Invitation: Freekeh - An afternoon about a middle-eastern delicacy
To all foodies: companies in the food industry, organisations, chefs, entrepreneurs - everyone who loves food and the development of new exciting climate friendly products. Researchers from UCPH FOOD and partners invite you to a presentation of their research about freekeh: toasted green durum wheat - an ancient food originating from the Levant. There will also be a tasting of freekeh - both in traditional dishes and in new products developed by the researchers.
Come and get inspired! The event is free, but you have to register - see below. We will serve drinks - both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The presentation will be in English.
Time and place: 19 June 2023 17:30-19:30 at The Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, 1958 Frederiksberg C - we meet at the reception.
To maintain food security and lower the risk of losing yield to extreme climate events, our ancestors found a clever solution. They harvested the wheat while still emerald green, sweet and umami, and captured that essence by shortly torching it. The grains were protected by the moisture in the young plants, the use of fire made it easy to peel and store, and the process gave an exceptional, satisfying flavor: meaty, smoky and umami.
Now, we combine gastronomy and science to look into this unique technique and learn about the chemistry of the flavor: where it originates from, its sensory perceptions and how it is shaped by the complex interactions between the grains and the fire.
The researchers asked themselves how they could express this flavor profile in both traditional and modern cuisines, and how we can reinvigorate and innovate from tradition into new and exciting foods and products. During the past two years they have been studying freekeh in two EU- and GUDP-funded projects, and are now pleased to share these discoveries with you.
Programme:
17:30 - Gathering, cocktails and snacks, short presentation of Freekeh production
18:00 - A panel discussion about Freekeh + Q&A.
The panel consists of associated professor Michael Bom Frøst (UCPH FOOD), Louise Windfeldt (UCPH PLEN, the association of seed collectors), Alon Cna'ani (UCPH FOOD), Bram T. A. Kerkhof (REDUCED). Louise Beck Brønnum (KOST STUDIO) is moderator.
18:30 - Tasting of Freekeh based products
19:30 - End of event