|
States Hail Newest USDA Commodity as “BEST FISH IN THE SCHOOL.”
Welcome to a whole new world of oven ready CN seafood.
Once Frozen Alaskan Pollock – A747
In July, the USDA announced that single frozen, chemical & additive free Alaska Pollock would be available for processing for the 2010-11 school year. This is USDA item commodity code # A747. It is #1 quality, United States Grade A product. These whole fillet Alaska Pollock blocks are universally accepted as the highest form of quality raw material for breaded Pollock products. No minced or nape fillets. To meet these tight USDA specifications, the Pollock are …
• Sourced from Alaskan waters
• Caught by US flagged factory trawlers
• Immediately processed at sea and “once frozen”
o Immediately filleted on board, quick frozen into 19 X 10 X 2.5” blocks
The quality of this once frozen product is far superior to what’s typically utilized in school pollock products (treated, twice frozen Chinese pollock blocks). The freezing / thawing process negatively impacts the quality of the fish, and every time its done, the texture, color, and taste is negatively impacted. Our 1X frozen product provides the optimal eating quality.
Chemical & Additive Free
Furthermore, the new USDA Pollock is untreated, using no STP (Sodium Tripolyphosphate). STP was originally used in seafood products as a preservative. STP was mixed with water, and then the fillets were quickly run through the liquid bath. But now many unscrupulous Pollock block producers bump up the levels of STP and instead “soak” the fillets.
• While the higher levels of STP obviously raise the sodium levels, they also greatly raise the water content of the fillets. Fillets can gain as much as 15% in water weight. This means your product will be mushy and watery, the coating system will be soggy, and in many cases the product will appear uncooked even after extended oven time.
By contrast, products made with single frozen Grade A Alaska Pollock have superior taste and texture. White and flaky in texture and appearance, without the typical grey color and dark spots often found in 2X treated Chinese pollock. From a nutritional standpoint, this Grade A pollock will also be lower in sodium without the STP added.
Grade A Alaska Pollock is Single Frozen, Caught in American Waters!
Grade A Alaska Pollock is not treated, containing NO STP!
Buy American Act Compliant
Also, you can now be sure to be 100% compliant with the Richard B Russell “Buy American” Act. The proviso mandates that, for items served for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), end products must be made from at least 50% US grown commodities. Unlike some of our competitors, Highliner Foods is able to 100% guarantee that the fish, the boat, the labor, the batter, the breading, the bag and the box are all 100% Product of the USA and “Buy American” compliant.
Golden Crunchy Breading Quality
We have upgraded the coating system on our CN pollock items to utilize a lighter, more flavorful system called “Golden Crunchy”. This system was modeled after the successful McDonald’s Filet-O Fish sandwich profile. The flavor is milder with a golden color and a better crispy texture. The appearance will help to sell the product as ‘new’ and drive student demand. It’s simply a better coating system that will offer coast to coast appeal.
With the Grade A Pollock, the quality of the fish is better and the fish taste is pleasing. In the past, many suppliers used their breadings to mask the ‘fishy flavor’ of the raw material. That’s not necessary with this better quality, once frozen fish. Our Golden Crunchy system ‘augments’ a great piece of fish, it doesn’t mask its flavor.
From a performance standpoint, the Golden Crunchy system cooks up nicely, not sticking to the pan or leaving voids in the coasting. It holds up very well after cooking, actually becoming crispier over time.
Nutritional Benefits
The USDA wanted a better quality fish, and was behind the move to Grade A Alaska Pollock. Through years of research, they have concluded that we need a ‘healthier commodity protein’ to improve the nutritional profiles of beef, chicken and turkey based products. Our Grade A Golden Crunchy Alaska Pollock provides 0g trans fat, lower sodium, lower fat, contains Omega 3s and is a great source of healthier protein.
Student Appeal
In sampling and testing we’ve done to-date, we’ve seen a strong interest in this new product. Now you’re going to be able to offer something that’s not only nutritious, but looks and tastes great. Its not minced or formed, and there’s no fillers or additives.
Have your students try it. There’s no risk. In fact, I’ve only had one kid not like it; I’ve had tons of kids like it who haven’t tried fish in years! Watch the school lunch participation grow especially as students begin to eat healthy.
Price Value
This is also great value for your commodity processing dollars. Nearly half the price of the twice frozen product you use now, yet more than twice the quality. Participation will grow as you serve very nutritionally sound products. The product is packed in convenient case size, 80 servings per case, balancing the need for distributor weight, and school handling.
|
