Long-time friends and climbing partners Edmond Sanctis and Josh Schroeter were inspired to found their company, Sahale (sah-HA-lee) Snacks, while climbing Washington state’s Mt. Rainier. Perhaps not the most likely place to start a gourmet food business! While their adventure was exhilarating, their trail mix and nuts were dull. You know their dilemma – trail mix sometimes tastes no better than trail dust. Once they returned to their homes, they set about combining premium nuts, dried fruits and exotic spices to create delicious, wholesome and nutritious snack blends. After tasting four of their snacks, we are hooked!
Starting at the top of the plate and moving clockwise, the Soledad Almonds contain apple, flax seeds, date, balsamic vinegar and red pepper. The red pepper and vinegar are the first tastes on the tongue, but the sweetness of the apple and date quickly balance the heat. The Southwest Cashews with chili and cheddar are coated with grated cheddar-jack cheese, poblano and guajillo peppers, then slow roasted to a spicy crunch. You can’t get much more southwestern than these delicious seasoned nuts. Barbeque Almonds with mild chipotle and ranch have a classic smoky sweet taste, layered with tangy buttermilk ranch and chipotle pepper heat. Last, but certainly not least, are Valdosta Pecans with sweet cranberries, black pepper and orange zest. While pecans and cranberries might be standard trail mix fare, the pepper and orange zest set this mix well apart from ordinary. It would be very hard to chose a favorite!
Edmond and Josh both had careers in entertainment and broadcast fields before establishing Seattle-based Sahale Snacks. Their commitment to environmental responsibility is evidenced by the fact that the company is 100% wind-powered. Sahale Snacks has been the #1 best-selling natural trail mix in the USA since 2006, and their products are Certified Kosher and gluten-free. And didn’t we already say delicious?
It is safe to say that I’m never going to climb Mt. Rainier; I’m sufficiently challenged by the rolling hills in my neighborhood on my morning run. But aren’t we all a just little more conscious these days of taking better care of ourselves? The trail mix packages ask this question, “Who says indulgent can’t be healthy?” These snacks provide the healthful benefits of nuts, along with oh-so-wonderful taste, in “to-go” packaging great for lunch boxes, backpacks, purses, briefcases, and yes, on the trail. Don’t stop there, though. These treats would be at home on a buffet table, and the company’s website suggests wine and cocktail pairings. With football season kicking off, the snacks would also make great substitutes for high fat and sodium chips.
Buy Sahale Snacks directly from the company, or look for them in major retailers, including Whole Foods, Pier 1, REI, Kroger, Hannaford, Publix, and Costco.
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