In order to make sure patients have the highest quality care, healthcare providers must prioritize making their stay as comfortable as possible – and that means making them feel right at home. When it comes to foodservice this can get tricky, but the good news is with more and more people interested in healthier meals it’s getting even easier for healthcare providers to offer items that both fuel and satisfy. In fact, the FSD Culinary Council’s top ingredient picks for 2019 are as nutritious as they are delicious, and perfectly suitable for any healthcare foodservice department!
Infused Olive Oils
Say goodbye to all the globs of butter your foodservice department might typically use, and hello to rich, versatile, heart-healthy olive oil instead. Infused olive oils are perfect for salads, fish, and roasted vegetables, and more, and the best part is they can be flavored with just about anything! Choose a nice sweet citrus-infused olive oil one week, and a savory garlic and herb olive oil the next. The possibilities truly are endless, and that means more versatility for your patients!
Yogurt
Whether it’s paired with oats, nuts, seeds, and fruit and consumed in the morning for a filling breakfast, or substituted for unhealthier fats in different savory recipes, yogurt is as healthy as it is versatile. It can be used instead of sour cream in stroganoffs, as a flavorless base for macaroni and cheese or other comforting dairy based meals, in desserts, and more – plus it’s very high in protein, potassium, calcium, and B12, making it the perfect ingredient for any healthcare facility’s kitchen!
Fresh Fruit Juice
Although typically high in sugar, when used sparingly fresh fruit juice can be a fabulous addition to any recipe. From fresh citrus bathed meats used in taco recipes, to tart berry vinaigrettes for atop salads, the list of ways to take advantage of these powerfully flavored ingredients in your foodservice department is endless.
Salt
Although everyone’s focus on sodium reduction may have your foodservice staff hesitant to grab the salt, when used in moderation, like natural fruit juices, it can create just the right flavor to balance or elevate a dish without weighing the person eating the meal down. Besides, if all the other ingredients are fresh and full of flavor, your staff shouldn’t need to use too much salt to carry the dish anyway.
Lemon
Whether your menu is offering Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, or any other type of festive cuisine, you will definitely want to make sure your staff has plenty of lemons on hand. This ingredient can lift and brighten any dish thanks to its dominant, yet subtle acidity, and your kitchen can use the entire fruit with zero waste!
Just remember, there are plenty of healthy, fresh, unique ingredients your foodservice staff can utilize to make sure your patients get everything they need and more without ever getting bored. So let your staff get creative, and support them fully as they continue to bring quality meals and care to your patients each and every day! Call 629.777.8989, or fill in the free consultation form in the sidebar, to learn more about how our software can positively impact the lives of the patients and visitors you service every day.