‘Tis the season to indulge, and at Westco Foods, we’re bringing you a feast-worthy range that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance! This month, we’re turning up the heat in the kitchen with a sizzling selection of premium hams and succulent turkeys. Get ready to elevate your holiday spread!
HAM-tastic Deals: Unwrap the Flavour!
Our hams are not just any hams – they’re showstoppers! Juicy, flavourful, and oh-so-tender, Westco Foods’ hams are the secret ingredient to a holiday meal that will leave your guests begging for seconds. Whether you’re a fan of classic glazed hams or adventurous flavours like honey Dijon, we’ve got the perfect ham for every taste bud. Plus, with our unbeatable prices, you can stock up for all your festive gatherings without a second thought.
Turkey Triumph: Gobble, Gobble, Gone!
If your holiday table isn’t complete without a golden, crispy-skinned turkey, then you’re in for a treat. Our premium turkeys are the epitome of perfection – plump, juicy, and ready to take centre stage at your holiday feast. From whole turkeys to turkey breasts, we’ve got the options to suit your celebration, big or small.
A Guide To Understanding Food Labels: Making Informed Choices
In today’s fast-paced world, making informed food choices is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The first step towards achieving this is deciphering food labels. Understanding food labels empowers you to identify the nutritional content, ingredients, and potential allergens in the products you buy. In this guide, we’ll explore how to decode food labels, helping you make informed decisions and prioritize your well-being.
The Nutrition Facts Panel
The Nutrition Facts Panel is one of the most critical components of a food label. Located on the back or side of most packaged foods, this panel provides essential information about the product’s nutritional content per serving. Pay close attention to the following elements:
Serving Size: This indicates the recommended serving size for the product, which allows you to understand the nutritional values accurately.
Calories: The number of calories per serving helps you manage your daily intake.
Nutrients: Look for information on fats, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fibre, sugars, and protein. It is essential to be mindful of your intake of these nutrients.
Vitamins and Minerals: Some labels include information on vitamins and minerals, which can be beneficial for assessing your daily intake.
Ingredient List
The ingredient list is located just below the Nutrition Facts Panel and provides a breakdown of all the components in the product, listed in descending order by weight. Keep in mind the following:
Read Carefully: Be on the lookout for added sugars, unhealthy fats, artificial additives, and high levels of sodium.
Allergens: The ingredient list will highlight common allergens such as milk, eggs, nuts, wheat, and soy. This is crucial for individuals with food allergies.
Health Claims and Buzzwords
Food labels often display various health claims and buzzwords like “natural,” “organic,” and “low-fat.” It’s essential to understand what these terms mean:
Organic: Foods labelled as “organic” are grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Look for the official USDA Organic seal.
Natural: The FDA’s definition of “natural” is vague, and products may contain artificial ingredients despite the label. Rely on the ingredient list for a clear picture.
Low-fat, Low-sugar, etc.: These claims may sound promising, but always verify the actual numbers on the Nutrition Facts Panel to ensure the product aligns with your dietary needs.
Understanding Food Additives
Food additives are substances added to food during processing to enhance flavour, texture, or appearance. Some additives are safe, while others may cause adverse reactions in certain individuals. Common additives include preservatives, artificial colours, and flavours. Familiarise yourself with the different types of additives and their potential effects.
The ‘Best Before’ Date
Every packaged food item comes with a “best before” or “use by” date. This date indicates the period during which the product is at its best quality. Consuming foods past this date might not be harmful, but the quality and taste may have degraded.
Conclusion
Understanding food labels is an essential skill that enables you to make informed choices about the food you consume. By paying attention to the Nutrition Facts Panel, ingredient list, health claims, and food additives, you can take charge of your health and well-being. As you become more familiar with food labels, you’ll find it easier to select products that align with your dietary preferences and nutritional needs. By prioritising your health, you can embark on a journey of conscious eating and overall well-being.
Place the ham in a large roasting pan, and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Score The Ham
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, creating 1-inch squares.
Prepare The Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, whole-grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground closes, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is well combined. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
Glaze The Ham
Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored lines. Also, put a few tablespoons of pineapple juice in the pan to intensify the flavour.
Bake
Tent the ham with foil to prevent excessive browning, and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Glaze Again
Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the pan juices and apply more glaze. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the ham to develop a beautiful golden colour.
Check For Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). If not, continue baking, checking every 15 minutes.
Garnish & Rest
Optional: insert whole cloves into the scored intersections for added flavour and a festive look. Also, place pineapple rings to your liking, no one is judging.
Once done, remove the ham from the oven, tent it with foil, and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy
Carve the ham into slices, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired.
Serve this honey-glazed ham as the centrepiece of your feast and savour the delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours this season!
All turkeys and mustard can be bought at Westco Foods.
Ingredients
1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen (Belwood Country Premium Whole Turkey, Turkey Farms Whole Turkey, Carolina Turkey Ham)
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup honey
1/2 cup mustard
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Zest of one orange
1 teaspoon ground sage
1 teaspoon ground thyme or seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup chicken or turkey broth (for basting)
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Rinse the turkey under cold water, pat it dry with paper towels, and place it on a roasting rack set in a roasting pan.
Season The Turkey
Season the turkey cavity with salt and pepper. If desired, stuff with aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage.
Prepare The Glaze
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, mustard, fresh orange juice, orange zest, ground sage, and ground thyme until well combined.
Glaze Turkey
Brush the entire surface of the turkey with the honey glaze, ensuring it’s well-coated
Tent With Foil
Tent the turkey with aluminium foil to prevent excessive browning during the initial roasting.
Roast
Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast for about 2 hours, basting with chicken or turkey broth every 30 minutes.
Continue Roasting
Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste regularly to keep the turkey moist.
Rest
Once done, remove the turkey from the oven, tent it with foil, and let it rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
Carve & Enjoy!
Carve the turkey into slices, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and serve with your favourite holiday sides.
Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the succulent, honey-kissed flavours of this festive honey-baked turkey!
Place the ham in a large roasting pan, and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Score The Ham
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, creating 1-inch squares.
Prepare The Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, whole-grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground closes, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is well combined. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
Glaze The Ham
Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored lines. Also, put a few tablespoons of pineapple juice in the pan to intensify the flavour.
Bake
Tent the ham with foil to prevent excessive browning, and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Glaze Again
Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the pan juices and apply more glaze. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the ham to develop a beautiful golden colour.
Check For Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). If not, continue baking, checking every 15 minutes.
Garnish & Rest
Optional: insert whole cloves into the scored intersections for added flavour and a festive look. Also, place pineapple rings to your liking, no one is judging.
Once done, remove the ham from the oven, tent it with foil, and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy
Carve the ham into slices, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired.
Serve this honey-glazed ham as the centrepiece of your feast and savour the delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours this season!
‘Tis the season to indulge, and at Westco Foods, we’re bringing you a feast-worthy range that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance! This month, we’re turning up the heat in the kitchen with a sizzling selection of premium hams and succulent turkeys. Get ready to elevate your holiday spread!
HAM-tastic Deals: Unwrap the Flavour!
Our hams are not just any hams – they’re showstoppers! Juicy, flavourful, and oh-so-tender, Westco Foods’ hams are the secret ingredient to a holiday meal that will leave your guests begging for seconds. Whether you’re a fan of classic glazed hams or adventurous flavours like honey Dijon, we’ve got the perfect ham for every taste bud. Plus, with our unbeatable prices, you can stock up for all your festive gatherings without a second thought.
Turkey Triumph: Gobble, Gobble, Gone!
If your holiday table isn’t complete without a golden, crispy-skinned turkey, then you’re in for a treat. Our premium turkeys are the epitome of perfection – plump, juicy, and ready to take centre stage at your holiday feast. From whole turkeys to turkey breasts, we’ve got the options to suit your celebration, big or small.
A Guide To Understanding Food Labels: Making Informed Choices
In today’s fast-paced world, making informed food choices is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The first step towards achieving this is deciphering food labels. Understanding food labels empowers you to identify the nutritional content, ingredients, and potential allergens in the products you buy. In this guide, we’ll explore how to decode food labels, helping you make informed decisions and prioritize your well-being.
The Nutrition Facts Panel
The Nutrition Facts Panel is one of the most critical components of a food label. Located on the back or side of most packaged foods, this panel provides essential information about the product’s nutritional content per serving. Pay close attention to the following elements:
Serving Size: This indicates the recommended serving size for the product, which allows you to understand the nutritional values accurately.
Calories: The number of calories per serving helps you manage your daily intake.
Nutrients: Look for information on fats, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fibre, sugars, and protein. It is essential to be mindful of your intake of these nutrients.
Vitamins and Minerals: Some labels include information on vitamins and minerals, which can be beneficial for assessing your daily intake.
Ingredient List
The ingredient list is located just below the Nutrition Facts Panel and provides a breakdown of all the components in the product, listed in descending order by weight. Keep in mind the following:
Read Carefully: Be on the lookout for added sugars, unhealthy fats, artificial additives, and high levels of sodium.
Allergens: The ingredient list will highlight common allergens such as milk, eggs, nuts, wheat, and soy. This is crucial for individuals with food allergies.
Health Claims and Buzzwords
Food labels often display various health claims and buzzwords like “natural,” “organic,” and “low-fat.” It’s essential to understand what these terms mean:
Organic: Foods labelled as “organic” are grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Look for the official USDA Organic seal.
Natural: The FDA’s definition of “natural” is vague, and products may contain artificial ingredients despite the label. Rely on the ingredient list for a clear picture.
Low-fat, Low-sugar, etc.: These claims may sound promising, but always verify the actual numbers on the Nutrition Facts Panel to ensure the product aligns with your dietary needs.
Understanding Food Additives
Food additives are substances added to food during processing to enhance flavour, texture, or appearance. Some additives are safe, while others may cause adverse reactions in certain individuals. Common additives include preservatives, artificial colours, and flavours. Familiarise yourself with the different types of additives and their potential effects.
The ‘Best Before’ Date
Every packaged food item comes with a “best before” or “use by” date. This date indicates the period during which the product is at its best quality. Consuming foods past this date might not be harmful, but the quality and taste may have degraded.
Conclusion
Understanding food labels is an essential skill that enables you to make informed choices about the food you consume. By paying attention to the Nutrition Facts Panel, ingredient list, health claims, and food additives, you can take charge of your health and well-being. As you become more familiar with food labels, you’ll find it easier to select products that align with your dietary preferences and nutritional needs. By prioritising your health, you can embark on a journey of conscious eating and overall well-being.
Understanding the factors behind the rises (and occasional price drops!).
Meat Prices
Meat, known as the world’s most popular source of protein, is often perceived as a luxury dietary option. The prices of meat products can fluctuate significantly, influenced by a range of factors that shape the global meat market. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for consumers, producers, and policymakers alike. In this article, we will explore the various factors that contribute to the rise and fall of meat prices, shedding light on recent trends and their implications for the Trinidadian marketplace.
Global Price Trends
According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, global lamb and beef prices experienced a decline towards the end of 2022 but have been steadily rising since the beginning of 2023. While they have not yet reached the all-time highs observed last year, the upward trajectory of meat costs contrasts with the downward trend in non-meat food prices during the same period. The poultry industry, in particular, has been severely affected, grappling with bird-flu pandemics that forced breeders out of business and increased the cost of health management in surviving flocks.
Production Cycles and Demand-Supply Mismatch
The production of meat operates on long cycles, varying from months for the likes of chicken, to up to three to four years for beef. This means that sudden increases in demand cannot be easily met by producers, resulting in significant price jumps. Even during periods of stable demand, when supplies are low, dealers must outbid each other to secure supply, further driving up prices.
When demand and supply are more balanced, producers and processes can make good efficiency improvements and offer better prices. However, it isn’t long before the balance is tipped, and the meat industry scrambles to adjust. Maybe it means finding new regions of supply, arranging different transport routes, etc.
Dependency on Animal Feed
The cost of animal feed, largely dependent on grain prices, plays a critical role in meat production. Increases in fertilizer costs directly affect grain prices, leading to higher expenses for animal feed. The global increase in both fertilizer and grain prices, triggered by factors like Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has had a knock-on effect on the cost of meat production. Although these input costs have now started to recede, the repercussions continue to affect meat prices.
Transportation and Storage Costs
Transportation and storage expenses, including fuel and energy for freezer units, impact meat prices. During periods of reduced demand, suppliers may need to quickly sell off meat to prevent rising energy bills and product spoilage. Conversely, when demand surges, the costs of transportation and storage can contribute to higher meat prices.
Pork Industry Challenges
The largest European pig farmers have been grappling with the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent shutdown of many pork processors. These disruptions caused lost production and missed breeding programs, creating challenges for the pork industry as it works towards recovery. The lingering effects of these challenges are still impacting prices globally, however, at Westco Foods we’re doing all we can to bring you the best value pork.
Conclusion
Meat prices fluctuate due to a multitude of factors that influence the global meat market. Supply and demand dynamics, production cycles, feed costs, energy prices, government policies, currency exchange rates, and seasonal demand variations such as Christmas all play a role in shaping meat prices. Understanding these factors and their interplay is essential for consumers and those in the hospitality trade. By staying informed about the drivers behind price fluctuations, buyers can make more informed decisions regarding meat consumption and adapt to changing market conditions.
Westco Foods put a lot of effort into sourcing quality meats at affordable prices. Wherever we can, we pass on the savings we make to our valued customers.
You can get the best up-to-date price on meat products by adding your product to the quote list and submitting online. You’re welcome to contact our sales reps for advice on getting the best meat deals currently available.
Westco Foods Now Exports To Other Caribbean Islands!
As food wholesalers in Trinidad, our team are excited to announce that we now export to other islands in the Caribbean including Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, and St Vincent.
The shipping times for each island can vary anywhere between one to two weeks, so we recommend you get in touch with our team to discuss your specific needs in more detail.
We can’t wait to serve you quality products at great prices! Our goal is not only to support Trinidad with healthy food choices but you as well, our island neighbours. Let Westco Foods be your new one-stop food distributor – from meat to fries and condiments to food containers, we have all you need.
We can now export to Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, and St Vincent.
Improving Frozen Food Standards Through Targeted Investment
Frozen food hygiene is essential, right?
At Westco we match our talk with our walk having invested heavily recently in fully climate-controlled loading bays to ensure your meats and foods remain frozen until delivered to you!
Quality Assurance From Order Picking To Your Door
At Westco Foods our freezers and food chillers are monitored for temperature 24/7 as part of our strong focus on food safety and hygiene which has made us a trusted supplier to well-recognised restaurants throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
From our walk-in freezers to the temperature-controlled delivery vehicles, the importance of the supply chain is paramount for us. The refurbished loading bays bring efficiency by allowing food orders to be organised ahead of collection or delivery without thawing out.
We have included some images here of the step-by-step journey as we refurbished the building.
Westco Gives You Quality Foods – Guaranteed
Our range of frozen foods is sourced with a focus on quality and consistency so that customers can count on receiving high-quality products on time. When your customers are happy then everyone is happy!
We regularly gather feedback and react to the emerging trends and needs in food service for hotels, restaurants, fast-food eating houses, and supermarkets.
