Jan 29
2015

Touring Lilly’s Hummus — Portland, Oregon

in Travel

New Lillys Sriracha Hummus

Two years ago I was introduced to Lilly’s Hummus and hilarity ensued as we held the first ever “Fuji Bowl”—the game being played by Team Black Bean and Team Roasted Jalapeno.  We got extended family involved and the result of the big bowl game was as a tie.  Lilly’s Hummus became a permanent fixture in our refrigerator, though the requested flavor usually varies these days between Roasted Jalapeno and Cracked Pepper.  Fast forward to a few months ago when my mom and I were planning our trip to Portland, OR.  I was game for anything, but my two requests were visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory and then meeting up with the awesome people behind Lilly’s Hummus.

Lillys Hummus

On our second day in Portland we spent the afternoon with the Lilly’s Hummus team seeing how the hummus is made, which I found fascinating.  Lilly’s Hummus starts with dried organic garbanzo beans, which is unique because many commercially made hummuses are made with a pre-cooked garbanzo bean slurry that the company purchases from another company.  This difference is part of what gives Lilly’s Hummus its unique clean flavor and texture.

Photo: Massive bags of dried garbanzo beans ready to be made into hummus and huge bins filled with garbanzo beans soaking in water.

Bags of dried garbanzo beans and garbanzo beans soaking in water

Getting to see how the process works, from dried garbanzo bean to finished containers of hummus ready to be shipped out, was really fun.  It was also torturous because they were roasting peppers while we were there and the smell was absolutely divine.  I loved learning that each container of hummus is only good for 9 weeks (no preservatives people!) and once it’s opened it needs to be consumed within a week (oh darn!).

Lillys Hummus Production

One of the most exciting things about our visit was learning about a new flavor that will be hitting stores soon—SRIRACHA!!

Variety of Lillys Hummus flavors

They sent us home with a box of hummus (one of the best souvenirs ever), which included a container of their Sriracha hummus.  We drove the Columbia River Gorge the next day and consumed the entire container during our drive.

Snacking on Lillys Sriracha flavored Lillys Hummus

No shame people, no shame.  It is so good that I think Team Black Bean and Team Roasted Jalapeno are going to have to watch their backs.  Squirrel, who is a lover of all things spicy like me, can’t wait for it to be in stores, because she plans on consuming an entire container by herself with a spoon, and “maybe a couple of carrots too.”

Our visit to Lilly’s further solidified my love for their hummus.  If you haven’t tried it, it’s time to repent of your ways and grab some crackers for dipping.  Here is a link to find where Lilly’s Hummus is sold near you.  See? Now you have no excuses.

Photo: Me with Lilly and Brianna.

Rachael, Lilly, and Brianna

Photo: Squirrel is on Lilly’s Hummus promotional materials!  Getting to see her larger than life on one of their banners made me smile.

Squirrel my favorite Lillys Hummus model

 

 

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Fuji Nana January 29, 2015 at 11:34 am

I have to drive all the way to San Dimas to get Lilly’s. You’d better believe that next time I’m in that area, I’ll be stopping at Vitamin City on Arrow Highway. Hands down the best hummus out there. Having met the wonderful people behind it, that’s no surprise!

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Cindy A. January 29, 2015 at 11:50 am

We picked up some Lilly’s Hummus 2 years ago after you first posted it, and now no one in my family will eat anything else. Our 2 family favorites are the smoked garlic and roasted jalapeno. Really excited to hear about the Sriracha one coming out. Any idea when we might be seeing it in stores? Thanks Rachael!

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Kazuya Miyashita via Facebook January 29, 2015 at 8:28 pm

Sriracha hummus? I’ll see if they have that flavor next time I visit one of the markets that carry Lilly’s. Did you check out Powell Books while you were in Portland? We’re headed to Portland tomorrow from Central Oregon to make stop at Uwajimaya.

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chris jones January 31, 2015 at 9:02 am

Oh my goodness! I can buy Lilly’s hummus in Billings! I’m impressed—and on my way to get some!

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