UNITED STATES - I’m no master chef, but with the holidays quickly approaching, the pressure is on to make a dish worthy of being included with a classic Thanksgiving dinner.
This year, my roommates and I are planning to make our own homemade dinner at the apartment before we all head home to our families for the holidays. Normally, this would be the time I’d start to panic, but having had the opportunity to work with so many companies in the industry, I finally got to share some of my top stress-free produce picks with my friends to include with our dinner this year!
These five Thanksgiving staples can help make any millennial “cook” like me feel like a master chef…
1) Country Sweet Produce – Bako Sweets Steam Bag
Country Sweet Produce tells us that this new and improved steam bag cooks sweet potatoes in 10 minutes, dramatically decreasing the amount of time it usually takes by over 80%. Consumers can achieve the same great taste and receive the same health benefits with significantly less effort. Convenience and value-added offerings are quickly catching on in the market, and Country Sweet Produce is delivering in spades with this new steamer bag.
2) Duda Farm Fresh Foods – Celery Sticks
The convenience and versatility of this produce favorite makes it perfect for a healthy snack for kids, an easy addition to salads, or a must-have item for a classic turkey stuffing. My personal favorite is setting it out on a platter for quick dipping. Duda offers its celery sticks in 8 oz, 1.6 oz, and 1.25 lb size bags for retailers.
3) Naturipe – Cranberries
Cranberries can help brighten any main Thanksgiving dish with their glossy red color, but they can also be used for sauces, salads, or healthy desserts. They’re packed with antioxidants and disease fighting components including anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and immune system support. Retailers should encourage consumers to pick up a box of cranberries based on their versatility and wide range of health benefits.
4) To-Jo Mushrooms – Mushrooms
Mushrooms are in heavy demand this holiday season with July, normally the slowest month of the year, setting a new record high for the category, according to Mushroom Council statistics. With a range of packaging options available for retailers, To-Jo is all set for a busy Thanksgiving this year. Toss some mushrooms in with a stuffing recipe, or even use them as a regular side dish.
5) Wada Farms – Smalls
Recently introduced at PMA Fresh Summit, Wada Farms’ Smalls – Artisan Mini Potato potatoes are bringing new options for consumers on a time crunch. The Artisan Smalls include C-size, mini red, and mini gold potatoes, no peeling necessary. Wada Farms says each 1.25 lb microwaveable bag cooks these potatoes in just 5 minutes.
From the looks of things, this is going to be one produce-packed Thanksgiving. I can hear my stomach growling already…
