The Fresh Market has released a list of emergent food and flavor "Trends to Try" in 2022.
"The freedom to experiment in our kitchens with ingredients and techniques has never been more popular," said the retailer, in a statement. "A happy discovery has been that many of these global ingredients are not only delicious but are also associated with wellness benefits that have become even more important this past year."
The Fresh Market outlined the following trends:
1. Adaptogens. "Adaptogens are gaining popularity and have made their way into delicious beverages found in the form of oat milk lattes and other coffee beverages and creamers. Herbs and roots that have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions, adaptogens can be used for achieving health-focused New Year's goals like managing stress or boosting the immune system. They can also be added to a simple recipe to make your food intake work harder for your body," said the retailer.
One product that ties into the trend is Pop & Bottle Oat Milk Latte, Match Green Tea, according to The Fresh Market.
2. Herbs and Spices. "Flavor is the spice of life, and internationally influenced spices and herbs are no exception," according to The Fresh Market. "Not only are they tasty, but they have intrinsic qualities that can contribute to overall wellness. Turmeric, and other spices found in both Asian and Middle Eastern dishes, is known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. The same can be said about saffron, ginger, cumin, and clove. For those who crave piquant flavor, chiles are filled with capsaicin, which is associated with heart health benefits. Furikake, a Japanese seasoning that varies by region, not only enhances umami flavor but is also nutrient rich."
The retailer suggested creating the following recipe: Mango Turmeric Margarita Recipe
3. Fermentation. "Eating sauerkraut is a great tradition to bring good luck for the New Year—but don't stop there. Fermentation of foods and beverages dates back thousands of years, and now we associate them with gut health," said The Fresh Market. "As Asian flavors continue to gain popularity, kimchi is no exception. A common staple in Korean cuisine, this fermented dish has a tangy, sour, and spicy flavor and has become so popular that the once side dish is often used as a topping or condiment."
The Fresh Market suggested Cleveland Kitchen Vegan Classic Kimchi for those interested in trying the trend.
4. Micro-Regional Foods. "Global trends are now leading into micro-regional trends—the subtle nuance of featuring an ingredient or traditional recipe that makes it unique to its origin. It's even transgressed into the U.S. where regional ingredients and concepts are influencing local cuisine and recipes across the country. For instance, Southern cooking is now broken down into Appalachian and Low Country, depending on where you travel," noted The Fresh Market.
Peruvian Style Sweet and Spicy Ribs Recipe is one way to try this trend, said the retailer.
5. Plant Based Dishes. "A wealth of dishes with international flavor and flare are plant-based and include a vast variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, mushrooms, and cheeses like Halloumi," said The Fresh Market. "They can be found in all cultures and ethnicities. Whether they are the main course or side dish, their ingredients are gaining in popularity and accessibility, making it easier to incorporate into your food regime. It could be as simple as using Jackfruit for carnitas, tacos or fajitas, or maybe try seitan (wheat protein) used in a Makhani curry."
A Jackfruit Tacos Recipe, pictured above, was suggested by The Fresh Market.
Customers can shop The Fresh Market's 2022 "Best Tasting Food Trends to Try" items in one of its 159 stores, in the online store or on its mobile app, which is available in the App Store* or on Google Play*.
Related: KeHE Lists Cuisine Exploration, Food Tech Among 2022 Macro Trends; Forecast Sees 2022 As Year High Tech, High Touch Co-Exist.