It’s a Philly Thing: Specialty Produce for Bar Menus

If you’ve ever been to Philadelphia, you’d know we’re quite passionate about our sports teams here. Thankfully, there’s this wonderful time of year where, when the stars align, we get to see many of our major teams in action.

This wonderful time of year we’re referring to isn’t to the holiday season, it’s referring to right now. And we do mean NOW. The Sixers and Flyers are just getting their seasons started while the Eagles are a few weeks into their regular season. Unfortunately, the Phillies season recently came to an end due to being knocked out of the post season by their division rivals.

You may already be asking yourself, why would a specialty produce company care about all this? Well, we’re here to expose a little-known fact of the produce industry; specialty and sports go hand-in-hand.

Don’t believe us? Let us break it down for you with these specialties:

Shishito Peppers

Shishito peppers are an extremely popular bar food due to their ease of preparation. They do not need to be de-seeded and can be served whole. They also have thin, wrinkly skin that cooks within minutes. Although they are popular in Japanese cuisine, shishito peppers make a great shareable to have while watching the game. Plus, only 1 in 10 shishito peppers are spicy, making them fun for a little game of shishito roulette between friends.

Shishitos already have an amazing flavor – they are mild and sweet with notes of grassiness. Their flavor shines on its own, but also pleasantly pair with other flavors like lime and garlic.

Suggested plate: Blistered shishito peppers with roasted garlic aioli

Avocado

Avocados are loved by many and are only increasing in popularity. This makes them seem like a no brainer – but their sensitive ripe nature can shy businesses away. The solution is simple – having a good ripener can create a dynamic avocado-strategy for the kitchen. However, we’re all businesspeople here and deciding if a ripening program is worth time and money is what it really comes down to.

We believe that ripening truly does play a difference between success and disaster. Plus, once ripening is mastered, the fleshy goodness of avocados can be used across the menu. Think of stage 4 avos piled on top of a greasy game-day burger or fried to perfection for some shareable fries. Or use stage 5 avocados for some yummy guacamole. And really, what doesn’t say football app like a fresh bowl of guac?

Suggested plate: Fresh mango guacamole

Ginger

If you pay attention to nothing else listed here, at least pay attention to the ginger. Also known as ginger root, this specialty item has the ability to reduce nausea and help settle upset stomachs (your workers will thank you for not having to clean up bathrooms).

Suggested plate: Sticky ginger chicken wings

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes and October sports go hand-in-hand. Sweet potatoes are an extremely popular fall flavor and often reach their peak demand during the season. Fall is the perfect time of year to optimize seasonal flavor pairings and incorporate sweet potatoes into menu items that would normally feature a typical potato. Plus, with deep purple sweets and orange sweets, the possibilities for attractive plates are endless.

They’re often used in both cooked and baked applications. This means they can be incorporated into celebratory desserts for the big win, or simple small plates that can be shared amongst a group of friends.

Suggested plate: Spicy sweet potato truffle fries

Microgreens

Microgreens are truly a go-to specialty item – people eat with their eyes first. That’s right. It’s not just about the food, it’s always important to remember that presentation matters as well. Micros come in a variety of colors; they can be fully green or contain hues of color in their steam and leaves.

Besides their attractive plating qualities, microgreens can also add an array of flavors to dishes. From basil, cilantro, to arugula, microgreens are small (or should I say ‘micro’) ways to elevate dishes across the menu.

Ready to elevate your game-day menu? Contact us to inquire about the freshest, in-season specialty items.