In the heart of the Philippines, a delicious superfood snack is taking the culinary world by storm, and it's not just satisfying taste buds; it's also promoting sustainability and social equity.

The Pilipinut Trail Mix, hailed as the most innovative and the winning entry in the first National Processed Fruits and Nuts (PFN) Trail Mix Competition during the 2023 National Food Fair at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, is turning heads and delighting taste buds across the nation.

Trail mixes have long been recognized as nutritious snacks designed to fuel athletes and anyone on the go. These mixes typically consist of a variety of dry ingredients, such as nuts, whole grains, and dried fruits, often enhanced with ingredients like popcorn, candies, chocolate chips, oats, and even cereals.

Under its brand name, Pilipinut, this superfood trail mix embodies a taste of the Philippines while championing the patronage of locally produced goods. What sets Pilipinut apart is not just its rich flavor but also its superfood status, packed with a nutritional punch.

Each pack of Pilipinut Trail Mix boasts a carefully selected blend of ingredients sourced from the five Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-certified learning sites and tribal communities in northern Mindanao. The list of premium components includes Adlai, roasted peanuts, cacao nibs, baked coconut strips, fried banana chips, coco sugar, stingless honey, bee pollen, and more.

Chef Roy Christian Lomarda, co-founder Rose Mary Lomarda of GreenMinds Incorporated, created and kitchen-tested the bite-sized granola bar known as Pilipinut Trail Mix. It features a mixture of natural ingredients such as caramelized coco sugar, brown sugar, honey, and calamansi juice, combined with popped Adlai, ground peanuts, cacao nibs, and herbs.

Described as "the best of the Philippines' superfood in one pack," Pilipinut Trail Mix is available at a farm gate price of P150, making it an affordable and healthy snack choice for Filipinos.

Beyond its delightful taste and health benefits, Pilipinut Trail Mix embodies sustainability and social equity. Each purchase of this delectable treat provides additional income for partner farmers, as some of its ingredients are sourced directly from farms in Claveria (stingless bee honey), the hinterlands of Sumilao, Bukidnon, communities of rebel returnees in Misamis Oriental, and from five certified Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) of the ATI.

GreenMinds Incorporated, a 23-year-old social enterprise based in Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, is the driving force behind Pilipinut Trail Mix and numerous other initiatives. The organization's mission is to unite rural and indigenous communities, empowering them to showcase their farming skills and crafts while actively participating in rural development and mainstream society.

GreenMinds' co-founder and CEO, Reynaldo Gil "Datu Makadingding" Lomarda, lives by the motto of "doing good in business to sustainably continue doing good for people and the environment."

In partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC)-10, GreenMinds has conducted training programs for indigenous communities, teaching them how to produce, add value to their products, and effectively market them. This collaboration has not only enriched the lives of these communities but has also paved the way for culinary innovations like Pilipinut Trail Mix.

The delectable Pilipinut Trail Mix is just one of GreenMinds' offerings. Their product also includes herbs and salt sourced from the hinterlands of Bukidnon and the salt beds of Misamis Oriental; organic peanuts from Malaybalay City and Kisolon in Bukidnon; banana chips from partner Higaonon communities in Malitbog, Bukidnon; and turmeric ginger.

For those eager to experience the mouthwatering goodness of Pilipinut Trail Mix and support local communities, orders can be placed by contacting GreenMinds Incorporated at 09988690648 and 09063973884. It's a snack that not only delights the palate but also nourishes the soul through sustainable practices and community empowerment. (RTP/PIA-10)