Forgotten Flavors, Bold Future

In a world where food trends are fleeting—where one day we’re obsessed with superfoods and the next, a new diet takes over—there exists a hidden world of ingredients that have nourished communities for centuries. These crops, packed with history and nutrition, have faded from the mainstream, overshadowed by industrial agriculture’s fixation on a few dominant staples. But now, they’re making a quiet, yet powerful comeback.

Researchers and agronomists call them NUCs (Neglected and Underutilized Crops)—a term that carries both the weight of their forgotten past and the immense potential they hold for our future.

What Are NUCs, and Why Were They Forgotten?

NUCs were once integral to regional food systems, but as industrial agriculture globalized, many traditional crops lost prominence. Today, wheat, rice, and maize dominate the world’s food supply, pushing these nutritionally superior and climate-resilient crops into obscurity.

• Neglected – These crops were historically significant but diminished due to industrial farming and monoculture practices.

• Underutilized – They continue to grow in select regions but lack the scale of mainstream crops, despite their potential to combat food insecurity and climate change.

Yet, what was once forgotten is now being reimagined for a more sustainable and delicious future.

Nutritional Goldmines Hiding in Plain Sight

Mainstream ingredients might be familiar, but NUCs often outshine them in nutritional value:

• Mulberry vs. Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries) – Mulberries pack more vitamin C and iron, along with resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant known for its heart-health benefits.

• Starfruit vs. Citrus (Oranges, Lemons) – Starfruit delivers a vitamin C boost with lower sugar content and added hydration benefits.

• Roselle vs. Cranberries – Roselle is richer in vitamin C, iron, and anthocyanins, making it a potent anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting powerhouse. (Source: USDA)

Beyond their nutritional edge, these crops hold the key to a more climate-resilient future.

Future-Proofing Our Food System

Our heavy reliance on a few staple crops makes the food system vulnerable—disease outbreaks, pests, and climate disruptions can wipe out entire harvests. NUCs offer an antidote.

Unlike conventional cash crops that demand heavy irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides, many neglected crops thrive with minimal intervention. Their deep roots restore soil health, prevent erosion, and encourage biodiversity, making them a cornerstone of regenerative agriculture. More than just an alternative, they represent an essential shift toward sustainable food production.

A Culinary Renaissance: Heritage Meets Innovation

NUCs aren’t just good for the planet; they bring bold and exciting flavors that modern palates are only beginning to rediscover. For centuries, communities fermented, pickled, dried, and transformed these crops into fragrant flours, vibrant jams, and chutneys. Bringing them back reconnects us with ancestral wisdom, giving new life to age-old recipes while opening doors to unexpected culinary creations. Imagine:

• Mulberry Jam Matcha – A luscious twist on green tea’s earthy notes.

• Starfruit-Infused Mocktails – Bright, tropical, and refreshingly tart.

• Jolpai (Indian Olive) Tapenade – A fusion of Indian heritage and Mediterranean indulgence

• Roselle Chutney Salad – A tangy, floral burst of flavor that elevates fresh greens and grains.

• Kokum & Dark Chocolate Truffle – A decadent blend of kokum’s tangy richness with the deep intensity of dark chocolate.

Whilst working with NUCs,  we can expand the future of flavor, making food more diverse, exciting, and meaningful.

The Beku Philosophy: A Playground for Innovation

Our journey began with a deep appreciation for these overlooked ingredients and a determination to bring them back into the spotlight. At Beku, we craft products that feel both familiar and surprising—bridging tradition with innovation.

For us, food is more than sustenance. It’s a connection, a story, an experience waiting to be shared. Through playful storytelling, immersive experiences, meaningful collaborations and bold design, we invite people to engage with food differently. Are you ready to rediscover them?