Research Chefs Association (RCA)

So You Want to Create a Food Product?

Think you have a great idea for a food product but have no experience in the industry? Until there is a “Food Start-Up for Dummies” book, this list will help you understand some of the challenges you have ahead. ...More
February 8, 2012
Posted in Blog
Asian Sauces: Adapting Authenticity

By emphasizing deliciousness over authenticity, Asian sauces—highlighting katsu, sriracha and ponzu—provide a foothold for the mainstream, sometimes even keeping authenticity intact. ...More
January 24, 2012
Posted in Articles, Dressing / Marinades, Flavor, Sauces / Gravies / Soup
Trends That Are No Longer Cool!

There are tons of articles out there about all the latest food trends from retail to restaurant to foodservice, but I think it is equally important to point out the passé trends. ...More
January 5, 2012
Posted in Blog
A Unique Grain of an Idea

The many unique grains available today aid plate presentation and enhance retail product appeal. ...More
December 23, 2011
Posted in Articles, Bakery / Cereal
Fire-Roasted Artisan Tomato, Corn & Bean Salsa

Recreating the qualities of an artisan, fire-roasted salsa using industrial ingredients. ...More
November 23, 2011
Posted in Articles, Flavor
Roasted Vegetables and Spices—Little Effort, Big Flavor

Roasting vegetables and spices brings out a natural sweetness and deepens flavors, adding interest to a variety of applications and menu items, from frozen pizza to soups, dips, sandwiches and snacks. ...More
November 18, 2011
Posted in Articles, Dressing / Marinades, Flavor, Sauces / Gravies / Soup
Discovering Latin American Beverages

Opportunities for Latin American beverages, like sodas, cocktails, aguas frescas with tropical fruit, energizing yerba maté and grain-based atoles, span all levels of foodservice and retail. ...More
October 13, 2011
Posted in Articles, Colors, Flavor
Latin American Sauce Inspirations

Latin American food influences have quickly landed a top spot in the “ethnic trends" category, and the flavorful sauces of South America, the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico have gained popularity among consumers, product developers and chefs. ...More
September 29, 2011
Posted in Articles, Colors, Dressing / Marinades, Flavor, Sauces / Gravies / Soup
Chocolate-Dipped Almond-Honey Nougat Bites

Like cupcakes and doughnuts, gourmet cookies have become trendy, with innovative ingredients and flavors coming into play, as seen in this bacon pecan chocolate chunk cookie. ...More
September 9, 2011
Posted in Articles, Bakery / Cereal, Flavor
Seafood: Swimming in the Seas of Change

Although the classics (lemon, meet butter) are still popular when it comes to seafood, maturing tastes—and advances in processing technology, such as use of enrobed sauces on frozen seafood—have expanded the options, with sweet heat and ethnic flavors coming into play. ...More
August 30, 2011
Posted in Articles, Flavor, Sauces / Gravies / Soup