12 Exotic Food Products from Around the World

Every two years, Anuga, the international food and beverage show, opens in Cologne, Germany, with some of the world’s most innovative products. This year, nearly 6,600 companies from 100 countries showcased their foods in 10 exhibit halls—and we walked them all from October 8–13, to give you a look at what’s new and exciting around the globe. Here is what we found:

Armenia

Pomegranate Wine. Made from certified-organic pomegranates from Armenia, where the fruit has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. The wine has no sugar added and can be enjoyed with cheese or fruit. Imported through Aniland in Germany.

Belgium

BioSmile Vegetarian Deli Meat. Does anyone else have childhood memories of those hams with pimento in it? This omega 3–rich deli-meat substitute is reminiscent of that cold-cut staple of decades past, but much improved. It is made with wheat, vegetables, cereals and egg whites and has bits of vegetables in each slice. Flavors include carrot, pistachio, mushroom and broccoli. Made by Fit Food.

Georgia

Svanetian Herbal Salt. This salt mixture contains cumin, garlic, marigold, coriander, dill, bell pepper and caraway, and can be used as a condiment or mixed with oil and vinegar for a seasoned salad dressing. The mix comes from Svanetia, a rural region in the Caucasus mountains, where it is traditionally used as a spice for soups, potatoes and other savory dishes. Made by Elkana, a biological farming association that supports some 450 farmers in Georgia, assisting with cultivating, processing and marketing the region’s agricultural products.

Germany

Nopalburger. The next thing for vegans and vegetarians may be this new gluten-free burger containing 40 percent nopal—cactus leaves—known for their nutrients. Each “burger” contains fresh vegetables, Mexican chiles and a blend of herbs. Made by Mex-Al El Sombrero.

Greece

Organic Bergamot Marmalade. Made from the citrus fruit bergamot, this marmalade has an intense taste and aroma and high levels of vitamins, minerals and fiber. The all-natural preserve contains only fresh fruit, sugar and lemon juice. Slow processing in low temperatures maintains the characteristic aroma and color of the fruit. Made by Geodi S.A.

Hong Kong

Black Sesame Spread. In Asia, black sesame seeds are popular for their high level of calcium—twice as much as white sesame seeds contain. This spread is used similarly to peanut butter on crackers or biscuits for breakfast, lunch or a quick snack. Black sesame seeds are also reported to help improve digestive ailments and prevent hair loss or graying. Made by Torto, a company also introducing black sesame hot-chocolate-style beverages. (Pictured left)

Italy

Formaggio 1/3 Birra. More, please. This new pasteurized cow’s milk cheese is made with beer added directly into the whey to offer a distinct aroma and flavor. Made by Luigi Guffanti 1876. (Pictured right)

Lithuania

Colored Cheese. Semi-hard cow's milk cheeses vibrantly colored with herbs and vegetables. Flavors include: Pippiro with jalapeño peppers; Basilis with basil; Jalatoris with sun-dried tomatoes and green jalapeño pepper; and Tomator with sun-dried tomatoes. Made by Vilkyskiu Pienine AB.

Korea

Organic Bamboo Tea. Caffeine-free tea made with hand-picked young organic bamboo leaves from Damyang, the country’s best-known area for bamboo cultivation. The bamboo is rich in fiber and protein. Available in flavors such as lemon, pomegranate and vanilla. Made by Bambusland. (Pictured left)

Spain

Caramel liqueur. A rich liqueur with a golden bronze color and aromas of caramel, cream and toffee. Made by Rives Pitman, S.A.

Taiwan

Matcha Red Bean Milk Tea. Japanese matcha is blended in red-bean milk tea from Taiwan in this fusion drink. Made by Chatime. (Pictured right)

United States

Chu'peon Beans. Ruins of an ancient civilization known as the Anazazi (“the ancient ones”), ancestors to the Native American Pueblo tribe, can be found in what is today known as Mesa Verde National Park, where the four corners of Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico meet. The Anazazi grew a bean not found since the early 1900s called the Chu'peon, a relative of the pinto bean. The variety is being cultivated again by Native Natural in Albuquerque, N.M., through American Indian Foods, a partnership with the Intertribal Council that provides a platform for American Indian food businesses to showcase their products and share their culture.

Most of these international products are at different stages of making their way stateside, but all are worth checking out in your travels.—Denise Purcell

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