Agrifood company introduces flash-frozen herb pops

Agrifood company Kad Bnei Darom has introduced flash-frozen herb pops for chefs and home cooks.

The Israel-based company will reveal its new Cuca Herb Pops product line June 28-30 at the Fancy Food Show in New York.

Kad’s minced herbs are made into spheres sealed in flexible pouches that require no individual wrapping. Each pop delivers 15 grams (.5 ounces) of frozen fresh herbs.

The delivery system eliminates the need for plastic trays, including plastic films to seal the frozen produce, according to a news release. The format cuts packaging costs and reduces product waste while saving freezer space, labor and prep time, according to the company.

The pops were developed in collaboration with Practical Innovation, a development firm that helps companies create next-generation products and solutions.

“We have been in the business of growing fresh produce and creating artisan products for more than 50 years,” Kad Bnei Darom CEO David Ben-Ze’ev said in the release. “While honoring our traditional roots, Cuca Pops mark Kad’s expanding foothold in food innovation, bringing vibrancy, ease and environmental consciousness into every kitchen.” 

Kad’s vertically integrated operation grows herbs with partner farmers in the Arava desert. The herbs are frozen at the source soon after harvest without any intermediary packaging, helping to preserve flavor, aroma, color and nutritional value, the company said.

The fresh herbs are frozen using advanced Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) technology, ensuring the spheres do not stick together and can be easily removed. The process helps the pops maintain structural stability through freezing and thawing, according to the release.

The all-natural pops are available in six varieties: garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, dill and basil.

“These individual, quick-use frozen herb balls were crafted to respond to demands for top quality natural ingredients that provide convenience, precision, and flexibility while solving the overuse of plastic packaging and food waste,” Pratctical Innovation CEO Tal Leizer said. “Fresh green herbs are highly perishable by nature and known to be particularly prone to degradation.”

The new product is intended for both the retail consumer packaged goods food market and the foodservice sector. Kad Bnei Darom also is open to international private label requests. 

“The pops represent the first creation in our collection of advanced flash-frozen formats, offering cooks versatile and smarter ways to store, prepare, and enjoy fresh herbs in their everyday cooking routines,” Ben-Ze’ev said.