Along with everyone else in the food industry, each year we look forward to seeing each year’s predicted food trends. This year, we’re actually diving in to make our own spice predictions! And we promise to come back next January to see how we did!
Trend Number One: Global Fusion
Borders are disappearing as regional cuisines collide.
The culinary idea of fusion food has been around for quite a bit, but we think Global Fusion is going to hit with a new twist this year! 2024 will be all about culinary adventures that transcend borders and embrace the thrilling collision of cultures! Forget about the usual culinary rules because the world’s cuisines are truly coming together into a melting pot.
Meet the Global Spice Blends Which Will Make Their Way Onto Our Plates In New Ways:
Harissa
This North African spice blend is traditionally used for lentil soups and grilled meats and veggies. Meant to add a deep and complex flavor instead of an intense heat, we think harissa will become the new sriracha – added to everything that needs a kick of flavor!
In our Saffron Fennel Confit recipe, Indian and North African flavors come together with French technique to create a floral and deeply warming dish!
Garam Masala
This warm and aromatic traditional Indian spice blend traditionally adds layers of complexity to curries, lentil stews, and even roasted vegetables. Recently, we’ve seen this warming blend added to dishes as varied as German Chicken Schnitzel to Mexican Pozole!
In our Garam Masala Cream Cheese Cookie recipe, the tang of cream cheese comes together with an underlying warm spice flavor to create a sugar cookie unlike any other!
Baharat
This flavorful Middle Eastern spice blend is traditionally used to flavor grilled meats and rice dishes. We feel the uses for Baharat go so much further!
Our Little Baharat Chocolate Cake recipe brings together black pepper, cloves, cumin, paprika, coriander, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, and rose petals with a rich deep chocolate cake for a whole new take on dessert!
Global fusion recipes don’t have to be scary or confusing. Add your favorite international spice blend to your favorite recipe and see what happens!
Remember, global fusion is all about exploration, experimentation, and celebrating the beauty of culinary diversity. So, grab your spices, unleash your creativity, and embark on a delectable journey around the world, one bite at a time!
Trend Number Two: Heat with More Depth of Flavor Than Spiciness
Of course, our trending spice predictions wouldn’t be complete without our Spicy Food Trends!
Buckle up, spice enthusiasts, because we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that skips the heat just for heat’s sake and instead focuses on layers of complexity that will have you thinking about the flavors instead of begging for something to cool off the heat.
No more one-dimensional heat! 2024 is all about nuanced fire: smoky, earthy, fruity, and subtle heat come together.
Smoked Paprika
Yes, we know that paprika isn’t top of mind when thinking of heat – after all, it seems to be mostly used to add a bit of color to deviled eggs! That’s about to change as Smoked Paprika takes center stage this year! This Spanish chile powder has only 500-750 Scoville Heat Units, but takes center stage, not for its fiery kick, but for its enchanting smoky depth. SpiceTopia’s Smoked Spanish Paprika is a powder ground from the capsicum annuum pepper that has been roasted over hot oak fires to deliver a deep smoky flavor along with just a touch of heat to many different dishes.
Our current favorite smoked paprika recipes include:
Cheesy Baked Smoked Paprika Chicken
Creamy Mushroom Soup with Couscous
Other Fun Ways To Use Smoked Paprika Include:
- Smoky Chocolate Mousse: Infuse your whipped cream with smoked paprika for a subtle, smoky twist on this classic dessert. The earthy notes will complement the richness of the chocolate beautifully.
- Spicy Popcorn: Elevate your movie night snack with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a drizzle of olive oil. Smoked Paprika’s smokey and earthy heat will add a surprising depth of flavor that’s addictive and satisfying.
- Smoky Salmon Salad: Give your salmon salad a makeover with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a dollop of Greek yogurt. The smoky notes of the paprika will add a delightful complexity to the creamy sweetness of the yogurt.
We’d love it if you’d share your favorite way to use smoked paprika in the comments!
Gochugaru Flakes
Gochugaru is the traditional chili flake used to make kimchi. With a Scoville Heat Index of 4,000–8,000, this Korean chili powder packs a bit more heat than smoked paprika, but also boasts smoky, sweet, and fruity notes.
Gochugaru Chili Flakes are the base of our favorite Sichuan Chili Oil Recipe!
Other Fun Ways To Use Gochugaru Include:
- Spicy Ramen: Elevate your instant ramen with a swirl of gochugaru, a soft-boiled egg, and a sprinkle of scallions. It’s instant comfort food with a Korean kick.
- Glazed Chicken Wings: Gochugaru adds a sweet-spicy punch to your wing night. Toss your wings with a gochugaru-honey glaze and bake or grill for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Smoky Watermelon Salad: Gochugaru’s subtle smokiness dances beautifully with the sweetness of watermelon. Add cubes of feta, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of mint for a refreshing summer salad.
- Korean-Style Bloody Mary: Infuse your vodka with gochugaru for a spicy twist on the classic Bloody Mary. Garnish with kimchi and lime wedges for a truly Korean experience.
- Hot Chocolate with a Kick: Add a pinch of gochugaru to your hot chocolate for a surprising depth of flavor. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a decadent and fiery treat.
Let us know your favorite ways to use gochugaru in the comments! We’re always on the hunt for new and exciting ways to experience this fiery Korean gem.
Trend Number Three: Tangy Surprises
2024 is all about embracing the unexpected, where Tangy Twists take center stage. Forget one-dimensional flavors – it’s time to pucker up for the electrifying dance of tamarind, calamansi, sumac and the subtle funk of pickled ingredients. These aren’t just palate cleansers; they’re secret weapons, adding surprising brightness and depth to both sweet and savory dishes that will leave you begging for more.
Meet the Tangy Trailblazers:
Tamarind
This sweet-tart bombshell isn’t just for chutney anymore. You’ll find Its complex tropical tangy flavor in marinades, glazes for grilled meats, and even cocktails. Imagine succulent ribs glazed with tamarind and ginger, or a mojito with a sweet-tart tamarind kick.
Calamansi
This Filipino citrus dynamo packs a punchy pucker that’s a welcome departure from ordinary lemons. Squeeze it into dips, marinades, and salad dressings for a vibrant twist, or whip up a calamansi sorbet that’s both refreshing and surprisingly complex.
Haven’t experienced this lovely little tart fruit yet? Try out our Bottle Fed Hot Sauce, created by a local Ventura resident. It provides the perfect blend of sour, sweet, and spicy!
Sumac
Sumac Berries are a traditional Middle Eastern Spice with a sourness on the same level as lemon juice! Learn more about this unique spice and how to use it in Our Story of Sumac.
Our favorite Sumac Recipes:
Pickled Ingredients
From kimchi’s fiery funk to the briny charm of olives, pickled ingredients aren’t just condiments; they’re flavor bombs! Add a dollop of kimchi to your ramen for a spicy-sour surprise, or top your avocado toast with a sprinkle of pickled onions for a tangy twist.
Learn how to pickle just about anything in our Quick Pickling Guide.
Pickled Grapes are one of those surprising dishes that can be added to many different dishes for a quick burst of sweet and sour flavor!
Remember, embracing tangy twists is all about experimentation and fun! Start small, mix and match flavors, and discover how these seemingly unlikely ingredients can transform your dishes into unexpected masterpieces. The only limit is your imagination (and maybe your tolerance for pucker power)!
What Did We Miss?
What spice food trends do you predicate for this upcoming year? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave us a comment!
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