What are convenience foods?

For the common of mortals, this of the products of V range sounds to us to meetings in the 3rd phase or similar. We must confess that those of us who are crazy about Iberian products have had to read and learn a lot about the different ranges of foods before launching ourselves into the adventure of offering you fifth range products.

Classification of foods into ranges

The first thing we ask ourselves is what are 1st range foods, pre-cooked dishes, 5th range, 2nd, 3rd and 4th range foods? What is the difference between a 4th range food and a 5th range dish? Why don’t we call convenience foods convenience foods?

We are not food industry technicians and surely something will escape us, however, in this article we want to help you to know the classification of foods in ranges, the reason for this classification and the differences from I range foods to V range foods … and those that are coming … the VI range.

The classification of foods by ranges is carried out in the agri-food industry as a means of identifying all the variety of food presentations at the different stages of the marketing chain.

Premium Foods

Foods in the first range are those that have not undergone any transformation. All fruits, vegetables, fish and fresh meats belong to the 1st range. These are foods that have not undergone any type of treatment to extend their shelf life and are therefore highly perishable.

Second Range Foods

The traditional canned foods made by our grandmothers fall into the group of second range foods. They are, therefore, foods that have undergone a thermal process and subsequent packaging to extend their shelf life. In general, 2nd range foods do not require refrigeration, with some exceptions such as canned anchovies. Second range foods may or may not have added preservatives.

III Range Foods

We move on to the 3rd range. Perhaps the easiest to define. The category of 3rd range food includes all frozen foods that can be preserved for up to 12 months, but always maintaining the cold chain, which is the key to 3rd range food.

Foods of IV and V Range

The 4th and 5th range foods have been incorporated very recently to our gastronomic culture. Until recently it was unthinkable to buy spinach in bags and ready to eat or salads of different varieties of lettuce to open and eat. Nor could we imagine enjoying the dishes of the most famous restaurants in our homes with all their flavor and juice.

Fresh-cut foods are made up of all these fruits and vegetables, cleaned, peeled and cut, which have not been subjected to any thermal process and are packaged in modified atmospheres (MAP). The ease of consumption of convenience foods has made it possible to bring fruits and vegetables to countless consumers and households. The best example is the fast food restaurants where children can opt for fruit in their €4 children’s menu.

We have finally arrived at the V range, which has just entered the ibericomio craze. The fifth range foods allow a healthy and quality food.

The distinctive characteristics of the 5th range products are traditionally prepared dishes which are heat-treated and pasteurized very gently. Finally, they are packaged in a protective atmosphere. In this way, a dish prepared in a natural way and without adding any type of preservatives can be preserved for a considerable period of time without losing any of its nutritional or organoleptic qualities.
The most important difference between convenience foods and precooked foods is that preservatives and in some cases flavor enhancers or colorants are added to the latter.

The Iberian pig is used in countless dishes in the Iberian gastronomy. We, the Iberian Crazy, are committed to expanding the consumption and knowledge of the Iberian world in its entirety. From the knowledge of the Dehesa as a unique ecosystem in the world to the highest culinary expressions in restaurants with a Michelin star.

Ibericomio ‘s wide range of products already includes prestigious cured products such as the most expensive Iberian ham in the world, fresh Iberian meats from 100% Iberian animals fed on acorns during the “montanera” season.

Now we are making the leap to a new category; the V range food. And we do it with partners of great recognition; Melquiades Rodríguez Hams and El Ermitaño Restaurant. Zamora companies with deep roots in the province.

Melquiades accumulates every day more recognitions to the quality and good craftsmanship of its sausages and Iberian hams. The Melquiades Zamorano chorizo is probably the best of the Chorizo Zamorano guarantee brand.
Jamones y embutidos Melquiades Rodríguez also has a specific line of fresh Iberian meat. This is the germ of the new V range products Melquiades by El Ermitaño.

The restaurant El Ermitaño de Benavente in Zamora. A unique place to enjoy the highest quality Zamora cuisine and has been recognized with a Michelin star and two Repsol suns. One of the keys to the success of El Ermitaño is in its quality raw materials. The Iberian meats are supplied, as it could not be otherwise, by Melquiades Rodriguez.

We invite you from this blog to enjoy a complete gastronomic experience to taste our 5th Range products in Ibericomio.es