Always on the lookout for innovative international culinary trends that are making their way to the United Kingdom, Funnybones Foodservice is introducing two new products that feature charcoal used as an ingredient.
The use of charcoal as an addition to foods as diverse as ice cream and hot dogs has migrated across the Atlantic from New York, where fashionable foodies and others are expounding its “reputed health benefits.” Clean eating enthusiast Gwyneth Paltrow offers Charcoal Chai on her website, and even toothpaste has been infused with this inky product of the moment.
Black foods are very popular with Instagrammers and add instant drama to a plate. The two new charcoal-enhanced products from Funnybones are suitable for casual dining with a twist, as operators are encouraged to inject fun and fancy to their menus by tickling everyday dishes in a dark and delicious way.
Charcoal Kuro Prawns
For those who want an easy way in to the black trend, a starter of charcoal prawns may be the way to go.
“Our new Kuro Prawns are deliciously crunchy with charcoal made from bamboo infused into a Panko breadcrumb coating,” said Tom Styman-Heighton, development chef at Funnybones Foodservice. “The Argentinian king prawns are peeled and deveined, and served with tails on. All they need for serving is a small white plate, a lemon wedge and sprinkling of micro herbs. Six would make a generous portion for a starter, or they make a perfect addition to a sharing platter.”
The prawns can be deep-fried from frozen in three to four minutes and are nut free and dairy free. There are 28 to 35 pieces in each 800-gram package.
Black Burger Buns
Meanwhile, pre-sliced charcoal-infused brioche buns topped with sesame seeds bring a fascinating twist to burger offerings.
“Our charcoal buns look particularly effective served with a chicken breast burger creating a black and white effect,” said Styman-Heighton. “The delicious, slightly smoky charcoal flavor is not strong so it doesn’t mask other flavors, meaning that the buns can be served with all the usual burgers and sides in the traditional way. They are a very simple way to add variety and dramatic impact to a meal.”
Nut free, GM free and vegetarian, the frozen buns come in pairs in packs of 30. They need simply to be defrosted on the day of purchase, and can be served cold or warmed gently through.
Funnybones Foodservice is part of Grace Foods UK, which is owned by the largest Jamaican food distributor in the world, the Kingston-headquartered GraceKennedy Group. The company specializes in Caribbean, American and Tex-Mex offerings.
