For all those who love the juicy nibbles that luscious red cherries bring along, there is good news. The Northwest Cherry Growers (NWCG), a trade association based in the state of Washington in the U.S.A., launched its lip smacking promotion campaign in India on 14th July at SoHo house in Juhu recently to make the delicious picks available in the country within 72 hours of being plucked off the trees.
The launch brought along an energising line-up, with a tiny talk on culinary diplomacy between India and the US, by Rhiannon Elms, Senior Agricultural Attaché, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service; Keith Hu, Director of International Operations of Northwest Cherry Growers (NWCG); and Mr Sumit Saran, In-Country Marketing Representative of NWCG.
Nutritionist Pooja Makhija shared an insightful dip into the nutrient index of the ruddy ninjas, and celebrated chef Vicky Ratnani worked his culinary magic through his ingenious millet khichdi laced with cherries from US Pacific Northwest in a delectable live cooking session. “Ancient grain khichdi with cherries and mathania chillies – from Rajasthan lend an interesting complexion to the millet mix,” said Vicky, teaming the goodness of cumin, coriander, lemon, spices including nutmeg and cloves, with the richness and good fat content of coconut milk for a hot, comforting bowlful during the monsoon. “The sweetness of the Northwest cherries coupled with the slight tartness comes out beautifully in this flavour index,” he explained. Other ingenious ways of consuming them would be in a chaat format, with chana and onions; or as a smoothie teamed up with coconut milk and banana; mixed with tamarind as a chutney with hot pakoras; or even shredded cherries mixed with paneer, garlic, coriander and slivered green chillies as a fabulous paratha filling suggests Vicky.
The cherry on the cake is the goodness they bring along. “Rich in potassium and antioxidants, the Northwest cherries come packed with phytochemicals, and anti-inflammatory properties,” sums up Pooja.
Cover Image Caption
Ms. Rhiannon Elms, Sr. Agricultural Attaché, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, US Consulate General, Mumbai
Mr. Keith Hu, Director of International Operations of Northwest Cherry Growers (NWCG)
Celebrity Chef Vicky Ratnani
Ms. Pooja Makhija, a leading nutritionist, holistic health consultant and an eminent writer
Mr. Sumit Saran, In-Country Marketing Representative of Northwest Cherry Growers (NWCG)
