Melissa's, a purveyor of unique produce, has unveiled its 2024 Food Trend Report. This year, it's all about swapping complicated meat alternatives with real, whole foods, embracing “Blue Zone” ingredients, and getting familiar with sweet-tart and spicy flavors from around the world.
Real food
Step aside, ultra-processed faux meats. Celery root is the new cauliflower steak, while maitake mushrooms replace chicken with meaty satisfaction. Jackfruit continues to wow as a pulled-pork substitute, while Hearts of Palm surprises as a replacement for crab.
Food as medicine
Increasingly, notes are being taken on the diets enjoyed by people living in “Blue Zones,” or areas with considerable longevity compared to the rest of the population. “We’ve learned that plant-powered ingredients like Okinawa sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, pressed tofu and chayote squash may be key to their health and wellness,” says Robert Schueller with Melissa’s.
“It” Ingredients
Chefs and industry experts predict that tangy tamarind, vibrant jamaica (hibiscus), sunny goldenberries, warm turmeric and smoky-spicy Guajillo peppers will pop up on menus and social media feeds in 2024. Also, on the plate and palate? Hemp leaves!
Contact:
Robert Schueller
Melissa's
Tel: (+1) 800-588-1281
roberts@melissas.com
www.melissas.com