Celebrate With Melissa’s Delicious Ingredients
Well, the year is quickly ending, and why not celebrate with tasty ingredients, whether at home or away? Melissa’s has a plethora of fresh and shelf-stable produce and related savory and sweet items to make gift-giving easier, meals special, sometimes unique, and certainly yummy!
STOCKING STUFFERS, HOSTESS GIFTS, AND JUST BECAUSE
There are always unexpected moments when you need something to give as a small thank you, just because, or simply to be kind. In those moments, especially this time of year, let Melissa’s come to the rescue! The below products are available via our on-line ordering website, www.melissas.com or check with your local produce retailer in their produce section.
SPICE GRINDERS
We all can use a bit more ‘spice’ in our lives! Melissa’s Spice Grinders can brighten flavors, season, and bring dimension to dishes. They may also be used to add crunch to the crust of home baked bread braids and rolls, perk up and add interest to your picnic rice balls, add a pinch of kick to your stir fries and lunch salads, season roasted veggies and pasta sauces, or simply ‘finish’ a dish just before serving. And, isn’t it fun to have freshly ground spices at the table?! Available year-round.
HIMALAYAN PINK SALT – Generally used just before serving to give that last punch to liven flavor. Can also be used during cooking. Product of Pakistan.
RAINBOW PEPPERCORN – A nice combination of white, pink, green, and black peppercorns to use in all cooking applications before, during, and at tableside. Product of USA.
TUSCAN STYLE – Melissa’s updated version of Italian Herb is not relegated to only Italian dishes! Use in quiches and egg casseroles, roasted spuds and veggies, stuffing, homemade salad dressings and dips, rubs, marinades, etc. Product of USA.
SPICY SESAME SEASONING – Luv, love, LOVE this on fresh fruit, steamed veggies, grind and top yeasted rolls or breads, Asian dressing, butter cookies, cold or hot tofu, BBQ sauce or glaze.
EVERYTHING SPICE SEASONING – Fab as a finishing seasoning for veggies, hot grains of any sort, quick stir-fries, faux meat dishes and fusion plates. GRIND IT ON EVERYTHING!
CLEAN SNAX®
Melissa’s collection of mixed nut-based snacks (almonds, peanuts, cashews, and others) with no preservatives and less added sugar (brown rice syrup and/or honey) than many other snacks, with a touch of chia, sesame seed, and flax seed. Many snackers find Clean Snax® to be quite habit forming with just the right amount of sweet, crunch, nuttiness, and snack satisfaction. Currently available in six different flavors, from Cranberry and Pepita to Quinoa Crunch and Hatch Pepper.
COCO SNAX™ – One of the newest additions to our SNAX line, Coco SNAX™ are coconut-based crunchy bites with an accent of coffee, ginger, or more coconutty flavor. Caveat: Although the package includes a recloseable zip-top, you may find yourself eating the whole bag in one sitting!!! Available year-round. Product of Sri Lanka.
HATCH PARTY PECANS MIX – A platter containing four different sections filled with seasoned pecans great for out-of-hand snacking at any party, a hostess gift, or something for your own stash! This 1.5-pound tray includes pecans dressed with green Hatch chile powder, red Hatch chile powder, dark chocolate coated, and yogurt coated pecans. Did you know pecans are indigenous to Texas and have a flavor profile sweeter than walnuts? Available year-round. Grown in USA-TX.
GIFT BASKETS AND ORGANIC BOXES
Melissa’s hand packs to order fresh fruit, vegetable, shelf-stable pantry and ready-to-use ingredient baskets as well as organic boxes to ship throughout the U.S. Through the years, several of our baskets have been placed in Top Ten Gifts from various websites and publications. Baskets range from beautiful crisp apples (now is the season) and darling baby pineapples to a variety of exotic fruits, grilling baskets, and baskets with additional wine and accompaniments. Melissa’s Organic Boxes run the gamut from all fruit or veg, or a combination of fruit and veg, juicing produce, and shelf-stable items. Please note the states with restricted shipping due to agriculture regulations; call our customer service staff, who can help maneuver through this hiccup. Additionally, take note of our Shipping FAQs located at the top of each page. The availability and origins of each item vary. Please call our live person customer service for questions or assistance. 800-588-0151.
MAKE LIFE EASIER WITH MELISSA’S ‘KITS’
Especially during this time of year, having a ‘kit’ of ingredients already grouped together helps solve the last minute ‘what’s for dinner’ or ‘what should I take to the party’ dilemma. Consider Melissa’s kits for parties (Guacamole Kit, Salsa Kit or Tamale Kit), or home cooking for the person with little refrigerator space (Soup Starter Kit, Potato Leek Soup Kit, Seafood Boil Kit). Available year round. Product origin varies.
YOU’RE ALWAYS READY WITH MELISSA’S PANTRY ITEMS
It never hurts to have a few extra items in your pantry for meals that may come up a bit short on servings or need a special ‘something’ condiment. Consider Melissa’s bevy of ready-to-use or ready-to-eat pantry items. Everything from shelf stable to refrigerator shelf ready for grazing boards, noshing, sammie and salad add-ins, condiments, plant-based, and the list goes on! To name a few, you’ll love our pickled yellow peppers and pickled habaneros, honey with comb, steamed beets (conventional or certified organic), steamed lentils (conventional or certified organic) and other legumes, certified organic polenta, quinoa (dried or cooked), dried fruits, horseradish, salsas and dried spices, and dried fruits and nuts. These are just the tip of the Melissa’s carrot! Simply visit our web page and peruse each category. Guaranteed, you’ll have many ideas and uses conjuring in your head, or refer to our recipes.
EDIBLE FLOWERS
Garnishing dishes or drinks can amp up your presentation and add flavor and color, especially for festive occasions. To prevent illness, all garnishes placed with/on food must be edible, whether the guest consumes it or not. Melissa’s Edible Flowers are grown without pesticides and most are packed fifty pieces per container. A nice variety of colors and flowers range from pinks and reds, yellows and oranges, to purple and lavender shades, depending on availability. The size of each flower also ranges from a few inches to three inches diameter, and provide a pop of color as well as flavor. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Prior to serving, flowers may be lightly spritzed with iced water to freshen them. Available year-round. Grown in USA-CA.
DRIED AND FRESH CHILES
One of the first categories Melissa’s offers online and to retailers is our dried chiles, which are a must-have if you like a bit of flavor and kick in your recipes. From egg salad to Mexican moles and cooked salsa, roasts, soups, and even desserts and drinks, we have from jalapeños and anchos to fresh and dried bhut jolokia, tepin, and Thai peppers. The smaller the pepper, the hotter they can be!
Don’t forget! Be mindful by wearing disposable gloves and avoiding contact with skin or eyes while handling fresh or dried chile products. Afterward, wash hands (even if gloves have been worn) and any contact surfaces. Dried chiles are available year-round; fresh availability varies by season.
SEA BEANS/SALICORNIA/SEA ASPARAGUS
Another fun garnish or ingredient addition is Sea Beans, also known as Salicornia. It is a member of the herb family, and grows in salt marshes along shorelines and mangroves. It is a crispy, crunchy herb with a salty profile and wispy appearance. Salicornia, in small quantity per person, is a good addition to salads, sautéed with veggies, steamed with fish, used as a display surface for fresh shellfish and oyster platters, and even garnishs spicy drinks! Though they may be eaten raw, they are a bit salty, so we suggest reducing the amount of salt or eliminating it in your recipe and blanching salicornia under cool water before inclusion. Refrigerate blanched Sea Beans for up to four days. Refrigerate UNWASHED/UNRINSED Sea Beans in their package until ready to prepare, no more than one week. Shocking blanched produce with very cold ice water will also allow the cooked veggies to retain their bright, fresh color. Overcooked Sea Beans will be soft and mealy.
Select salicornia with bright green color, no soft spots or discoloration. Do not freeze. Available year-round. Grown in Mexico.
BLACK-EYED PEAS
Who couldn’t use a bit of extra good luck spirit for 2025? Lore has it: black-eyed peas represent good luck and “DOUGH”-RE-MI moolah! Get some of that good luck spirit faster with Melissa’s Steamed Black-eyed Peas found in your grocer’s produce section displayed with other ready-to- use produce ingredients. Just open the pouch, rinse off the pre-cooked beans and add to your Texas Caviar or Hoppin’ John. Available year-round. Product of France.
Of course, if you’ve got a hankerin’ for the aroma of a slow-cooked ham bone and peas, then try Melissa’ pre-soaked Black-Eyed Peas in the plastic 11-ounce tub. Just rinse and finish cooking in your soup, stew, or simple pot o’beans. Only available for the New Year. Product of USA. Please keep refrigerated or freeze for later. No matter how you include these delicious and symbolic legumes, Melissa’s wishes you a healthy and safe 2025!
There are always unexpected moments when you need something to give as a small thank you, just because, or simply to be kind. In those moments, especially this time of year, let Melissa’s come to the rescue! The below products are available via our on-line ordering website, www.melissas.com or check with your local produce retailer in their produce section.
We all can use a bit more ‘spice’ in our lives! Melissa’s Spice Grinders can brighten flavors, season, and bring dimension to dishes. They may also be used to add crunch to the crust of home baked bread braids and rolls, perk up and add interest to your picnic rice balls, add a pinch of kick to your stir fries and lunch salads, season roasted veggies and pasta sauces, or simply ‘finish’ a dish just before serving. And, isn’t it fun to have freshly ground spices at the table?! Available year-round.
HIMALAYAN PINK SALT – Generally used just before serving to give that last punch to liven flavor. Can also be used during cooking. Product of Pakistan.
RAINBOW PEPPERCORN – A nice combination of white, pink, green, and black peppercorns to use in all cooking applications before, during, and at tableside. Product of USA.
TUSCAN STYLE – Melissa’s updated version of Italian Herb is not relegated to only Italian dishes! Use in quiches and egg casseroles, roasted spuds and veggies, stuffing, homemade salad dressings and dips, rubs, marinades, etc. Product of USA.
SPICY SESAME SEASONING – Luv, love, LOVE this on fresh fruit, steamed veggies, grind and top yeasted rolls or breads, Asian dressing, butter cookies, cold or hot tofu, BBQ sauce or glaze.
EVERYTHING SPICE SEASONING – Fab as a finishing seasoning for veggies, hot grains of any sort, quick stir-fries, faux meat dishes and fusion plates. GRIND IT ON EVERYTHING!
Melissa’s collection of mixed nut-based snacks (almonds, peanuts, cashews, and others) with no preservatives and less added sugar (brown rice syrup and/or honey) than many other snacks, with a touch of chia, sesame seed, and flax seed. Many snackers find Clean Snax® to be quite habit forming with just the right amount of sweet, crunch, nuttiness, and snack satisfaction. Currently available in six different flavors, from Cranberry and Pepita to Quinoa Crunch and Hatch Pepper.
COCO SNAX™ – One of the newest additions to our SNAX line, Coco SNAX™ are coconut-based crunchy bites with an accent of coffee, ginger, or more coconutty flavor. Caveat: Although the package includes a recloseable zip-top, you may find yourself eating the whole bag in one sitting!!! Available year-round. Product of Sri Lanka.
HATCH PARTY PECANS MIX – A platter containing four different sections filled with seasoned pecans great for out-of-hand snacking at any party, a hostess gift, or something for your own stash! This 1.5-pound tray includes pecans dressed with green Hatch chile powder, red Hatch chile powder, dark chocolate coated, and yogurt coated pecans. Did you know pecans are indigenous to Texas and have a flavor profile sweeter than walnuts? Available year-round. Grown in USA-TX.
Melissa’s hand packs to order fresh fruit, vegetable, shelf-stable pantry and ready-to-use ingredient baskets as well as organic boxes to ship throughout the U.S. Through the years, several of our baskets have been placed in Top Ten Gifts from various websites and publications. Baskets range from beautiful crisp apples (now is the season) and darling baby pineapples to a variety of exotic fruits, grilling baskets, and baskets with additional wine and accompaniments. Melissa’s Organic Boxes run the gamut from all fruit or veg, or a combination of fruit and veg, juicing produce, and shelf-stable items. Please note the states with restricted shipping due to agriculture regulations; call our customer service staff, who can help maneuver through this hiccup. Additionally, take note of our Shipping FAQs located at the top of each page. The availability and origins of each item vary. Please call our live person customer service for questions or assistance. 800-588-0151.
Especially during this time of year, having a ‘kit’ of ingredients already grouped together helps solve the last minute ‘what’s for dinner’ or ‘what should I take to the party’ dilemma. Consider Melissa’s kits for parties (Guacamole Kit, Salsa Kit or Tamale Kit), or home cooking for the person with little refrigerator space (Soup Starter Kit, Potato Leek Soup Kit, Seafood Boil Kit). Available year round. Product origin varies.
It never hurts to have a few extra items in your pantry for meals that may come up a bit short on servings or need a special ‘something’ condiment. Consider Melissa’s bevy of ready-to-use or ready-to-eat pantry items. Everything from shelf stable to refrigerator shelf ready for grazing boards, noshing, sammie and salad add-ins, condiments, plant-based, and the list goes on! To name a few, you’ll love our pickled yellow peppers and pickled habaneros, honey with comb, steamed beets (conventional or certified organic), steamed lentils (conventional or certified organic) and other legumes, certified organic polenta, quinoa (dried or cooked), dried fruits, horseradish, salsas and dried spices, and dried fruits and nuts. These are just the tip of the Melissa’s carrot! Simply visit our web page and peruse each category. Guaranteed, you’ll have many ideas and uses conjuring in your head, or refer to our recipes.
Garnishing dishes or drinks can amp up your presentation and add flavor and color, especially for festive occasions. To prevent illness, all garnishes placed with/on food must be edible, whether the guest consumes it or not. Melissa’s Edible Flowers are grown without pesticides and most are packed fifty pieces per container. A nice variety of colors and flowers range from pinks and reds, yellows and oranges, to purple and lavender shades, depending on availability. The size of each flower also ranges from a few inches to three inches diameter, and provide a pop of color as well as flavor. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Prior to serving, flowers may be lightly spritzed with iced water to freshen them. Available year-round. Grown in USA-CA.
One of the first categories Melissa’s offers online and to retailers is our dried chiles, which are a must-have if you like a bit of flavor and kick in your recipes. From egg salad to Mexican moles and cooked salsa, roasts, soups, and even desserts and drinks, we have from jalapeños and anchos to fresh and dried bhut jolokia, tepin, and Thai peppers. The smaller the pepper, the hotter they can be!
Don’t forget! Be mindful by wearing disposable gloves and avoiding contact with skin or eyes while handling fresh or dried chile products. Afterward, wash hands (even if gloves have been worn) and any contact surfaces. Dried chiles are available year-round; fresh availability varies by season.
Another fun garnish or ingredient addition is Sea Beans, also known as Salicornia. It is a member of the herb family, and grows in salt marshes along shorelines and mangroves. It is a crispy, crunchy herb with a salty profile and wispy appearance. Salicornia, in small quantity per person, is a good addition to salads, sautéed with veggies, steamed with fish, used as a display surface for fresh shellfish and oyster platters, and even garnishs spicy drinks! Though they may be eaten raw, they are a bit salty, so we suggest reducing the amount of salt or eliminating it in your recipe and blanching salicornia under cool water before inclusion. Refrigerate blanched Sea Beans for up to four days. Refrigerate UNWASHED/UNRINSED Sea Beans in their package until ready to prepare, no more than one week. Shocking blanched produce with very cold ice water will also allow the cooked veggies to retain their bright, fresh color. Overcooked Sea Beans will be soft and mealy.
Select salicornia with bright green color, no soft spots or discoloration. Do not freeze. Available year-round. Grown in Mexico.
Who couldn’t use a bit of extra good luck spirit for 2025? Lore has it: black-eyed peas represent good luck and “DOUGH”-RE-MI moolah! Get some of that good luck spirit faster with Melissa’s Steamed Black-eyed Peas found in your grocer’s produce section displayed with other ready-to- use produce ingredients. Just open the pouch, rinse off the pre-cooked beans and add to your Texas Caviar or Hoppin’ John. Available year-round. Product of France.
Of course, if you’ve got a hankerin’ for the aroma of a slow-cooked ham bone and peas, then try Melissa’ pre-soaked Black-Eyed Peas in the plastic 11-ounce tub. Just rinse and finish cooking in your soup, stew, or simple pot o’beans. Only available for the New Year. Product of USA. Please keep refrigerated or freeze for later. No matter how you include these delicious and symbolic legumes, Melissa’s wishes you a healthy and safe 2025!
