Fuchs North America Introduces Mediterranean Collection

Fuchs North America introduced the Mediterranean Collection – a new line of seasonings, bases and flavors. The collection’s 10 items offer new twists on time-honored culinary traditions from Morocco to Syria, and everywhere else in between, company officials say. 

Among the collection’s offerings are seasonings and blends for snacks, meats, sauce bases, beverage mixes and more. 

The new Mediterranean Collection includes the following 10 seasoning blends: Algerian Style Acir Beverage Mix; Egyptian Style Dukkah; Lebanese Style Rice Pilaf Seasoning; Marrakesh Style Grill Rub; Moroccan Style Ras el Hanout Spice Blend; Sicilian Style Tomato, Fennel and Olive Sauce Base; Syrian Style Za’atar Spice Blend; Tunisian Style Charmoula Seasoning; Turkish Style Kӧfte Seasoning; Zeus’ Own Tzatziki Snack Seasoning

“Foods and flavors inspired by the Mediterranean region have become a mainstay in the American diet,” says Ken Wuestenfeld, Fuchs’s vice president of sales and technical services. “Everyone is familiar with Italian and Greek food, but not many are familiar with cuisines from other countries in the Mediterranean region. Our new collection highlights the diversity of the Mediterranean region, while offering new takes on classic dishes and flavors. With the American taste palette rapidly expanding due to more adventurous eaters, the demand for new and exciting flavors is increasing."

Elizabeth Lindemer, CEC, Fuchs’ corporate executive chef, worked to develop blends that meet consumers’ high expectations of authenticity. “For our Zeus’ Own Tzatziki Snack Seasoning, we’ve taken inspiration from the traditional Greek sauce, comprised of creamy yogurt, aromatic garlic, cool cucumber and fragrant dill, and translated it into a snack seasoning that adds a vibrant flavor to pita chips, potato chips, popcorn and more,” Lindemer says.

The Moroccan Style Ras el Hanout Spice Blend is also versatile and offers a twist on a traditional favorite. “In Arabic, Ras el Hanout translates to ‘head of shop,’ which refers to an intermingling of the finest spices – those worthy of the top shelf – that a shop would have to offer. We’ve taken this flavorful and distinct blend of sweet and savory spices one step further by making it organic certifiable,” Lindemer says.

Several items in the Mediterranean Collection were designed specifically to be added to protein. For burgers and meatballs, the Turkish Style Kӧfte Seasoning, which is Non-GMO Project compliant, hits both sweet and savory notes, using sweet-scented herbs and spices.

Another offering, the collection’s Marrakesh Style Grill Rub works on grilled or roasted meat, but can be used as the finishing touch for sides and vegetables. “We’ve designed this rub to represent the dynamic blend of flavors from around the Mediterranean, such as fragrant spices, aromatic garlic and onion, bright citrus and a touch of honey,” Lindemer says.

Tunisian Style Charmoula Seasoning is inspired by Tunisia’s coastal shore and integral use of seafood. According to Lindemer, this flavorful seasoning works as a marinade and sauce for seafood with its perfect balance of aromatic spices, savory garlic, refreshing herbs and touch of lemon.

For sauce bases and condiments, the Mediterranean Collection includes three special offerings. Sicilian Style Tomato, Fennel and Olive Sauce Base is flavored with red tomatoes, aromatic fennel and the vibrancy of olives.

Egyptian Style Dukkah is flavored with spices and sunflower seeds. “Simply mix this into a bit of olive oil to use as a dip for pitas or toasty bread, or have fun using it as a crusting for chicken and fish or sprinkling over a salad,” Lindemer suggests.

Syrian Style Za’atar Spice Blend is a traditional blend of dried herbs and spices, popular throughout the Middle East and the Northern African countries that border the Mediterranean. “Our blend, which consists of aromatic herbs, rich sesame and vibrant sumac, will easily become a mainstay on your table,” she says.

The new Algerian Style Acir Beverage Mix is a lightly sweetened citrus beverage. “You’ll find this refreshing blend to be perfect for a hot day. Simply blend with water, garnish with a twist of sliced orange, sit back and enjoy!” Lindemer says.

According to Ken Wuestenfeld, vice president of sales and technical services, the strategy behind all of Fuchs’ offerings like the Mediterranean Collection is to help food manufacturers and foodservice establishments create new items that build on culinary traditions, but that are also unique.

“We stay on top of consumer taste trends. Our goal is to help food companies develop new taste sensations that they can call their own – offerings that are unique and stand out.”