Discover the craziest culinary trends of 2022 in this article! Not only will you get hungry just reading the first few words, but you'll also feed your mind with concepts you've probably never heard of! Does umami speak to you for example or the new trend of restaurant owners using CBD in the most gourmet dishes? It is time to know more about it!
Over the past two years, the pandemic has completely changed our eating habits and our relationship with food. The restaurant industry is also undergoing profound changes. Besides 2022 is unsurprisingly a year of major disruption in the gastronomic world. Therefore, I wanted to share with you some of the famous food trends we can observe this year.
1. English breakfast
The work-from-home boom has brought about many changes in the daily lives of workers, most of whom have not yet returned to the office full time. This means that they no longer have the morning traffic jams to get to work, so they get up later and have more time for themselves in the morning including for breakfast. And that's a good thing! We often forget that it is the most important meal of the day, the one that gives us all the strength we need to start our day! Therefore, English breakfast is making a comeback all over the world and not only on Sundays but all week long!
2. CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many components of hemp (also called cannabis). It is the second most present molecule in cannabis after THC. When you put it that way, it's scary to know that it's trendy! But don't worry. Unlike THC, it is not addictive or euphoric, so it is not harmful to your health. On the contrary, CBD is completely legal and has many virtues that will leave you in complete control of yourself! In particular, it calms anxiety by bringing relaxation and serenity, reduces sleep disorders, relieves pain and inflammation. In addition, CBD naturally contains vitamins and essential fatty acids, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and proteins! In short, it's better than a drug. The CBD market has seen an explosion of interest in recent years, thanks to the growing demand for healthy foods and the claimed benefits of CBD for mental health and well-being. Recently, CBD products have been moving out of health food shops and into food and drink products. The reason CBD is becoming so popular in gastronomy is also because of its particular flavor. It's like a new spice or herb! CBD flower has a real gustatory interest. It can be crumbled, sprinkled and infused in preparations. Its herbaceous, pungent taste brings a peppery, citrus or minty flavor depending on the variety chosen. It can be combined with citrus fruits, chocolate or even timut pepper!
3. African dishes
According to many chefs and food enthusiasts, this will be the year when African cuisine will enter the mainstream of American and European food! And we know how it starts, it only needs to be fashionable in some places of the world for it to become even more international! Dishes from Nigeria, Senegal and other African countries are more and more visible and give so much envy. TikTok and Instagram have contributed in particular to highlight the cuisine of the world and make it accessible from your couch, African cuisine lately is no exception to the rule and especially in the United States! Mitmita is an Ethiopian spice blend that will be a new flavor for flatbreads, pizzas, candied popcorn or bacon or even humble corn/grain porridges. From foods like root vegetables that form the basis of so many diets to big party dishes like breyanis, tagines, stews and aromatic curries, Africa's favorite foods have something for everyone!
4. Flexitarian food
Flexitarianism, or 'casual vegetarianism, is an increasingly popular plant-based diet that aims to reduce the carbon footprint and improve the health of those who adopt it. Indeed, although the diet is primarily vegetarian, it does not prohibit the occasional consumption of meat, which avoids the frustration of heavy animal protein eaters. The diet also attracts people because it is the perfect opportunity to discover other food trends such as trying more vegan dishes or substituting meat with foods they are not used to eating. As a result, the plant-based food sector is growing rapidly. Moreover, another consumer concern that emerges from this trend is the increased sensitivity of customers to the fact that meat, dairy, and eggs are of the highest quality. Indeed, consumers are more sensitive to animal welfare and environmental concerns, and therefore flavor quality over quantity. To give you an idea, in 2022, Waitrose's Food & Drink Report found that almost 70% of customers surveyed said the carbon footprint of their food was now very important.
5. Nostalgic flavors
The collective desire we have for all things nostalgic will also be important in how we eat in 2022. That is, the comfort foods that are unique to each of us, that reassure us and make us think of our childhood or unique moments in our respective lives. They bring us familiarity, comfort, and joy. The most popular and the symbol of these nostalgic flavors is certainly the cookie dough that emerged in the United States. It is a pure delight for young and old because it makes us feel so good! 90s nostalgia is making a comeback too and it makes sense: millennials who grew up in the 90s faced a tumultuous introduction to "adult" life and remember their childhood as a time of fun and comfort. In fact, Mintel reports that 76% of those between the ages of 22 and 55 appreciate things that remind them of their past! This goes along with the return of vintage clothing too! Some other honorable mentions of foods that bring nostalgia to most of us, Pepsi-Cola for a sweet nostalgic drink, our respective moms' lasagna because each one has the best recipe, summer barbecues, our grandmothers' fruity or chocolate pies and cakes, the sweet cereals of our childhood breakfasts, our childhood favorite’s candies, ginger cookies or Lu biscuits with a nice hot chocolate!
6. Umami
Umami is a bit of a mystery to many, it is one of the five basic tastes (along with sweet, sour, salty and bitter). This famous 5th flavor was identified in the 19th century by the Frenchman Brillat-Savarin, then popularized in Japan (where the term means "delicious") and it brings a length to the mouth that is incomparable to the other flavors. It is Asian cuisine that has long demonstrated how umami-rich ingredients can enhance and round out flavors. Umami is considered a staple food in these countries and has taken off in the West in recent years, with the growing popularity of umami paste in particular, but also other umami-rich food products. It is certain that umami will continue to grow in 2022, as consumers become more and more fond of surprising culinary innovations. If you are not familiar with it, you will find umami in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, broths, miso, mushrooms, parmesan, seaweed, anchovies, black olives, tomato, anchovies, onions or cooked meats, as well as in fermented foods, such as kimchi! This flavor is revealed, for example, by stuffing your pizza with Parmesan cheese or by using a ham that has been matured for a long time, loaded with umami. In a nutshell, it is ultimately a powerful flavor enhancer that is revealed by smoking, maturing and especially fermenting foods.
If you want to enter the culinary world to experience the most up-to-date trends, we can give you the best job opportunities at some of the most luxurious hotels and Michelin-Starred restaurants in the USA, Europe, or the Middle East. Indeed, we are a passionate company that specializes in the hospitality industry, offering paid internships, management training programs, and employment in the most luxurious hotels and restaurants worldwide to talented people looking to grow their hospitality careers abroad. To know more about how Placement International can help you find your dream job simply create a profile on our website (www.placement-int.com) or send us your CV at info@placement-int.com.
