McCormick report highlights flavour trends for 2015

McCormick & Company has highlighted eight flavour trends for the year ahead in its annual Flavour Forecast report.

Now in its 15th year, the report aims to drive flavour innovation and exploration throughout the food industry.

The Flavour Forecast 2015 pinpoints global tastes on the rise, like Japanese 7 Spice (Shichimi Togarashi), as well as an appreciation for the robust flavours developed in slow-simmered dishes from around the world. The report also showcases new ways to elevate pantry essentials to starring roles, like smoking spices and herbs or pairing sours with coarse salt.

Kevan Vetter, executive chef for McCormick, said: "Many early trending flavours in past reports have become favourites of today. Take chipotle chilli, for instance; when we first identified this chilli pepper as a flavour to watch in 2003, many people couldn't pronounce it. Today, it's a household name.

"Pumpkin pie spice, sea salt, coconut water and cocktail-inspired flavours have seen similar success, taking over restaurant menus and grocery store shelves. The flavour trends highlighted in our 15th annual Forecast promise to do the same."

The eight trends are:

• Global blends on the move
• Middle Eastern mezze â€" These distinctive dips and spreads, packed with zesty herbs and seasonings, offer an approachable and delicious introduction to a vibrant global cuisine
• Sour + salt â€" Combining coarse salt with surprising sours like pickled ginger, sour cherry, dried mango and lemon zest results in a lively finishing flavour that lends brightness and texture to dishes
• Smoked spices â€" Smoking spices and herbs deepens their flavour and aroma, adding richness to meals and drinks
• Umami veggies â€" For a fresh way to savour the fifth taste, look no further than naturally umami-rich veggies like mushrooms, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and nori
• Liquid revolution â€" Fresh purées and juices blended with bold spices and herbs to intensify sauces, pasta, dressings and more, providing a fun, delicious way to enjoy an extra serving of fruits and veggies
• Flavour worth the wait â€" Lift the lid to discover the rich flavours from recipes around the world that meld aromatic spices and comforting ingredients into mouth-watering, slow-cooked meals
• Cookies reimagined â€" Classic spiced cookie flavours take new form in decadent, imaginative desserts that redefine milk and cookies.

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