The “Most Marketable” salsa created by students from Redwood Prep Charter School is now available for purchase at Eureka Natural Foods, Eureka location. Last fall, nine teams of 3rd-6th graders from Eel River Valley schools collaborated with some of the finest chefs in Humboldt County to create a salsa recipe for judging and public tasting during the annual Apple Harvest Festival in Fortuna.

The annual event is organized by the Humboldt County Office of Education’s Nutrition Programs & Services department, which encourages healthy eating habits throughout county schools. The young chefs had the opportunity to learn about nutrition, local foods, and culinary skills, as well as how to collaborate as a team as they worked with a mentor chef.

After public tasting and voting, an awards ceremony was held, and The “Most Marketable Salsa” judged by Kitchen Manager Waylon Carl of Eureka Natural Foods, recognized the team from Redwood Prep Charter School, a first-time participant, and mentor Chef Gregory McChristian of River’s Edge Restaurant for their “Dancing Pineapple Salsa.”  Waylon stated, ““Seeing the youth get so excited on competition day about culinary arts, a career field I am very passionate about, was an awesome experience.”

The salsa will be available throughout February or while supplies last. A complete list of the award results is also attached for reference. All nine salsa recipes are available at www.humboldtrisingstars.org.

For more information about HCOE’s Nutrition Programs & Services, please contact Linda Prescott at (707) 442-7042 or lprescott@hcoe.org.