CAPSULE REPORT: It can be difficult to find an organic, raw-food cracker that tastes so good on its own that it needs no cheese or dip as an accompaniment—Yaya’s Raw Rah crackers do just that. They are dehydrated instead of baked, and are full of organic ingredients such as flax seeds and a range of vegetables. The organic crackers can serve as a stand-alone snack, but they certainly don't have to. We loved eating the five flavors with soft goat cheese.
Everyone loves Yaya: She’s the grandmother who always made the best snacks. Yaya Patricia Greer developed her organic crackers from leftover organic produce from her local Houston co-op. These snacks are wheat-free, gluten-free, yeast-free, have zero trans-fats and are entirely raw. People who seek the superior nutritional benefits of raw food—food produced at temperatures below 140°F, to preserve all the inherent nutrients—will enjoy tasting this flavorful line.
All varieties are jam-packed with seeds—in other words, they even look healthy. For some palates, the crackers might be a bit shocking in both taste and texture, but among the five flavors, at least one should jive with most taste buds.
Cracker Flavors
Onion Flax: Onion Flax was our favorite, by far. It is a soothing cracker; one that does not overwhelm your taste buds but instead slowly climbs to its pinnacle of onion flavor.
Sicilian Herb: This cracker is one of the most robust. With ingredients that include Kalamata olives and soy sauce, the cracker has an immediate spicy kick. If you are looking for a subtler flavor but want to retain the herb taste, pair it with a medium to heavy dip—perhaps French onion.
Spicy Flax: The Spicy Flax is not actually all that spicy, though it definitely has a bit of oomph to it. It has traces of the Onion Flax flavor, but adds other ingredients such as carrots, pumpkin seeds and chili powder. Add a sprig of a fresh herb and a hunk of Grana Padano cheese for a delicious combination.
Spinach Curry: Spinach Curry is the most exotic of the line, as well as the flavor that packs the most punch. If you are looking for a cracker with a lot of character, then definitely choose this one, but be aware of the lingering aftertaste. Although we were a bit intimidated by it, we commend Yaya for combining spinach and curry—more crackers should be this experimental.
Tomato Basil: Although the tomato flavor is apparent as soon as you take a bite, we still wanted more. Add a slice of fresh tomato on top, and the combination of cracker and fruit will be rewarding.
Serving Suggestions
We recommend trying sweeter toppings, such as a mango chutney or an orange marmalade, on the Onion Flax and Spicy Flax crackers. The other three flavors need a more savory companion. Or try breaking apart the crackers and serving them atop salads in place of croutons. Yaya suggests pairing the organic crackers with the following:
Onion Flax: avocado, salsa and parsley
Sicilian Herb: tapenade, tomato and basil
Spicy Flax: avocado, red bell pepper, cilantro
Spinach Curry: chutney, red pepper and cilantro
Tomato Basil: tomato, pesto, red bell pepper or jalapeño
Get out your pom poms and cheer for Yaya. She deserves it. And applaud yourself for making more nutritious choices.
The five flavors taste completely different,
so find the one that best matches your palate.