LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. -- Frieda's here is getting a good response to its new line of produce called Lost Crops of the Americas, which was introduced just before Thanksgiving, according to Karen Caplan, president of the specialty produce marketing company. The Lost Crops line, which consists of authentic Incan, Mayan, Aztec and Native American foods, sold out the first week it was introduced, Caplan said.
Consumers enjoy the uniqueness of the products, said Fred Mooney, director of produce buying and merchandising for Andronico's Market, Albany, Calif. "People are really intrigued by it," he said. One item from the line, apios, also known as groundnuts, is believed to have sustained the Pilgrims during their first winter, according to the company.
Besides Andronico's, Dominick's Finer Foods, Northlake, Ill., and H-E-B Grocery Co., San Antonio, are carrying the line, said a Frieda's spokeswoman.
