Midwest Ingredients We Love Cooking With.

At Shear Taste, we believe the best meals begin with great ingredients. While our flavors are inspired by cultures from around the world, our roots are firmly planted in the Midwest. That's why we love showcasing the fresh, seasonal ingredients that make this region one of America's great agricultural treasures.

From family farms to local markets, the Midwest offers an incredible variety of products that bring freshness, comfort, and bold flavor to every plate.

Sweet Corn

Nothing says Midwest summer quite like fresh sweet corn. Whether grilled, roasted, folded into salads, blended into soups, or turned into creamy chowder, sweet corn adds natural sweetness and texture that pairs beautifully with both traditional and global flavors.

Wild Rice

A staple native to Minnesota, wild rice brings a rich, nutty flavor and hearty texture to soups, casseroles, grain bowls, and side dishes. It's packed with nutrients and celebrates one of the state's most iconic ingredients.

Apples

Minnesota and Wisconsin produce exceptional apples that shine in both sweet and savory dishes. From crisp salads and chutneys to cobblers, crisps, and homemade sauces, apples bring brightness throughout the year.

Fresh Herbs

Parsley, dill, thyme, rosemary, basil, mint, and chives elevate every meal. Fresh herbs add aroma, color, and layers of flavor while reducing the need for excess salt.

Root Vegetables

Carrots, potatoes, beets, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are Midwest classics. Roasted until caramelized or mashed into comforting sides, these vegetables provide warmth and versatility in every season.

Local Honey

Midwest honey delivers floral sweetness while supporting local beekeepers. We use it in marinades, dressings, desserts, glazes, and refreshing beverages like our signature lemonades.

Mushrooms

Locally grown mushrooms provide earthy depth to soups, pasta, risotto, sandwiches, and sauces. They're a favorite ingredient for creating rich flavor without heavy ingredients.

Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are summer favorites that brighten desserts, salads, sauces, and beverages with vibrant color and natural sweetness.

Dairy

The Midwest is known for exceptional dairy products. Cream, butter, artisan cheeses, and yogurt help create everything from creamy soups to rich desserts and comforting casseroles.

Beans and Legumes

Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, lentils, and chickpeas provide affordable, nutritious protein for soups, salads, grain bowls, and vegetarian dishes that satisfy every appetite.

Seasonal Squash

Butternut squash, zucchini, acorn squash, and delicata squash bring sweetness, texture, and beautiful color to soups, roasted vegetable medleys, and seasonal entrées.

Fresh Peppers

Bell peppers, jalapeños, poblanos, and sweet peppers add color and complexity to everything from stir-fries and tacos to pasta dishes and salads.

Building Global Flavor from Midwest Roots

One of the things that makes Shear Taste unique is how we combine Midwest ingredients with culinary traditions from around the world. Minnesota-grown vegetables may find their way into a West African peanut stew, roasted sweet corn might appear alongside Mexican street corn-inspired flavors, and local honey could glaze French-style roasted chicken.

Great cooking doesn't have to choose between local and global—it can celebrate both.

Every meal is an opportunity to support local farmers, embrace seasonal ingredients, and create dishes that bring people together around the table.

Because at Shear Taste, it always starts with community—and community starts with sharing great food.