The use of natural flavoring additives, spices, seasonings in meal preparation makes our food not only delicious and piquant, but also enriches the quality of the daily ration.
Here are 5 unique items from different parts of the World, that will make your life & food brighter, richer and healthier.
WOMERSLEY — fruit vinegars from UK
WOMERSLEY is one of the UK’s leading brands of fruit vinegars based on the specialty herbs and fruits that are the inspiration behind this unique product.
The WOMERSLEY brand was launched by Martin and Aline Parsons from their home, Womersley Hall, in 1979. Martin attributed his expert knowledge of speciality herbs to his family’s background. The Parsons family lived in Yorkshire for generations and is famous for grand gardens.
Martin’s instinctive ability to blend specialist herbs and sumptuous fruits with vinegar and sugar has created for cooks and chefs a product of such versatility that they are rightly famous and have won numerous awards. In 2009, Martin and Aline’s son, Rupert, took on the running of WOMERSLEY. Since doing so, he has outsourced the production to a high quality professional kitchen as well as rebranding the company image to make the look more inclusive.
“The making of fruit vinegars goes back many years and, at Womersley, we decided to concentrate on making the taste of the fruits and herbs the key point of difference. We remain a family business even though we are now based in the Cotswolds and no longer live in Womersley. Our family has a long history of keen botanists and we preserve these values of trying to enhance the natural flavours of the ingredients and, by doing this, offer a key ingredient which can transform many dishes”, — says Rupert.
WOMERSLEY Fruit Vinegars are made in Somerset using 5% white or alcoholic vinegar, mixed with fruits and herbs, and British sugar to solidify the fruity and spice flavors.
“We use a white vinegar base which is a relatively mild vinegar and an excellent base for allowing the fruits and herbs we infuse to really “shine.” We have also spent many years balancing the proportions, to get the best results”, — Rupert continues.
All nine vinegars made by WOMERSLEY are versatile in use. They go well with salty and sweet dishes and give them their own special charm.
RASPBERRY VINEGAR — It was a first fruit vinegar and still the most popular. Awarded Gold*** in the Great Taste Awards 2014 and 2018, raspberry vinegar adds a crisp, fresh finish to any salad.
LEMON, BASIL, BAY and JUNIPER VINEGAR — the best vinegar for fish dishes. The unique blend of zesty and herby flavours make this a lively salad dressing and tangy sauce. The firm favourite for great chefs everywhere and a great alternative to Verjuice.
STRAWBERRY & MINT VINEGAR — Awesome for sauces, cocktails & in fruit dishes. Great Taste Award ** in 2016. Infuse flavour into cooked sauces for poultry and meat. Marinate strawberries in the vinegar with a little black pepper for a juicy pudding, or give a simple fruit salad a delicious kick.
GOLDEN RASPBERRY & APACHE CHILLI VINEGAR — The heat and sweet blend which can transform even the simplest leaf salad, was the winner of Gold*** at Great Taste Awards 2014 and went on to win Top 50 and the Nigel Barden Heritage Award. This vinegar is the perfect accompaniment to poached fish and is guaranteed to liven up any catch of the day.
BLACKCURRANT & ROSEMARY VINEGAR — With a sweet and herby aroma, this vinegar perfectly complements poultry and game. It’s good with a few dollops of honey as a glaze for roast duck, a marinade for turkey or a sharp base for salad dressings.
LIME, BLACK PEPPER & LAVENDER VINEGAR — Sweet and sour blend brings out the freshest natural flavours in fish (particularly salmon) and poultry stir-fries. Described by the Great Taste Award judges as “drop dead gorgeous vinegar.” For a more adventurous taste, can serve with pancakes and ice cream.
ORANGE & MACE VINEGAR — Winner of the 2016 Gold*** Great Taste Awards, this warm and citrusy vinegar is extremely versatile. It’s a popular dressing brings life to any recipe, from Oriental stir-fries to fresh fruit and salad dishes. A tasty essential in any kitchen.
All sauces are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
In addition to its famous vinegars, WOMERSLEY produces the aromatic RAPESEED OIL. This award winning Rapeseed Oil is preferred oil when making a dressing with all of WOMERSLEY’s fruit vinegars. It also makes the best roast potatoes! Grown and produced on a family farm in the Cotswolds for Womersley. The WOMERSLEY range also includes balsamic vinegars and jams based on fruit vinegars.
“All of our fragrances were originally created as a result of collaboration with chefs to create ideas using any herbs and fruits available in the garden, combined with other ingredients, — continues Rupert. — You really need to try them to discover just how much everyday dishes can be transformed by one relatively simple ingredient. As one of our favourite chefs, Ben Varley, once said about our vinegars: “Versatility like that, whilst still maintaining quality, is like gold dust to a chef like me”.
All of fruit vinegars are produced to the family recipes in a BRC accredited kitchen in Somerset. WOMERSLEY is also Guild of Fine Food Producer Members.
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Address: 37 Park Road, CHIPPING NORTON, OX7 5PA, GB
Contacts: what3words: ///soups.scrolled.fairy; Or call +44 (0)1608 646445
Instagram: @womersleyfoods
XOXO SAUCE — Umami from Canada
There are many recipes for making Chinese XO sauce, and each master has his own approach and preparation.
Created by young chef Marvin Flores Palomo, XOXO SAUCE is a real breakthrough in the culinary arts. XOXO SAUCE appeared at the beginning of 2020 and today has become one of the most popular spices in many cuisines of the world.
XOXO SAUCE contains three varieties of dried shrimp, dried scallop, dried chili, peanut oil, fermented black bean, onion, garlic, tamarind, palm sugar and fish sauce. The ingredients collected in one bouquet create a unique and balanced taste.
The peculiarity of the sauce is its versatility — it can be combined with any dish. To seafood, meat and vegetables — the possibilities are endless.
“I was first introduced to XO SAUCE when working under Chef Nick Lui here in Toronto at DaiLo Restaurant. I further grew my knowledge and appreciation for the sauce when I moved to Hong Kong where worked for Chef Vicky Cheng at VEA Restaurant, — says Marvin. — Unfortunately when the first Covid-19 lock down happened it left me with no work for a couple weeks and lots of spare time. I used the time to develop a recipe inspired by my time traveling around Asia and made my first batch of “XO SAUCE” at home for friends and colleagues to try. Being such a unique product and the positive feed back I have received that is how “XOXO SAUCE” was born.”
XOXO SAUCE has two flavors:
XOXO SAUCE Original — mild flavor;
XOXO SAUCE Spicy — with a spicier and richer taste. For lovers of “hotter”.
“We understand that our product is not really tend the need to many allergies some people have, hopefully in the future we can offer different varieties to meet their needs,” — Marvin says.
Sauces are widely used in the restaurant industry and at home and have gained immense popularity among gourmets.
“XOXO SAUCE has become one of my all time favorite condiments. The heat and texture are perfect, very complex and umami flavor. A high quality sauce that could be used at a restaurant and definitely a staple at home. I’d be lying if I said I don’t think of putting this on every meal I have!” — says Chef Rafael Covarrubias of Hexagon Restaurant.
“So far, we have only two flavors of XOXO SAUCE sauce in our arsenal, but we are constantly working on new ideas.” — says Marvin. — Most importantly as a product that was created in such an unfortunate time for many, we have been donating a percentage of a our sales to a different charity every other month. It helps us stay connected to the bigger picture which is always to help others.”
Country of Origin: Canada
Contacts: marvin.palomo@7enoteca.com
Instagram: @xoxosauceto
KIND TO BEE: Honey treasure from UK
In a world where it’s tempting to become more complicated, health and beauty secrets are quite simple. The nature of bees is to produce honey, the nature of KIND TO BEE is to be healthy and prosper, taking care of nature and of ourselves.
KIND TO BEE — family business founded by Marina Pollack with her two daughters, Lana and Laiza. From an early age Marina always wanted to help and care for people, she began her career in 1985 at a world class medical school. With this knowledge in hand, Marina studied alternative medicine, which led her to discover the therapeutic nature of bee products. As a young mother she soon recognized that raw honey, propolis, perga and other beekeeping products became an important staple in her family’s everyday life, to ensure stay naturally healthy, happy and beautiful.
Honey products were an integral part of Marina’s home pharmacy, which gave rise to the idea to create KIND TO BEE brand, the brand that is all about clean nature’s products, that you can rely on every day.
“Our business is family owned, women owned, and cruelty-free, committed to supporting these special creatures, not only because they’re necessary for our ecosystem, but also because they have the power to make radiant health your new normal”, — says Marina. — Whether you’re looking to lose weight, cut caffeine, overcome health challenges, boost immunity or consume a natural protein, you can count on us as sustainable beekeepers diligently working to bring you the best of the bees. We create pure products sourced directly from our own hives, with proprietary blends that are raw, all natural and kosher certified”.
KIND TO BEE — is a carefully selected, the most finest healing honeys with active properties. KIND TO BEE is all about sustainability. Honey and other bee products are produced in small batches by hand, only from own bees. All products are based on unique family recipes, as well as are raw and straight from nature.
“Our plain honey are always mono-floral, meaning it comes from singular flower source, which makes them the highest quality honey, and our berry range honey are a completely unique family recipes, which are also always 100% raw, to get the most benefits”, — say Lana and Laiza.
RAW HONEY WITH BEE PROPOLIS — The most unusual one, it is a carefully mixed raw honey with precious immune defending propolis. It has a luxurious creamy texture and luscious, like white chocolate taste and feels like light cappuccino foam. It is definitely our best seller and ‘Great Taste’ International Award winner for 3 years in a row.
RAW APPLE BLOSSOM HONEY is one of the finest and rarest honey. The delicate fruity flavour of apples is imparted to this honey from the nectar the bees gather. The colour of this honey varies from golden to light amber. Apple blossom honey has an exceptionally pleasant and fresh aroma.
RAW HONEY WITH GINGER — Premium raw honey combined with the finest quality spicy and aromatic ginger root. The taste can only be described as sweet and sharp with an enjoyable little kick. The balance between the ginger notes and the sweetness of the real honey is utterly sublime.
RAW HONEY WITH RASPBERRY — The fruitiest of all. Fabulously fresh and fruity, our premium raw honey combined with raspberries is a sweet and delicate delight.
RAW HONEY WITH BLACK CURRANT —Made with two ingredients including raw honey and blackcurrants. Indulge in guilt-free pleasure, Flavour full and classy.
RAW LINDEN HONEY — When you want to treat your taste buds to an experience unlike any other, nothing compares to Raw Linden Honey. Linden honey surprises with its sweet fresh minty flavour and a citrus-like aftertaste. It is light in colour, with a strong lasting aroma.
RAW WILLOW HONEY — Willow honey is a superior honey. It has a milky white colour and a delicate creamy texture. With the mild, sweet flavour like a sugary confection. This creamy sensation is irresistible. The subtle pleasant aroma imbues a lovely brightness when added to your favourite treats.
RAW HONEY WITH STRAWBERRIES — Made with two ingredients including raw honey and strawberries. Delicate and aromatic.
Exclusive ones gained great popularity:
CUT COMB IN RAW HONEY — Melt in the mouth slice of honey comb is surrounded by raw honey. Honey from the comb is the purest form of honey you can get. Honeycomb is 100% edible. It can be chewed like gum. Soft and refreshing.
BEE POLLEN — grains of flower pollen gathered by bees while pollinating plants. Deliciously nutritious, could be added to yoghurt, porridge or even salad.
PERGA — a fermented and enzymatically-activated product made by bees in limited quantities. This natural superfood is enhanced with all the treasures of the hive and is considered to be the most valuable product of beekeeping.
“The best way to enjoy our raw honey is to use it daily, in the morning on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water, consistency is the key. It is an amazing way to wake up, energize our bodies for the day, as well as detox and great nourishment”, — says Marina.
KIND TO BEE products will decorate any dish and give it a special touch — starting from smoothies, pancakes, sorbets, ice-cream, porridge, toasts, pasta, soup to hot and cold drinks.
“At KIND TO BEE, we work as sustainable beekeepers with a singular mission: to create a world in which honey bees will not just survive but thrive. Our goal is to create high-quality, health boosting, raw honey which reflects our values, also taking care of the main pollinators of the planet”, — say in conclusion the founders of the brand.
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Contacts: kindtobee.com/contact-us
Instagram: @kindtobee
MALMÖ VINEGAR — Vinegar Craft from Sweden
MALMÖ VINEGAR — a highly innovative Swedish factory with a range of premium, handcrafted vinegars that creates exciting flavours in any kind of world-cuisine.
MALMÖ VINEGAR was founded by Alexander Zinnert and Andreas Larsson in 2010 in the Swedish city Malmö. MALMÖ VINEGAR factory derives from the deep respect and interest in Nordic organic and natural fruit and berry farmers, bringing these typical produce characters in a Nordic-style vinegar.
“We have an ever-ongoing co-operation with fruit and berry farmers around Nordic countries who share our passion for the best possible result and full dedication and always in harmony with the environment”, — say the founders of the brand.
Since a few years back, the team has changed, Alexander is still active and Johan and Lina Gilbe has joined the company.
“Our goal is to make Swedish organic quality vinegar with a delicate fruit taste that has a good balance between acidity and sweetness and to reach even more markets”, — says Lina Gible.
As all of vinegar is handmade, MALMÖ VINEGAR’s philosophy is in letting the vinegar take its time to develop and achieve more flavour and best quality. The vinegar ranges from fruity and aromatic flavours from open fields or the deep forests and founded on unique varieties where each has a great story behind.
“Consistency and development in taste and product are vital for us, and our mission is to source the best Nordic raw materials and turn them into fermenting processes with passion and knowledge. Our mission is to develop a variety of vinegar where our Nordic philosophy can be applied to all great cuisines around in the world and will make a significant difference”, — creators of MALMÖ VINEGAR continue.
MALMÖ VINEGAR produces premium vinegar from the highest quality fruits and berries, organic and sustainably grown.
“Our vinegar is made by passion, they are very different to other kinds of vinegar. They are clean in taste, organic and handcrafted in small batches. Each bottle is labelled and stamped with a batch number by hand. All ingredients are from Skåne, locally produced by farmers in the nearby area”, — Lina says.
ELDERFLOWER VINEGAR — This vinegar is bursting with intense summer flavour. Organic certified, handpicked elderflower from the middle region of Skåne (Sweden) is double fermented for a minimum of 6 weeks.
APPLE BALSAMIC VINEGAR — Sweet, full-bodied, aromatic. This vinegar uses Swedish apple called Elstar from the east of Skåne to give it its unique flavor. Unfiltered and unpasteurized.
BIRCH SAP VINEGAR — This vinegar is made from organic birch sap from Danish forests in the Region of Jylland.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR — Unfiltered and unpasteurized, fresh, young, aromatic and not too sour. Made from a mixture of three varieties of Swedish apples.
MALT VINEGAR — Made with fermented organic brown ale made from Swedish barley malt. Has slightly bitter notes of hops. Unfiltered and unpasteurized.
PIKANT (GASTRIQUE) — The French chefs have used this type of caramel-sugar-vinegar blend for over hundred years to adjust their food with acidity, bitterness and sweetness to achieve more flavour.
“We call it Pikant, — Lina continues, — It is inspired by a French vinegar named Gastrique. This is our own development and production of a natural flavour enhancer. Pikant is a unique product with great potential as it only contains organic cane sugar and apple cider vinegar”.
MALMÖ VINEGAR are great for preparing a variety of dishes to further enhance the flavor, especially in sauces, soups, stews, dressings, marinades, pickles, as well as sparkling waters and cocktails for refreshing drinks. Pikant, for instance, is great for ice cream or oysters.
“Our collection of vinegar is a wide range of beautiful flavours that can lift and make exquisite taste to so many different dishes, — says Lina. We have fans from the Nordic countries to Germany to South Korea and China and Hong Kong. Our vinegar is strongly loved by those who enjoy cooking at home and even children love them. Professional chefs love our vinegars for its unique taste and balanced acidity, especially our organic Elderflower vinegar that has been around the world in different top chefs competitions”.
Country of Origin: Sweden
www.malmovinagerfabrik.se
Contacts: info@malmovinagerfabrik.se
Instagram: @malmovinagerfabrik
THE GINGER PEOPLE — best of Ginger
“Life is better with ginger” is the motto of THE GINGER PEOPLE brand, which produces the world’s best ginger products. The diverse taste of ginger and the different combinations of flavors make this stunning plant one that enters a passionate relationship.
THE GINGER PEOPLE is a family business founded in 1984 by Abbie and Bruce Leeson.
THE GINGER PEOPLE has deepened their skills, commitment and addiction to ginger over the years due to the purity and quality of this product. Today they produce the largest number of ginger products in the world — more than 80 types.
“Our mission is to be the most trusted ginger brand in the world through quality, innovation, social responsibility, education and commitment. We are a family of people who seek to create and promote great-tasting, healthful ginger products. By partnering with farmers and producers in the premier growing regions of the world, we support communities and create loyal relationships with those around us. We exist to share experiences where our passion for ginger and its purpose come together”, — say Abbie and Bruce.
The brand is especially proud of the raw product used, only the best and natural, which are purchased from carefully selected farmers. Abbie and Bruce traveled the world in search of the best ginger-growing regions. Depending on the product and characteristics, the country of origin of ginger is Indonesia, China, Peru, Fiji.
THE GINGER PEOPLE offers the widest range of ginger products, from culinary to delicacies, that can be enjoyed every day.
The funniest products of THE GINGER PEOPLE are the deliciously spiced GIN GINS filled with lots of ginger, which not only taste good, but also make you feel better. So easy fall in love with ginger with these mild chewy treats!
GIN GINS ORIGINAL CHEWY — with a slight ginger burn, gluten-free, vegan
GIN GINS TURMERIC CHEWY — Gluten Free, Vegan Turmeric Ginger Hard Candies
GIN GINS HOT COFFEE CHEWY — a chewing caramel that combines soft hot ginger and aromatic Arabica coffee
GIN GINS SPICY APPLE CHEWY — soft caramel with invigorating and warming up cinnamon and apple flavor.
GIN GINS DOUBLE STRENGTH HARD — hard warming lozenges that freshen the breath and bring immediate relief from colds
One of the easiest ways to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables is with GINGER JUICE, which is the perfect alternative to fresh ginger.
ORGANIC GINGER JAM is a true gourmet treat that has a spicy sweet taste that is great in pair with cheeses.
ORGANIC MINCED GINGER is super easy to use in place of fresh ginger for seasoning or smoothies.
GINGER SYRUP with a fresh ginger flavor is widely used in cooking and beverage preparation, perfect for baked goods and desserts.
“We love what we do and are proud that our products have gained great popularity among real gourmets in many parts of the world”, — say Abbie and Bruce.
THE GINGER PEOPLE products can be found in America, Australia and many European countries.
Country of Origin: USA
Contacts: 1-800-551-5284 America; 02 8091 7440 Australia; 44 (0) 121 288 0464 Europe
Instagram: @the_ginger_people; @gingerpeoplesuomi
Editor-in-chief: Patricia Kolari
Text Writer: Marina Timoshevskaya
Technical Director: Evgeny Fedorov
Photos: EATWEEK
