The Nikken Foods Company (St. Louis) recently launched its line of flavor bases and concentrates in order to help formulators “cut down on processing time and eliminate raw material storage issues,” informs Jim Nolte, technical services manager, Nikken Foods. Not only does the line save companies labor and product loss that occurs when vegetables are prepped in plants, but also the time associated with cooking, sauteing and caramelizing the vegetables so they attain the necessary consistency before further processing the food product. The line of shelf-stable concentrates consists of Sauteed Onion Paste, Sauteed Minced Onion Paste, Sauteed Garlic Paste and Sauteed Onion Liquid concentrate. The vegetable concentrates provide a clean, non-salty, sweet taste and aroma in products such as gravies, dressings and sauces, and, although only a small quantity is needed, they also provide powerful flavor. Both the concentrates and pastes are water-soluble extracts that easily blend into liquid systems.
A separate line of liquid products includes Sauteed Mushroom Liquid concentrate and Sauteed Shiitake Liquid concentrate, which offer a rich and robust concentrated flavor profile. Their consistent flavor, aroma and color are guaranteed by the company's strict adherence to the highest standards of quality processing control, and sourcing the finest ingredients. The products may be stored at room temperature under normal conditions for a period of up to 12 months.