Fired up: Meat the couple behind smoke screen

A Toowoomba couple have combined their talents to launch a new business specialising in smoked meats and plant-based alternatives.

GOOD FOOD: Local food scientists Karen and Jeff Schultheiss with their two daughters. Picture: Kat Lynn (Foodie shots).

It’s heating up in the kitchen for a local business owner who has launched a new range of smoky tastings.

Throughout their careers, local food scientists Jeff and Karen Schultheiss have assisted producers from across the state to achieve their goals in the food industry.

But now the pair have launched their own venture – Darling Fresh Smoke Haus, specialising in natural, smoked meats.

“Darling Fresh Smoke Haus is another way we can bring our love of good food done well to the many people who share our passion for wholesome, real, delicious foods,” Mr Schultheiss said.

“Our combination of processes allows us to avoid the liquid smoke, colours, flavours, preservatives, nitrates, thickeners, gums and acidity regulators used in most commercial products.”

GOOD FOOD: Local food scientist Jeff Schultheiss has launched new venture Darling Fresh Smoke Haus. Picture: Kat Lynn (Foodie shots).

And while the concept is new the food connoisseur’s passion for great taste and flavour is not.

Mr Schultheiss said he HAD always been interested in smoking foods which lEd him to develop the innovative and natural technique.

Cooked using beechwood chips to create light smoke, natural spices and mellow and sweet flavours, the smoked meats range features beef brisket, pulled pork and spicy jerk wings among others.

Working alongside Toowoomba-based chef Ross Clark to create recipes, the pair have also catered to special dietary requirements with gluten-free options.

But it’s not just meat-eaters that will have reason to rejoice with mushroom and plant-based alternatives also available.

“We have developed some fantastic plant-based products too as there just isn’t much of that available … our flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan friends are really excited,” Mr Schultheiss said.

“Fable is all-natural, 100% plant-based and made from real Shiitake mushrooms, delivering a meaty bite that goes so well in salads, wraps, tacos and on pizzas.

“We believe our smoked, meaty, pulled mushroom Fable product and smoked mushrooms are a retail first.”

HEATING UP: Working alongside Toowoomba-based chef Ross Clark, the trio have created many recipes including Darling Fresh Smoke Haus pulled pork banh mi. Picture: Kat Lynn (Foodie shots).

Quick and convenient the products come sliced, pulled and in sealed packaging, allowing locals to have their smoked meats of choice ready and reheated in 10 minutes.

“I think there is a growing interest in smoked foods but not everyone has the time, gear, or expertise to do it at home and not every pit-master gets consistent results,” Mr Schultheiss said.

“Once the product range and recipes were developed the next stage for the business was packaging – we’ve designed packaging of our smoked products for convenience as well as shelf-life.

“Currently our products will keep for weeks in the fridge, so we are calling them the ‘ace up your sleeve’ (because) they are easy wins for busy people.”

BIG BURGER: Working alongside Toowoomba-based chef Ross Clark, the trio have created many recipes including Darling Fresh Smoke Haus beef brisket burger. Picture: Kat Lynn (Foodie shots).

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Todd Rohl said he was excited to see the new business launch.

“I have tasted these products and they are absolute winners … delicious, nutritious and versatile,” Mr Rohl said.

“We all need to get behind our local food producers because when local businesses succeed, so does our economy and that means more jobs in the region.”

As well as online, the Darling Fresh Smoke Haus product range is available to purchase at Deli Delicious on Herries St or Toowoomba Fresh at Grand Central Shopping Centre.

Instore tastings will be available at Deli Delicious on Saturday from 10am.

The product will soon also be distributed to Brisbane outlets.

Originally published as Fired up: Meat the couple behind smoke screen