Saturday, September 13, 2008 Sweet fix made from barley By Jonnah Marie Morado
SEARCHING for an enjoyable yet healthy food for your kids?
Take a look at Stickee Pops, a candy made from barley, a versatile grain. It aids in digestion, lowers cholesterol level, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and provides vitamin B.
“Stickee Pops is a healthier type of lollipop,” said Blessie Alano, creator of the product. A graduate of Siliman University and a scuba diving instructor, she is a mother of four boys, Derek, five, and 14-month-old triplets, Kai, Ryo and Jin. They inspired her to create this sweet fix.
This guilt-free candy is made of cubed fruits, chocolates, éclairs (light pastry with whipped cream or custard filling), milk bars and gummy sweets loaded with a thick, rich barley coating.
the sweet comes in toffee caramel, strawberry drops, choco milk, plum, rainbow worms and cherry.
“It all started when Derek, who was three years old then, became fond of lollipops. I was concerned about his health, so together with my husband, I looked for alternatives and we came across candies made from barley. We got the idea and made a modified version,” Alano said.
Alano conceptualized the candies, the first product of its kind in the country.
Stickee Pops is easy to prepare. All one has to do is pour barley syrup on the pop and set it on ice for a few seconds to harden the syrup. “Even kids can participate in making their own pops,” Alano added.
“Because of my busy lifestyle, this business perfectly suits me. Now I am still taking it easy but I plan to go full-time when the boys get older.”
The barley candy is usually served during birthday parties, theme parties or even weddings. It fits almost all occasions and gives people a chance to enjoy a healthy snack.
Only three months in the market, the new product is already a hit, especially in Alano’s village at Park Vista Town Homes in Apas, Lahug. “Neighborhood kids knock on my door to buy the pops. Once they got to taste it, they always like it. Maybe because it is new, healthy and not so sweet,” Alano said.
“My favorite is the strawberry drop,” observed Paul, a six-year-old neighbor. Paul, along with the other kids, is one of Alano’s regular customers.
“You will enjoy eating it especially when you mix and match it with your favorite condiments,” said Rico Tan, a father who served Stickee Pops during his son’s first birthday. “I like it for my son because the flavor is enhanced by the barley plus it’s healthy.”
