A Healthy and Tasty Evening with California Raisins and Chef Emmanuel Stroobant

'Twas a delicious evening with California Raisins and Michelin celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant. 
Thanks for the Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC) kind invitation, we were treated to a sweet repertoire of specially-crafted recipes using California Raisins at the Samplings On the Fourteen Restaurant at Berjaya University College.

Ms Rowena Ngumbang, Agricultural Marketing Specialist U.S Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) giving a welcome speech. 

Our 4-course meal infused with California Raisins were specially curated by 2-star Michelin celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant along with guest Chef ErichAnton Roos. It was a memorable experience as we get to watch the talented chefs demonstrate on the versatile California Raisins before our very eyes. 

California Raisins, Crab & Cauliflower

California Raisins Pasta with Fennel & Prawns

California Raisins with Beef Short Ribs & Winter Fruits

Symphony of California Raisins - California Raisins Muffin with Cream, California Raisins Cinnamom Ice Cream and Apple Puff

Chef Emmanuel Stroobant needs no introduction as the Belgian’s 2-star Michelin celebrity chef had his first brush with culinary business when he started working as a kitchen help as young as 16 years and worked his way in the culinary world within a span of a decade, notably hosting the AFC channel for many years and opening his first restaurant in Singapore called Saint Pierre. 

Chef Erich Anton Roos, a Swiss national with 40 years of culinary and international working experience which covers many Western and Asian countries. Currently based in Bangkok, his role are focused in consultancy and strategic planning for kitchen training needs in international hotel chains.

RAC’s Trade Promotions Director for Malaysia, Mr Richard Lieu says for most consumers, especially children, California Raisins are a healthy snackcompared with other snack foods, as they are naturally sweet and do not contain any added sugar. California Raisins are also a very versatile ingredient and can inspire a wide repertoire of dishes—from appetisers and main dishes to desserts and beverages—especially as consumers are becoming more health conscious and more adventurous in their culinary endeavours. “We are very honoured and delighted to work with Chef Emmanuel and Chef Erich to create scrumptious recipes and amazing tastes using California Raisins this time to celebrate the start of2020 with Malaysian influencers,” enthused Richard.  

More than just an appetising delight, California Raisins are packed with energy and rich in fiber, potassium and vitamins. Tasty and healthy, these little gems are naturally sweet and helps improve digestioin, boost iron levels and keep your bones strongs. It also contains phytonutrients that suppress the growth of oral bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease. Ideal for any occasion, a package of California Raisins fits perfectly in a purse or briefcase, lunch boxes, gym bags and in your desk drawer. Not only economical, California Raisins do not bruise and are easy to use straight out of the box, you don't have to worry of washing or peeling it. 

Ms Tan Yen Sing, a certified clinical dietitian also was present to share on the goodness and benefits of California Raisins. Ms Tan said studies have shown that increased consumption of fruits & vegetables more than 5 servings a day is related to a 17% reduction in coronary heart disease.

“Good nutrition is the best approach for preventing diseases and being healthy. Raisins, high level of polyphenol antioxidants containing about 3,037 ORAC units (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity – a method in measuring antioxidants in food) in about 2/3 cup. This essential substance are vital for protection against oxidative stress, which is related to aging and disease,” said Tan.

Raisins, though small, must not be underestimated for their health benefits. Tan explained raisins containing 35% fructose and 35% glucose are natural fruit sugar, which is a good source of energy and has no fat & no cholesterol. It is a healthy snack and is also a sugar replacement for many recipes in cooking and baking.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that adults consume 1½ to 2 cups of fruit per day. A portable, readily available fruit, such as California Raisins, is ideal to help fulfill this quota. They are fat and cholesterol-free and naturally low in sodium. In fact, it only takes ½ cup of raisins to equal a whole fruit serving vs 1 full cup of fresh fruit. For more information and recipes on California Raisins, please visit www.calraisins.org and www.caraisins.com or follow them on Facebook @RacAsean