NYC Menu Tips: 5 Ways to Use Frozen Foods Creatively

When diners explore a restaurant’s menu, they search for dishes that are exciting, memorable, and bursting with flavor. It’s up to chefs to deliver menu items that satisfy all of their guests’ desires. One way to make this process easier is wholesale frozen purees. 

Purees can be made from both fruits and vegetables, but fruit types are especially helpful for chefs. Typically, they are made by blending or mashing certain foods, creating a smooth mixture, and then freezing them. Once made, purees are easy to use, convenient, and make food preparation simple for lots of dishes. 

There are many benefits to using frozen ingredients over fresh fruits and vegetables in the restaurant setting. Thanks to a long shelf life, frozen purees save you money. That will help you reduce waste. Also, since wholesale frozen purees eliminate a chef’s need to cut, chop, and peel vegetables and fruits, they add a convenience and time-saving aspect to the kitchen that is unmatched. 

There’s also nearly an unlimited number of ways to use them in your cooking. Chefs who love versatility will love this about frozen purees. We will look at five ways you can use frozen purees and what types of dishes you can make with them. 

 

Using Wholesale Frozen Purees to Add Aroma and Color

When used thoughtfully, frozen fruit purees can enhance the aroma and color of a dish. They can also be used to balance out the overall flavor profile of a recipe. One reason they can accomplish this lofty goal is that the items used to create them are picked when the fruits are at their ripest and their flavor is at the most intense. Pureeing the fruits and freezing them preserves those flavors. Any dish you add them to will have a more concentrated flavor and stronger aroma. 

Similarly, frozen fruits also maintain their vibrant colors, ensuring that your dishes benefit from consistent and vivid hues. Even when a particular fruit isn’t in season, you can still incorporate its frozen version into your dish without worrying about losing flavor, aroma, or color. 

In addition to the enhanced aroma, color, and flavor, frozen purees are versatile and easy to incorporate into various dishes. Soups, desserts, sauces, and even main courses are some examples of the dishes you can enhance when working with a wholesale frozen puree supplier. 

 

Making Diners’ Mouths Water: How Do Fruits Affect the Palate?

 

It’s no secret that fruits can create a taste sensation that enhances an entire meal. Fruits not only impact the overall taste of a dish but can also alter its texture and add nutritional value. Moreover, they are incredibly versatile, suitable for everything from jams and sweet desserts to salads and savory dishes. While many fruits are naturally sweet and can provide a delightful sweetness to a dish, others are acidic and can introduce tartness to a recipe. 

When it comes to texture, fruit purees complement salads by contrasting with the crunchy vegetables often found in them. They bring variety and a refreshing burst of flavors, combining to create unique dishes and desserts. Additionally, their vibrant colors enhance the visual appeal of a dish, whetting the appetite and making the presentation more enticing. 

Furthermore, fruit purees indirectly contribute to a dish’s nutritional value. By adding vitamins and minerals to the mix, they contribute to a well- balanced diet.  Dishes incorporating fruit and fruit-based purees can promote well-being and health.  

 

Getting Things Started: Improving Appetizers with Purees

 

One of the menu sections your diners will often peruse first is the appetizer section. While you might not initially consider using purees in this category, there are several enticing options. Certain fruits pair exceptionally well with cheese and can enhance a cheese tray appetizer. 

Additionally, salsas and relishes incorporating fruit can be a delightful addition to your appetizer menu. By adding diced vegetables or even meats or fish, you can create a unique appetizer that will be loved by your guests. Moreover, even your baked goods and bread offerings preceding the meal can benefit from the incorporation of purees. You can use them as a sugar substitute in your recipes, creating distinct bread that will excite your diners in anticipation of the rest of their meal. 

 

The Main Course: Using Fruit Purees in Main Course Dishes

 

Often, when we think of using frozen fruit purees in menu items, we consider them solely for desserts and drinks. But that’s not all you can use them for. Main course menu items can also be made better with a frozen puree. 

Breakfast items are a perfect example of this. Pancakes, pastries, and breakfast bowls are just some examples. You can improve and enhance the recipes by adding fruit purees. For a more subtle enhancement, you can improve breakfast dishes by adding purees to yogurts, syrups, and sauces. 

But it’s not just sweet dishes and breakfast items that can benefit from added fruit. Pasta sauces, curries, glazes for meats, baked dishes, and casseroles are made delectable when purees are included in the ingredients. If you are feeling especially adventurous, adding them to sandwich condiments or even as pizza toppings can make for an unforgettable and delicious menu item. 

Even main course dishes that involve fish or chicken can benefit from frozen fruit purees. They balance out the dish and create a unique flavor, which diners will love. And don’t forget about those dips and spreads! Often used to complement meat dishes, adding a kick of fruit to barbecue sauces, dips, or spreads can enhance your menu that much more. 

 

Keeping Things Sweet: Wholesale Frozen Purees for Desserts

 

Nothing finishes off the night quite like the perfect dessert. But after spending all that time building the perfect dinner menu, it’s difficult to find the energy to put into an equally exciting dessert menu. That’s where your bulk frozen puree supplier will come in handy. 

Frozen fruit purees make things incredibly simple for a dessert-focused chef. They also help them to create more variety and bring a level of creativity to the kitchen. Dessert menu items are the perfect ones to experiment with. You can add fruit purees to many dessert recipes and dishes. 

For example, adding a bit of sugar to certain purees and balancing it out with a little lemon juice creates a coulis that you can then drizzle over cakes and ice creams or use as a sauce. Recipes that call for fruit swirls, fillings, or toppings, such as cheesecakes, can also be made quickly thanks to purees. Additionally, fruit purees come in handy when creating fruit gelatin or fruity souffles. 

Certain pies and ice cream sundaes aren’t normally paired with fruit. But adding fruit to these desserts can certainly enhance them. Adding a bit to whipped toppings can add a burst of flavor to the dessert that makes the entire dish unique and delicious. 

 

Drinkable Delicacies: Frozen Purees for Cocktails and Drinks

 

The use of purees doesn’t stop with recipes your diners can consume with a fork or spoon. They can also extend to the bar and beyond. Purees are perfect for creating flavorful margaritas and daiquiris. You can also use them to create fruit versions of mojitos and sour cocktails. 

Naturally, some cocktails, such as the Bellini, call for purees straight out of the gate. Choosing a frozen version of the puree ensures you always have what you need to create your guests’ favorite drinks. Other options for purees in cocktails and drinks include garnishes for mocktails, additions to shots, and fun ingredients to dress up a sangria. 

 

Proper Handling and Usage of Frozen Fruit Purees

The trick to getting the most out of your relationship with your wholesale frozen puree supplier is to learn how to properly store and handle the products. Until you’re ready to use them, keep your purees frozen. 

 

For the best results, thaw them slowly in the refrigerator. If you must thaw them quickly, using a bowl of cold water can sometimes do the trick. You can keep the quality of the puree pure by not thawing and refreezing it repeatedly. 

Safety and quality checks are also necessary when working with frozen purees. Store each flavor separately to avoid flavor transfer issues. Clean utensils and your hands before working with the purees to avoid cross-contamination. Check them regularly for freezer burn and use them as soon as possible if ice crystals form. These are all ways to make more efficient and safe use of the products in your freezer section. 

Whichever way you go when making your selections, you can’t go wrong when it comes to finding new ways to utilize wholesale frozen purees in your kitchen. They have the power to keep costs low, reduce waste, and enhance your menu in new and unexpected ways.  

You’ll also be surprised to find just how many dishes throughout the day you can use a puree in. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dessert, or cocktail hour, frozen purees can make your job easier and more enjoyable. 

At Riviera, our commitment is to deliver the  finest bulk frozen puree supplies around. Visit our website to learn about our selection of wholesale frozen fruit purees, perfect for enhancing your menu and adding a unique touch.