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Ramadan: preparation is half the battle
It is time for Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the month of fasting for Muslims all over the world. During Ramadan Muslims end the day with the Iftar, the meal eaten directly after sunset. This meal includes all kinds of delicacies and often brings the whole family together. But that is not entirely without challenges. It is customary for Muslims to eat food that meets halal guidelines, which means preparing the Iftar meal requires quite a lot of attention. To make it easier for consumers it is very important that food producers and retailers make the right preparations before Ramadan begins.
Ramadan
This year Ramadan will be from Sunday 10 March until after sunset on 9 April. According to the Central Statistics Bureau (CBS) there are around 900,000 Muslims living in the Netherlands, the majority of whom participate in Ramadan. This means that between sunrise and sunset they do not eat or drink. Smoking, telling lies, gossiping and swearing are also forbidden while fasting. The objectives of Ramadan include purifying the soul and coming closer to Allah. It is also a way for Muslims to empathise with people who are having a difficult time. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three day long holiday called Eid-al-Fitr during which families get together to enjoy the most delectable (often sweet) food and exchange presents. In 2024 the Eid-al-Fitr feasting (in Dutch called the Suikerfeest) will begin after sunset on 9 April.
Halal food
Muslims eat in accordance with halal guidelines. Halal means permissible or lawful in Islam and is the Islamic dietary standard. Food that is not halal is deemed haram - forbidden. In the main, halal or haram foods are animal products. Although meat that is slaughtered in accordance with the Islamic rules often carries a halal hallmark this is not the case for all products. There are many products that may contain animal ingredients but do not carry a halal hallmark. Gelatine (derived from pig collagen) is one example of an ingredient in products that Muslims generally qualify as haram and not halal. Finding our whether or not a product is halal is not always easy.
Progressive
As a food producer or retailer it is good to enable consumers participate in Ramadan without any worries. Halal food plays a major role in this. The number of Muslims around the world is growing, as is the offering of nutritional concepts that comply with halal guidelines. Dutch Spices is progressive and is responding to this growth by offering spice mixes, sauces and marinades that are allergen safe, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan and also halal-certificated. We deem it important that seasonings comply with the halal specifications and thus take the worry off the shoulders of food producers and retailers in the run-up to Ramadan.
Dutch Spices
Dutch Spices’ progressive range of products complies with the halal guidelines and can be used safely in halal food and food for people with other special dietary needs. This is how we make it possible for everyone to enjoy delicious food. We call this ‘Freedom of taste’. Dutch Spices offers a versatile range of seasonings, including basis herbs and spices, marinades, sauces and dressings. Our products are used by butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers, as well as by food producing companies which include our products in the foodstuffs that are then sold in supermarkets and elsewhere. In a nutshell, Dutch Spices offers a comprehensive range that fits in with many dietary patterns.
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