markets. This sustained enthusiasm firmly establishes Chicago as a powerhouse for cold brew consumption within the brand’s ecosystem.
- Beyond sales figures, Chicago is a thriving hub for La Colombe, boasting five strategically located cafes that will proudly stock the new draft latte cans. Furthermore, the city is home to over 400 hospitality partners carrying La Colombe products and commands a massive fan base, rivalling even La Colombe’s cherished hometown of Philadelphia. This strong presence and passionate community made Chicago the perfect launchpad for their latest innovation.
La Colombe’s new 11 fl oz Draft Lattes are crafted with the utmost attention to quality, featuring premium cold brew coffee that is roasted and brewed in-house. This dedication ensures a consistent and superior flavor profile. Each latte is also made with locally sourced 2% milk, contributing to a rich and creamy texture. The diverse product line includes beloved classics like Double, Triple, Mocha, Vanilla, and Caramel, alongside popular plant-based options such as Vanilla Oat, Double Oat, and a straight Cold Brew. This latest launch represents a significant expansion of La Colombe’s pioneering entry into the ready-to-drink coffee sector, which began in 2017 when they first introduced canned versions of their iconic coffeehouse Draft Lattes, quickly making them available in national retailers. These convenient, high-quality cold brew lattes aim to bring the café experience directly to consumers, wherever they go.
One of the key selling points highlighted by La Colombe for their new 11 fl oz Draft Lattes is their commitment to health-conscious consumers. The brand states that these new offerings contain at least 50% less sugar than typical ready-to-drink flavored coffee beverages on the market. This is a significant factor for many who enjoy the convenience of canned coffee but are mindful of their sugar intake. However, it’s worth noting that online reviews, some of which I’ve thoroughly explored, frequently emphasize the distinctly sweet flavor profile of these new drinks. Having personally tasted the entire range, I concur that certain varieties, particularly the Caramel flavor, lean heavily towards the sweeter side. Despite this, the undeniable convenience and portability of these draft lattes remain a major draw. They are perfectly suited for on-the-go lifestyles, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or simply need a quick caffeine boost. While I plan to continue enjoying these convenient beverages, I will certainly do so in moderation, perhaps balancing the sweetness with other unsweetened coffee options. Their ease of transport and quality cold brew base make them a valuable addition to any coffee lover’s repertoire.
Exploring new culinary horizons and discovering products that align with personal values and tastes is a journey I thoroughly enjoy sharing. From the thoughtful, inclusive offerings of Schär to the ethically sourced, aromatic treasures of Heray Spice, and the convenient, quality-driven innovations from La Colombe, each product featured this month brings something unique to the table. I hope this roundup has provided you with fresh inspiration for your own kitchen and daily routines. Which of these exciting products has piqued your interest the most? I’d love to hear about your favorites or any new discoveries you’ve made recently. Share your thoughts in the comments below!