FDBusiness.com

EHL Ingredients has launched a brand new natural ingredient to the UK food sector – Freekeh (pronounced “free-kah”).

An ancient grain native to Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt, this roasted green cracked wheat boasts a toasty aroma and nutty taste as well as a strong nutritional profile.

Light green in colour and with a dry texture, the grain is wheat that has been gathered before it matures and then roasted during production, imparting a distinct smoky flavour. The name ‘Freekeh’ is derived from the Arabic word al-freek, which means “rubbed” referring to the rubbing of the wheat grains to rid them of their shells. Packed with protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, the grain owes its exceptional nutritional profile to being harvested while the durum wheat is still young.

A versatile grain, Freekeh is ideal for food manufacturers, chefs, restaurant owners and caterers to add to salads, soups and casseroles. Easily prepared in boiling water, it is a tasty accompaniment to Middle Eastern and Arabic-style main courses as a high protein alternative to brown rice, cous cous and sweet potato.

The grain is set to follow the trends of other ancient superfoods such as quinoa, which has seen its crop prices triple between 2006 and this year*, and amaranth, buckwheat, kamut, millet, sorghum and teff, which have all seen a considerable rise in popularity.

The importer, blender and packer of natural food ingredients supplies new Freekeh in varying quantities, from 1kg up to 25kg bags.

Tasneem Backhouse, Sales Director at EHL Ingredients comments: “Ancient grains have experienced a surge in popularity in the UK over the last five years, with increased demand for whole grain and plant-based foods a driving factor.

“With it’s exceptional nutritional profile, Freekeh is being hailed as the next big ancient grain receiving universal praise from celebrities such as TV chef Jaime Oliver and TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey. It has at least four times as much fibre as some other comparable grains and also has a low glycemic index so is suitable for managing diabetes.

“We are delighted to offer this product to food manufacturers and the foodservice sector and are confident it will be popular among consumers, who are always on the look-out for the next big food trend.”

BCC Research estimates that the global market for ‘functional foods’ will continue to grow both within in-home dining and eating out and in 2013 will be worth an estimated £176.7 billion**. It is therefore essential food manufacturers stay ahead of these trends to ensure they offer fashionable foods to meet ever-changing consumer demand.

Tasneem continues: “We understand that manufacturers and chefs have to work hard to offer successful end products and dishes that consumers will love. To stay ahead of the game, it’s essential to keep a keen eye on emerging food trends and offer innovative products and ingredients, such as Freekeh.

“We work with many leading food manufacturers, brands and foodservice outlets to provide our natural herbs, spices and ingredients and can even work with product development teams to develop custom blends or organic varieties.

“Our products are 100% natural and have been trialed and tested to ensure flavours are maintained during the food production process resulting in high quality dishes that end users will love.”