Antioxidant-rich currants
European currants are very rich in antioxidants; an excellent source of vitamins & minerals; a natural sweetener with a relatively low glycemic index; and have proven action against metabolic diseases. Vostizza currants since 1993 have been certified by the European Union as a product of Protected Designation of Origin. The conditions of the Greek mountain region and soil lead to the fruit’s sweetness and texture. These currants come in regular and organic varieties. Agricultural Cooperatives Union; Aeghion Aeghio, Greece; +30 26910 22410; www.pesunion.gr
Beet, other fermented ingredients
Fermented foods are part of a movement in the food & beverage industry toward authentic natural ingredients that provide colors and flavors from foodstuffs. Liquid and powdered lactic acid fermented vegetable products include beet, carrot, onion and mushroom. These ingredients are options to create great-tasting and on-trend flavors for a variety of functional food and beverage applications. The centerpiece of the line is beet juice, which possesses a pleasing fruitiness and deep color with a reduced earthiness associated with beetroots. Florida Food Products; Eustis, Fla.; floridafood.com
Natural, gluten-free cassava flour
Premium Cassava Flour is the naturally gluten-free root of the cassava plant, converted to a highly versatile flour through a proprietary process, with no added ingredients. Cassava has been used as a food source in South America, Asia and Africa for centuries. It's a simple, smart solution for today’s gluten-free, grain-free and paleo baked goods and snacks, which are also non-GMO, and clean-label. It is also noteworthy that cassava is a sustainable crop and one that could be less adversely affected by climate change relative to other staple crops. American Key Food Products; Closter, N.J.; www.akfponline.com