Fun with Food – Bright Colors & Sweet Tastes

Oct 7, 2022 by Chef David

By Chef David

Ever feel the need for something sweet?  While I try to eat healthier, there is something appealing about brightly colored treats. Color influences how we feel. There is something delightful and juvenile about bold bright colors and when it is combined with sugar it can be intoxicating.  Two products with a decadent nostalgist pick me up, Calypso lemon and limeades and Darrell Lea licorice both certified kosher by the OU.

The Influence of Color

Color preferences have deeply rooted emotional responses which influence our taste and food preferences. Studies found that color can override the flavor of food. Which would you select a juice that is dull grey over one that is sparkly blue?

Bold brighter colors tend to be appealing to children while rekindling memories in adults.  Colors are associated with positive experiences. Vibrant colors like red, neon green, and blue can be energizing, and grab your attention. Orange, like red, can be inviting and friendly. Yellow is associated with laughter and sunshine.  Color can fool even fool your taste buds. People think orange juice which is a brighter orange is sweeter.

Vibrant Colors of Calypso

The colors of the Caribbean are the signature of the Calypso brand, a flavored lemonade that lets drinkers imagine the flavors of the islands.  These beverages are in available in vibrant blues, pinks, oranges, and greens. These cheerful colors conjure images of sea breezes and beaches.

Calypso drinks include lemonades, limeades, and Zero Sugar combinations. Each is produced with real fruit and natural flavors. We were struck by the colors and vintage bottles, providing a visual connection to the Islands.

The Calypso Story

The Calypso lemonade recipe was created by King Juice Company Inc in 1985 in Milwaukee Wisconsin. It was authentic small-batch lemonade made with real lemons and sugar. In 2000 Calypso launched four lemonade blends inspired by the inclusion of fruits and flavors evoking the spirit of the tropics. They currently offer over a dozen lemonade, limeade, and zero-sugar combinations. Inspiring you to ‘Be Your Island Self!’

The flavors and ingredients are pleasant pairings of tart and sweet, lemon juices, and citric acid, containing 7% juice. Our favorite was the Southern Peach Lemonade which includes peach juice from concentrate and lemon fruit pulp. Calypso produces a sugar-free version that has 5 calories compared to the original with 210 calories per 16-ounce bottle.

The contrasting colors of the various flavors set Calypso apart, Island Wave which is pink, brings the flavors of mango, banana, and oranges to lemonade. Paradise Punch Lemonade is a bright bold blood-orange, and Kiwi Lemonade is sea green.

Each variety tells its own story. ‘Some say if you hold a big seashell to your ear, you can hear the ocean waves crashing. Jojo says, hold an Ocean Blue Lemonade to your mouth instead. It’s a whole tidal wave of blue raspberry flavor that you can hear with your taste buds. And it’s loud!’

Calypso’s bright colors and tropical flavors take you on your island journey. Use the store locator to find a retailer near you.

Australian Licorice – A Tradition is Born

In 1888, Harry Lea, his Mum, and seven siblings embarked on a three-month voyage from England to Sydney, Australia, where they joined his father, who had immigrated two years prior. Harry tried a variety of occupations including prospecting for gold. In Adeline, he met his wife, Ester Goldman. They moved across Australia developing talent for catering, baking, and toffee making. In 1917 they moved to Sydney, opening a store selling fruit, and European-style fresh-to-the-counter toffees which later became a confectionary.

In 1934 Harry’s sons Maurice and Monty tried registering the company as Levy Brothers, the clerk commented that it did not sound like a particularly good name, asking for the name of the young blond boy with them. “That’s Our Brother Darrell” was the reply. Lea replaced Levy and the company was registered as Darrell Lea.

In 1957 the first batch of soft-eating licorice was invented by accident. When the first batch went wrong, they gave out free licorice and discovered that people enjoyed it! The rest is delicious history.

Soft Licorice Chews

Darrell Lea makes several kosher varieties of this Australian classic. Traditional, black, strawberry, mango, and mixed with vibrant red, yellow, and green.  Each serving of five pieces contains 100 calories, 10 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein.  Darrell Lea’s formulation does not contain high fructose corn syrup, using instead wheat glucose syrup, wheat flour, and licorice extract. This candy has a softer texture, with a mouthfeel similar to a gummy, and comes in bite-sized pieces. It does not overpower your palate with sugary sweetness, it is a more refined flavor.

Their black licorice uses treacle, which is a thick, sticky dark syrup made from partly refined sugar, (similar to blackstrap molasses) in addition to anise seed oil. While the strawberry and mango contain natural flavors, malic and citric acid, and black carrot powder.

The bold colors and distinctive shapes make this a crowd-pleaser. Darrell Lea can be purchased online or through the Store Locator.

Splurge

Bring out your inner child by adding a splash of color to your desserts with these intoxicating parve treats. Consider using these vibrant colors to accessorize your Sukkah or add a fun whimsical end to your meals – connecting your diners to happy childhood memories.

Travel the world with Calypso lemonade for a taste of the tropics. And taste Darrell Lea for an Australian adventure.