McCormick reveal new Flavour Inspirations in their Flavour Forecast

McCormick has revealed the trends that will shape the way chefs cook, flavour and eat in the coming year with the 22nd edition of its Flavour Forecast.

Following research across five worldwide regions, the flavour specialists have uncovered three themes: Food Stories, Plus Sweet and Time as a Luxury.

Food Stories recognises both a flavour, and the story behind it. From professional chefs and restaurant operators to the grandmothers passing down recipes to keep generational techniques alive, this year’s food story celebrates the power of women in food and flavour in a contemporary way.

Plus Sweet looks at how sweetness finds new dimensions through subtle and unexpected flavour combinations.

Time as a Luxury Ingredient highlights time as an irreplaceable and precious ingredient, after periods of isolation and reflection have put the value of time into perspective. Many are rethinking the ways they use time in food, whether investing it to build flavour, or finding smart shortcuts to spend quality time outside the kitchen.

Ian Craddock, senior research chef, UK (EMEA) said of the Plus Sweet theme: “As we experiment with global ingredients more and more, sweet flavour pairings are evolving and taking new directions. Think of miso caramel as the evolution of the ever-popular salted caramel, or sweet floral and smoky flavours coming to the forefront in drinks, deserts or marinades.”

The Korean ‘Twice Smashed’ Burger recipe from the Time as a Luxury Ingredient theme shows the traditional Korean technique of smashing cucumbers is a quick way to add a pickle flavour into the vegetable, while smashing burgers allows them to cook more quickly and adds maximum umami flavour.

For more information and recipes visit www.mccormickcorporation.com