USDA-CERTIFIED
ORGANIC
PRODUCT
S32 SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com
➋
➊
SILK ROAD SODA COMPANY
Silk Road Soda—Cucumber Mint
GROWING UP IN IRAN, PAYAM FARDANESH enjoyed the vinegar-sugar-
mint concoction called sekanjabin on spring and summer days. Years later,
as a successful businessman in the U.S., he decided to share that fond
memory—and delicious beverage—with the domestic market.
Starting with his grandmother's recipe, he made adjustments for the
American palate. Preparation involves boiling vinegar and sugar together
and infusing mint; shaving in fruits and vegetables delivers countless
variations. Fardanesh added organic lemon and light carbonation to balance
the flavors and lowered the original drink's high sugar content, giving it a
more healthful profile.
The win for Cucumber Mint is fitting, as it's the company's flagship flavor.
And while the story behind his product is key, Fardanesh notes, winning
an award for quality and flavor validates his creation. "It's nice because the
product is starting to stand alone." Suggested retail price: $2.29/12 fluid
ounces. Contact: Payam Fardanesh; 916.429.5716; payam@silkroadsoda.com;
silkroadsoda.com.—E. Meszaros
➊ PASTIFICIO
FELICETTI SRL
Rigatoni Kamut
Monograno Felicetti
Contact: Riccardo Felicetti
+39.0462.501225
riccardo@felicetti.it
felicetti.it
➋ RITROVO ITALIAN
REGIONAL FOODS
Ritrovo Selections Organic
Balsamic
Contact: Ilyse Rathet
206.985.1635
ritrovo@aol.com
ritrovo.com
FINALISTS
from the judges...
"
"
Good favors mix well
together—love it
