Chef Lala Talks With Zsweet
Do you go down the market aisles and notice that you are dropping organic products into your cart? You probably didn't do this 10 years ago when you were shopping but now with the continuous talk that organic is better for you, you want something healthier for yourself and your family.

Today, I'm here talking to a Latino entrepreneur that has come up with an organic and all natural zero calorie sweetener. I had to stop myself and ask why would he introduce an organic line when his first product was so successful and new to the market. Let me introduce him. He is Tim Avila and he is CEO of Ventana Health Inc., makers of Zsweet All Natural and Zsweet Organic.

Chef LaLa: Tell me about Zsweet.

Tim: Currently, we have produced 2 products... Zsweet All Natural and Zsweet Organic. Both of them are sweeteners that are zero calorie, zero aftertaste and zero glycemic effect which means that they are safe for diabetics and pre-diabetics. What is unique about Zsweet is that Zsweet tastes like sugar, looks like sugar and functions like sugar.

Chef LaLa: Why did you think it was important to make Zsweet?

Tim: In 2003, my father-in-law's diabetes worsened and eventually his leg was amputated and he is now awaiting a second kidney transplant. Later I found out that my aunt, my uncles and even my mother all were diagnosed with diabetes and pre-diabetes. It was devastating for myself and my family so in 2004, I created the company with the vision to make food products that are safe for adults and children with diabetes and those prone to it. I looked at the statistics and saw what was happening not just in the minority population (especially among Latinos) but all across this country and in other Western countries. But don't confuse yourself that Zsweet is just for diabetics. It is for all of us that want a little sweetness in our lives without the worries.

Chef LaLa: What was the reasoning to go organic?

Tim: In December of 2005, we launched Zsweet All Natural and it quickly got the attention of Whole Foods Market and the media. Within 3 months after our online launch, Zsweet was in store shelves. As we received feedback from our customers, we heard them say that they would love an organic version and that's when we started working on it. Zsweet Organic was officially launched in March 2007.

Chef LaLa: So what does organic mean to the food industry, retailers and the consumer now in the future?

Tim: Organic food is the fastest growing food sector in the U.S. According to various studies, this industry is growing by 20% a year. Consumers are now demanding organic products causing some of the largest retailers such as Walmart and Safeway to include organic food on their shelves. It is also interesting to note that recently big brand manufactures like Nestle and Pepsico are repositioning themselves as health and wellness companies. Organic food is not a trend anymore but a way of life.

Chef LaLa: Thank you, Tim, for your time. For more information about Zsweet Organic, please visit www.zsweetorganic.com but in the meantime, let's toast Mr. Avila with a Casi Mojito.

Servings: 4 - Serving Size: 8 ounces
Ingredients:
32 ounces sparkling mineral water
4 large limes
1 tablespoon mint leaves
4 tablespoons Zsweet ® all natural
Method
1) Crush mint leaves and the juice of the limes in a tall glass.
2) Cover with sparkling mineral water.
3) Add Zsweet ® all natural, stir well to incorporate.
4) Fill glass with ice.
5) Garnish with lime and mint sprigs.
Note: To make a Cuban Mojito, just add rum.
Nutritional Guide
66 calories per serving, 32g carbohydrates, 0g fat

Chef Lala
Comida News Contributing Editor