SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Plant-based meals have been gaining popularity for some time, and the numbers prove it—category sales grew by 28 percent and were worth $210 million last year. As the holidays arrive, consumers are faced with meat-heavy meals that feature turkey, ham, beef, and more, often leaving those craving fresh veggies with few options. Side Delights® aims to tackle that gap in seasonal dining with a curated list of wine and potato pairings to offer a delicious alternative.
“An increasing number of shoppers are integrating vegetarian, whole foods, and plant-based diets into their holiday meal planning,” said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network, in a press release. “Side Delights’ mashed, baked fries, and homemade chips pair well not only with wine, but also bring out the best in any holiday meal.”
The Fat Cork, a popular champagne website, suggests pairing some bubbly with homemade oven fries or thick-cut potato chips, as the salt from the fries or chips balances out the acidic wine. Inspiration for this pairing dates back to the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch, in which the iconic Marilyn Monroe arrives at her neighbor’s house with a bottle of champagne and a bag of potato chips, and suggests they dip the chips in their champagne. Shoppers can stock their cart with champagne or any sparkling wine and hit up the produce aisle where they can find the ingredients for Side Delights Easy Homemade Potato Chips. The delicious chips are as good for entertaining as they are for snacking on while preparing a seasonal feast. And for those who prefer French Fries over potato chips, Side Delights also offers a healthy alternative to fried fries with its Family Favorite Baked Fries.
Side Delights also took inspiration from the November 2019 issue of San Francisco Magazine, which suggested a pairing of mashed potatoes with Sauvignon Blanc—one that combines the crisp citrus notes of the wine with the buttery richness of the potatoes. A perfect platform for flavors, potatoes offer a range of tastes and applications that go well with any kind of wine. Baked potatoes, with the earthiness of its skin, are an ideal match for earthy red wines with intense minerality. Side Delights recommends Classic Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes to serve this holiday with the aforementioned wines, or any refreshing beverage being served.
For more ways to tie fresh produce in with the holidays, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
