WHY AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Africa and the Middle East represent some of the most vibrant examples of plant-forward cookery and complex spice blends in the world. This region shows a true appreciation and practice of the age old saying “sometimes less is more.” From the warming spices of Ethiopia and the enticing aromatics of Morocco to the deliciously filling presentations of Armenia, the culinary team at Dole Packaged Foods has taken but a small glimpse into the vast culinary history and prowess of two of the globes most unique regions.

DESTINATION: AFRICA

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DESTINATION: EUROPE

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FLAVOR INSPIRATIONS FROM ARMENIA

Nestled firmly in the Levantine region of the Middle East, there have been many empires that shared the abundance of fresh herbs and spices of the region with Armenia to help shape their unique culinary offerings. The use of dried and fresh fruit, spices like sumac and an abundance of nuts and legumes are all characteristic of Armenian cuisine. Dole Packaged Foods' culinary team has taken time to create culinary tributes to some of Armenia’s best recipes such as Ghapama, a beautiful stuffed pumpkin dish and Kofta Bozbash, a warm, aromatic soup.

Short Rib & Smoked Peach Spanakopita

Flaky pastry puff layered with smoked cinnamon peaches and braised short rib, baked until golden and served with a side of tart cherry infused yogurt for dipping.

Frozen DOLE® Peach Slices Frozen DOLE Red Tart Cherries
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Ghapama

A traditional Armenian holiday dish, Ghapama is a stuffed pumpkin filled with rice, cherries, cranberry, dried dates, golden raisins, toasted pecans, toasted walnut, and cinnamon spice, baked whole with the top on.

Frozen DOLE® Red Tart Cherries Frozen DOLE Whole Cranberries
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Kofta Bozbash

A large lamb meatball filled with dark sweet cherries and red tart cherries cooked in a saffron bone broth with potatoes, onions, chickpeas, and dry herb blend of mint and basil.

Frozen DOLE® Dark Sweet Cherries Frozen DOLE Red Tart Cherries
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FLAVOR INSPIRATIONS FROM ETHIOPIA

Whether it’s Injera, a dough made from ground teff, or a delicious Berbere spiced stew, Ethiopian food takes the idea of flavor conveyance to the next level. The rich spice history of Ethiopia preaches the reverence with which they treat spice blends and flavor. Dole fruit serves as the perfect complement to the tradition of produce-centric cooking. Eating with predominately their right hands and having a small historical influence from Italy, there is otherwise very little external influence with the rest of their culinary identity, stemming from some exceptionally ancient tribes.

Cherry Berbere Stew

A bold and flavorful stew made from dark sweet cherries, braised lamb shank, berbere spices, chunks of sweet potato, and yellow onion, ladled over saffron rice and garnished with a swirl of tangy yogurt and freshly chopped herbs.

DOLE® IQF Dark Sweet Cherries
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Peach Injera Cake

Fermented sourdough cake topped with juicy diced peaches and a decadent peach honey drizzle.

DOLE® Chef-Ready Cuts Diced Peaches
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Peach Sambusas

A thin, flaky dough stuffed with spiced peaches and shaped into triangles, then fried until golden brown and finished with a fresh honey-thyme drizzle.

DOLE® Chef-Ready Peach Frozen Purée DOLE Chef-Ready Cuts Diced Peaches
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FLAVOR INSPIRATIONS FROM MOROCCO

Located on the north-west tip of Africa, Morocco shares a coastline with the Mediterranean and has a strong historical colonial influence from both Spain and France. This region has a rich history of ornate cookware, aromatic spices and colorful presentation. Tagine and fried sardines are part of the cultural snapshot that Dole has taken of the diverse culinary identity of Morocco.

Tagine Street Tacos

Grilled garlic naan bread filled with braised harissa-spiced chicken and a vibrant Moroccan relish made from diced apples, preserved lemons and chickpeas and finished with a drizzle of fennel yogurt sauce.

DOLE® Chef-Ready Cuts Diced Apples
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Fried Sardines with Spicy Mango Dipping Sauce

Small sardines seasoned with coriander, chili, garlic, paprika and cumin, lightly dusted with seasoned flour then quickly fried and served with a spicy mango dipping sauce and a slice of grilled lemon.

DOLE® Chef-Ready Cuts Mango Cubes DOLE Chef-Ready Mango Frozen Purée
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Moroccan Peach Almond Milkshake

Creamy almond milk blended with peach purée, dates and a splash of orange flower water, topped with toasted almond slices.

DOLE® Chef-Ready Peach Frozen Purée DOLE Chef-Ready Cuts Diced Peaches
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