The McCormick Flavour Forecast 2017 – the go-to guide for trends and ingredients set to excite taste buds around the world – was released by Schwartz, owned by parent company McCormick & Company, a global leader in flavour.
The annual report from Schwartz has previously predicted emerging flavours – like chipotle chilies, coconut water and peri-peri sauce – that are now found everywhere from restaurants to retail shelves and kitchen cabinets.
Here are the five flavour trends the chefs, culinary professionals, trend trackers and flavour experts at McCormick have identified for 2017:
Rise & Shine to Global Tastes – Breakfast options with big, global flavours are being sought after by a generation of flavour adventurists not content with the same boring bowl. Try warm, sweet congee or a Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast hash topped with a spicy skhug sauce.
Plancha: Flat-Out Grilling – Hailing from Spain, France’s Basque region as well as Mexico, the plancha - a thick, flat slab of cast iron - is growing in popularity around the world for creating a sizzling, smoky sear and flavour crust. Grillers can easily use the plancha with meats, seafood and vegetables, paired with bold sauces, rubs and glazes.
Egg Yolks: The Sunny Side of Flavour – Egg yolks leave breakfast behind. Whether poached, fried or cured, chefs are pairing these indulgent golden gems with a range of spices, herbs and sauces on lunch and dinner menus.
Modern Med – Discover the new cuisine for the 21st century - melting Eastern Mediterranean ingredients with Western European classics.
Sweet on Pepper – Enter the new sweet heat. With an up-front bite and lingering sensation, peppercorns are finally capturing the spotlight. Their cedar and citrus notes pair perfectly with up-and-coming naturally sweet ingredients like dates and dragon fruit.
“This year the Flavour Forecast identifies cutting-edge flavors that help chefs, tastemakers and home cooks refresh their menus,” said McCormick executive chef Kevan Vetter.
“Discover a new all-purpose seasoning – Baharat. It’s a fragrant, Eastern Mediterranean blend of spices such as cumin, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg and more. Sprinkle over warm, seasonal soups, stir into tomato-based sauces, or add to your favourite chicken dish.”
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