February 13, 2009

Bulldog Blend coffee arrived on the shelves Feb. 13 at the Gibson Farm Market on the California State University, Fresno campus.

The new coffee is the winning blend of French and Italian roast beans and vanilla nut. It was developed by a group of students in Dr. Dennis Ferris’ sensory science class in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. In partnership with Peerless Coffee & Tea Company of Oakland, students blended different coffees to learn about artisan roasting, product development and sensory studies.

Peerless provided high-quality, hand-selected Arabica coffee beans. Under Ferris' guidance, the students learned the art of blending and the winning mixture in a taste-off became Bulldog Blend.

The proprietary blend is available in ground and whole bean 12-ounce packages, which sell for $9.95.

The students who developed the winning blend are David Hickok Jr. (team captain) of Clovis, Jason Flores of Soledad and Phillip So of Fresno, all Culinology® majors.

“This experience helps students visualize ‘real world’ working conditions and gives them opportunities to practice classroom theory while servicing the Farm Market clientele. It also provided an opportunity for an industry partner at the Farm Market,” Ferris said.

Dr. Ganesan Srinivasan, director of Fresno State Agricultural Operations, said, "We will have the Bulldog Blend in good supply for our Valentine's Day Wine Lovers Weekend specials."

On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14-15, Gibson Farm Market customers can enjoy the eighth annual Wine and Chocolate Lovers Weekend, sponsored by the Twin Rivers Vintners of Fresno County. The Valentine’s weekend event will include a stop at the Gibson Farm Market wine to taste award-winning Fresno State Winery vintages.

The Fresno State stop, one of six at wineries throughout the county, will be from noon to 4 p.m. both days. The event is free and open to the public. Wine and chocolate treats will be served at each stop on the tour.

Proceeds from the sale of Farm Market student-produced products help strengthen Fresno State’s teaching and research programs in agriculture.

The market is on the Fresno State campus at Chestnut and Barstow avenues. For more information, call 559.278.4511.