HUNT VALLEY, Md. — America’s preference for more complex and intense taste experiences is a dynamic reflection of a new flavor confidence, says McCormick & Company, Inc. Released today, the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2011 identifies leading culinary trends that will shape the way we eat in the year ahead and beyond.
It’s an exciting time for flavor. Spice consumption in this country is at an all-time high – growing more than three times as fast as the population* and currently exceeds 1 billion pounds per year**. This growth in volume has been matched by a growing desire for variety. Today’s pantry can consist of about 40 different seasonings, compared to less than 10 in the 1950s.
“For more than a decade, the Flavor Forecast has been on the leading edge of driving and shaping a passion for flavor,” said Alan Wilson, Chairman, President and CEO of McCormick. “As consumers crave more flavor – in restaurants, in their kitchens and on grocery store shelves – the report serves as a catalyst for innovation in the food industry.”
One of the leading trends shaping this year’s report is craveable contrasts, which comes to life in 10 flavor pairings. “Mixing and matching different tastes, textures and visual cues adds fun and energy to the basic pleasures of eating,” explained Larry Tong, McCormick chef.
According to the report, the tartness of hibiscus offers an uplifting counterpoint to the warmth of ancho chile pepper and the crunch of popcorn is a playful partner for worldly Herbes de Provence. Adds Tong, “Whether it’s the unexpected zing of hibiscus in a Latin-inspired ancho chile sauce for ribs or brisket, or a clever twist on a cheesecake tart with an herb-popcorn crust, this year’s flavors really take the taste buds to exhilarating new places.”
McCormick Flavor Forecast 2011 Top 10 Flavor Pairings:
- Fennel & Peri-Peri Sauce
- Pickling Spice & Rice Vinegar
- Roasted Curry Powder & Wild Mushrooms
- Caramelized Honey & Adzuki Red Beans
- Ancho Chile Pepper & Hibiscus
- Thyme & Stone Fruits
- Mustard Seed & Vermouth
- Cilantro & Nut Butters
- Herbes de Provence & Popcorn
- Green Peppercorn & Goat’s Milk
Trend Watch: 5 Currents of Change in the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2011:
- Spirit of Discovery – A hunger for international culinary adventure propels exploration of new ingredients and techniques
- Flavor with Benefits – Eating for wellness is more delicious than ever
- Invigorating and Uplifting – Exciting pops of flavor bring new energy to dining
- Soul Satisfaction – Comforting favorites soothe the mind, heart and taste buds
- Craveable Contrasts – The interplay of tastes, textures and visual cues adds fun and excitement to the basic pleasures of eating
For ideas and recipes to try these new flavor combinations, visit here.
To download flavor pairing images and food photography, visit the digital press room.
About McCormick
With an extensive network of researchers, trend experts, chefs, test kitchens, food technologists, and sensory analysts, McCormick & Company, Inc. keeps its finger on the pulse of flavor. McCormick was founded in 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland. Today it is a global leader in the sale of spices, herbs and seasonings. McCormick sources high quality ingredients from far-reaching destinations to bring a world of flavors to consumers. Over the past decade, McCormick has identified emerging flavors through its annual Flavor Forecast report. To learn more about McCormick, visit here.
*U.S. Census Bureau, 2009 Population Estimates, Census 2000, 1990 Census
**USDA/Economic Research Service, U.S. Spice Consumption Growth, USDA, Feb. 2010
SOURCE McCormick & Company, Inc.
