By Carrie Wachsmann. Meandering down the aisles of the Fraser Valley Food Show, I am rather surprised as well as impressed with the many gluten free food choices presented. Everywhere, clusters of people eagerly wait their turn to taste test, and yes I am one of them.
Photos by Win Wachsmann
While waiting for that piece of gluten free pizza, I look to the left, then look to the right and notice vendor after vendor, their Gluten Free sign prominently and proudly posted. Umm, Im thinking, still waiting for that sliver of pizza. The trend towards gluten free seems to have suddenly become the preferred choice. Seems to me, a couple of years ago, trying to eat gluten free was still a nightmare for those people whose lives depend on it.
The pizza is definitely worth waiting for. The crust is soft and thin, and I would not have guessed it was gluten free.
These ginger snaps they are every bit as good as any gluten loaded cookie. Im now chatting with a very enthusiastic representative of the Hidden Garden Food Co. out of Horseshoe Bay This is no easy feat making a gluten free cookie that brings me back for seconds, I add.
I read the label a habit of mine
no preservatives, no artificial flavors, packed with ½ serving of hidden vegetables
packed with ½ serving of hidden vegetables!! The enthusiastic woman hands me a bag and I gladly take it.
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My next stop, Wise Bites, offering muffins and more, all made from quinoa. The rich dark chocolate muffin tastes like a brownie and the blueberry lemon muffin stands on its own. I bought them both.
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My eye catches a table covered with sun kissed papayas. I make my way through the crowd and straight to the table. Hawaii Papaya, the sign says. Naturally gluten free, perfectly grown, sweet as the sun, full of natures goodness.
I taste
and I realize that if I had to choose one food out of all the hundreds of wonderful foods presented, I would have to say the papaya. I dont need to mention that they have no trans-fat or cholesterol. Theyre loaded with enzymes, exceptionally high in vitamin A, C, E and beta-carotene, are a good source of vitamin B, and support the immune system
and those are only a few of the benefits this perfect fruit offers.
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I chat briefly with, Ross Sibucao, President of Hawaii Papaya. I can see he takes great pride in their product and company – so he should, for they are known to produce the finest papayas in the world.
My day at the food show has ended. As I write this post, Im looking forward to a blueberry lemon muffin, and
I can hardly wait to get at one of those papayas ripening on my kitchen counter. Thank you Ross for introducing me to your papayas.
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