Tamarind: The Artisanal Spice of 2024
In a world where flavors are constantly evolving, McCormick, the global leader in spices and seasonings, has selected Tamarind as the standout flavor of 2024. Over two decades, McCormick's annual report has highlighted popular flavors poised to make their mark on restaurant menus and cookbooks.
A versatile and delectable addition, Tamarind is a tropical fruit from plants mostly found in Africa, Mexico, Asia, and India. Known for its sour and sweet-spicy profile, Tamarind can elevate an array of dishes, from potato chips to ice cream and even coffee.
McCormick's squad of around 50 chefs and food scientists, stationed worldwide, spend their days unearthing the next big thing in taste. Chef Hadar Cohen Aviram guides the selection process for the 'Flavor of the Year'.
In an interview with CNN, Aviram explained that Tamarind was chosen because of its ability to encompass various flavor profiles that resonated with the trends witnessed this year. These trends include the rise of piquant, briny, and sour dishes, 'mindful flavors' emphasizing better-for-you ingredients, and the revival of nostalgic foods with exaggerated appeal.
Aviram, heralding Tamarind's popularity, said that her team had spent nine months selecting Tamarind, traversing countries from South Africa to China, examining menus, consulting experts, and employing data to better understand flavors on the rise.
"We're not inventing anything new," she insinuated, acknowledging that Tamarind has been a staple ingredient for thousands of years and has recently reclaimed its popularity in Asian and Mexican cuisines.
The trend report, Aviram said, signaled the beginning of cafeterias showcasing new flavor profiles on US menus in the coming months.
Collaborating with Black Tap Craft Burgers, a famed seven-location US burger joint known for its gourmet fare, McCormick is set to add Tamarind to shakes, burgers, and fries from February 1, 2024, for limited time.
Home chefs can also explore Tamarind's potential, incorporating it with McCormick's Mexican-inspired seasoning, available online. Aviram praised the combination having a delightful impact on meals, imbuing them with a charming note.
Predicted trends in culinary flavors for the upcoming years and beyond include a few central themes:
- Macro Flavor Trends:
- Creative Combinations: Fusion of diverse flavors and textures, creating intriguing and composite tastes.
- Decadent Luxury: Emphasizing lavish flavors, enhancing the perceived value of food even without the use of pricey ingredients.
- Savor the Flavor: Appreciating savory flavors, with an emphasis on balance and layered complexity, encompassing bitter, sweet, salty, umami, and sour notes.
Source: edition.cnn.com
Enrichment Data:
The prognosticated flavor profiles for 2025 include several focal points:
- McCormick's Flavor Forecast 2025:
- Aji Amarillo: Named as the 2025 Flavor of the Year, Aji Amarillo is a yellow chile pepper from Peru with fruity, tropical undertones and medium heat.
- Tropical Vibes: Tropical tastes and cuisines combining tropical fruits, seafood, and island dishes.
- Charred and Smoked: Culinary techniques intensifying the natural characteristics of ingredients, including smoked, charred, roasted, and ultra-caramelized notes.
- Deliciously Unexpected: Rediscovered, innovative variations of familiar ingredients and unexpected combinations appealing to curiosity and taste buds.
These trends herald a dynamic and evolving gastronomic landscape, with a focus on innovation, luxury, and global influences.
