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Customers like to eat healthful meals, but only when the choices are interesting, flavorful and trendy. You can emphasize the nutritious aspects of a Mediterranean dish if it fits certain heart-healthy or calorie/carb/dietary requirement parameters. In addition to being part of a permanent menu, a Mediterranean specialty can become a popular daily item, especially if played up in an evocative way through an exotic recipe name and description. Many diners appreciate foods that make fresh and different use of favorite ingredients.
The Mediterranean includes a broad area that spans the southern European coastline, the Middle East and North Africa. Likewise, the nations that comprise this region are diverse and distinctive in their geography and landscape: Crete, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Spain, Turkey and Tunisia. Foods and flavors of the Mediterranean are as diverse as the countries that comprise this region. Shreds of aged Italian cheeses add flavor and intensity to baked dishes. Creamy gorgonzola or soft ripened goat cheese are perfect additions to seasonal greens or grilled vegetable plates. Olives and feta cheese add a Mediterranean flair to salads, sandwiches and appetizers. In addition to the wide variety of foods found in the Mediterranean region, it is the spices and seasonings that make dishes so distinctive, appetizing and evocative. Try adding some of these flavors to turn a mainstream meal into a Mediterranean crowd pleaser: saffron, cumin, coriander, garlic, basil, oregano, paprika or ginger. Want More? This is issue #13 in our ongoing series of the Trend Bulletin. For past issues on topics such as vegetarianism, takeout and merchandising — or for ideas on building your menu with any of our convenient products — call 1-800-722-2084 or visit baf.com.