The growing interest in healthy food products, as well as gluten-free applications, has paved the way for the introduction by California-based Marroquin Organic International of several high-quality pea ingredients. The company is working with Best Cooking Pulses Inc. (BCP) to introduce organic and non-GMO pea ingredients to the U.S. market. BCP is located in the Canadian heart of pea production and is a premier leader in the development and processing of pea ingredients.
The product range, which includes green and yellow, whole and split pea flours; pea fiber; roasted split pea (coined “yumpeez”); and chickpea flour, is available as organic or non-GMO. The flours are versatile and can be used like wheat flour in countless applications, such as muffins, breads, tortillas, pastas, extruded products and pet foods.
According to president and CEO Grace Marroquin, “Our relationship with BCP ensures that the pea ingredients we are supplying to our customers are milled and processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities--an important consideration to guarantee the products maintain gluten-free integrity throughout processing.” Marroquin has led the company for over 17 years in its quest to bring exceptional and innovative organic, and now gluten-free, ingredients to the marketplace.
The health benefits of pulses, such as peas and chickpeas, are impressive. Pulses are naturally high in fiber and protein (20-25%), especially the amino acids, and lysine; they are also very low in fat. Not only are they complex carbohydrates, but they are also free of all major allergens. These characteristics, plus their numerous phytochemicals, may be responsible for their beneficial cardiovascular effects. Pulses are considered an excellent source of the B vitamins, folate (a critical nutrient for pregnant and lactating women), thiamine, pyridoxine, riboflavin and niacin; and the minerals iron, calcium and potassium.
Oligosaccharides are non-digestible fibers found in high levels in pulses that show prebiotic effects--the ability to stimulate the growth of “good” microflora. In addition, pulse flours have among the lowest glycemic index (GI) of common bakery ingredients. Consuming foods with a low GI value will not only aid in lowering blood glucose and insulin levels, but will also help control cholesterol levels and appetite and decrease the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
“Our products offer high nutritional alternatives to traditional commodity ingredients (like wheat, corn and soy),” adds Marroquin, “and, ongoing clinical research being conducted at universities throughout North America is supporting these health benefits and uncovering even more.”
Marroquin Organics has been a leading edge company for close to two decades in working with farmers and suppliers of certified-organic ingredients. The company provides expertise in all aspects of the supply chain, to ensure only the highest quality organic ingredients are provided to manufacturers across the food and beverage, nutraceutical, cosmetic and pet food spectrum. The new pea ingredients expand an already extensive range of functional, certified-organic ingredients, such as yeast extracts, active and inactive yeast products, corn syrup, dextrose, maltodextrins and starches. Organic whole and non-fat milk; sweet whey and sweet buttermilk powders, as well as whey protein concentrate (WPC); and milk protein concentrate (MPC) are also available. pf
For more information:
Marroquin Organic International • Santa Cruz, Calif.
Grace Marroquin • 831-423-3442
info@marroquin-organics.com; www.marroquin-organics.com
