Putting coffee scores and farmer’s faces on their bags is just one way Progeny Coffee sets itself apart from competitors. Photo courtesy Progeny Coffee.
On March 4, specialty foods producers from throughout the country were honored at the Good Food Awards at San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, including a handful of winners from the Peninsula.
Hosted by the Good Food Foundation, the Good Food Awards celebrate "tasty, authentic and responsible" food in 18 different categories. Winners are recognized for commitments to social and environmental responsibility in addition to creating enjoyable products.
There were five winners recognized on the Peninsula:
Santé Nuts: Candied Pecans
Based in Santa Clara, Santé Nuts boils nuts before roasting them in order to create the crunchiest product. The company says that the boiling process adds increased moisture to the nuts, which results in more small holes being created when steam escapes during the roasting process. These tunnels are key to developing an airy crunch.
Santé Nuts, Instagram: @sante_nuts.
Progeny Coffee: Piñita
The Six Fifty covered how Progeny Coffee displays a dedication to sustainable practices and an economic approach named "beyond trade" that aims to push a larger share of profits toward farmers. Piñita is a strawberry, vanilla and tropical fruit-forward coffee produced by third-generation farmer Juan Felipe Restrepo.
Progeny Coffee, Instagram: @progeny_coffee.
Pikklepuss: Strawberry Pepper Shrub-Based Premium Cocktail Mixer, Pear Ginger Shrub-Based Premium Cocktail Mixer
Redwood City's pikklepuss is part of a recent wave of companies producing shrubs, vinegared syrups that form the base of alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails. Originally popular during America's colonial era, shrubs are reemerging at cocktail bars throughout the country.
pikklepuss, 650-260-3214. Instagram: @pikklepuss.
Alma Superfoods: Yellow Aji Pepper Cashew Butter
Founded by Guili Glassman in Belmont, Alma Superfood's nut butters harness the Peruvian ingredients that she grew up with in her childhood home. In addition to yellow aji pepper, the company offers products that highlight lucuma, a starchy fruit commonly used to flavor ice cream, cacao and chipotle.
Alma Superfoods, Instagram: @almasuperfoods.
Slow Brine: Coastside Kraut
Based in Moss Beach, Slow Brine ferments sauerkraut, pickles, sauces and kimchi. It also offers ready-to-eat products to the Coastside through Rebyl Food. The Coastside Kraut is a twist on traditional sauerkraut with mustard greens, ginger and sea vegetables.
Slow Brine, Instagram: @slowbrine.
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