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Food Management
What will 2020 taste like? Les Dames D’Escoffier International Trends Report 2020 identifies 10 tantalizing flavor trends
Tara Fitzpatrick 1 Jan 16, 2020

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Piri piri is here
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A chili pepper from Africa and Portugal, piri piri is used as a marinade or sauce for meat (especially chicken) in combination with onion, lemon, bell peppers and other aromatics. 52% of Les Dames say piri piri is likely to become a major food trend this year.

Baharat adds depth
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This warm Middle Eastern spice blend includes black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cumin, nutmeg, coriander and paprika. Les Dames predict this blend will find a presence in meat dishes and soups.

That tangy zip of tamarind
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Sinigang is a Filipino stew characterized by its sour-savory taste and predicted by Les Dames to be an emerging global flavor trend. Much of that flavor is created by tamarind, a sweetly sour taste that you’ve most likely experienced if you’ve had pad Thai.

Spilling the chaga tea
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Finland is the home of chaga tea, dried mushrooms ground into powder then used to brew tea, which is consumed for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Other earthy flavors identified by Les Dames include black sesame, cinnamon, clove and cardamom.

Sour citrus

Kumquat was identified by Les Dames as the citrus to watch, with its cool edible skin and mouth-puckering flavor. Look for it paired with other sour components like vinegar and pomegranate. Did somebody say vinaigrette inspo?

That yuzu that you do
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A hybrid orange that may have originated in central China, yuzu is found in Korean cuisine to add a citrusy burst. It’s also a flavor Les Dames think has more applications to be seen.

Elderflower emerges
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Meghan Markle put elderflower on the map by including it on her wedding cake. The floral flavor has been gaining momentum ever since, often in the form of syrups for cocktails. Unlike rose, elderflower doesn’t taste like perfume.

Za’atar adds zing
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As a global flavor, za’atar and its lemony tang has had a meteoric rise in popularity the last couple of years. Expect to see more of it on menus, as a go-to not just for pitas and Middle Eastern fare, but for proteins and salads.

Open sesame!
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A part of the za’atar blend, sesame is trending all on its own, according to the report. While ground sesame (tahini) is a staple for Middle Eastern fare, the seeds on their make a nice textural contrast for lots of dishes, toasted for extra impact.

Sweets go back to basics
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Surprise! Good old chocolate and caramel are back and better than ever. Viewed by Les Dames as a comforting combo, this goes to show that sometimes basic is best.

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