
It is indeed a great time spending the new year with some sweet delights where this time we get a chance to sample and enjoy the specially curated menu using the healthy recipes by using the popular California Raisins. Held at the Samplings On the Fourteen Restaurant at Berjaya University College, we enjoyed the delicious recipes which is beautifully created by the 2-star Michelin celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant along with guest Chef Erich Anton.

The event started off with the opening note by Ms Rowena Ngumbang Agricultural Marketing Specialist U.S. Department of Agriculture followed by a speech by RAC’s Trade Promotions Director for Malaysia, Mr Richard Lieu.

We understand from Mr Richard that California Raisins are one of the healthy snack compared with the other snacks food as they are naturally sweet with no added sugar. Not just that, California Raisins are 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 of 2020 with Malaysian influencers,” enthused Richard.

And this round, we also get loads of interesting information about the goodness of California Raisins where one of the key highlights is that increased consumption of fruits & vegetables more than 5 servings a day is related to a 17% reduction in coronary heart disease. And of course, raisins is one of them. 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

Some key benefits of California Raisins include:
• They are all-natural
• They are naturally sweet and do not contain added sugar
• They are fat- and cholesterol-free and naturally low in sodium
• They are a source of potassium (an important electrolyte that aids in muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function)
• They are a source of fibre
• They are a source of concentrated nutrients
• They are known to contain phytonutrients that suppress the growth of oral bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease

California Raisins, Crab & Cauliflower

California Raisin Pasta With Fennel & Prawns

California Raisins With Beef Short Ribs & Winter Fruits

We then ended our meals wih the delicious desserts where Chef Erich Anton Roos brings us with the 3-in-1 dessert using raisins; California Raisin muffin with cream, California Raisin Cinnamon Ice Cream and Apple Puff
For information and recipes on California Raisins, visit http://www.calraisins.org and http://www.caraisins.com. Follow us on FaceBook: @RACAsean.