Renowned chef and Jewish Cookery founder Denise Phillips reveals six exciting ingredients we can look forward to eating this year
Nothing about life stays the same and food is no exception. If we look at what our parents enjoyed eating and compare that with what's in our supermarkets, fridges and cupboards, it’s quite incredible how different they are. When once it was a whole salmon poached in a fish kettle then decorated with cucumber slices on the table, now you're more likely to enjoy salmon in tacos, marinated in miso or with teriyaki sauce.
Food trends occur because of what the media promotes, what is ‘new’ and available, and what chefs have created that we want to be able to enjoy at home. A new year means new food and magazine tip-lists of cool ingredients – all of which Kosher London Beth Din (KLBD) works very hard to certify and share information about what is kosher, parev (contains neither meat nor dairy) or kosher dairy.
There's no denying that the ways we shop, eat and fulfil goals to better the health of our bodies, planet and wallets have been heavily affected by the global pandemic and supply issues due to Brexit, but it doesn't mean we can't still get excited. So what’s new for 2022?
Sunflower seeds
This healthy ingredient is set to take a more prominent place in everyday eating this year. They can be good alternatives to sandwich or cracker spreads when nut butters present allergy issues. They can even be turned into a Parmesan cheese substitute.
Vegan eggs
These are delicious in omelettes, cakes and puddings, and make for a great low-cholesterol alternative. Turmeric and mung bean protein are used to create an egg-like texture and flavour.
Chocolate
New colours and flavours like ruby and gold are on the menu for sweet treats in 2022. Ruby chocolate is made from ruby cacao beans with a flavour combining fruity and citrus notes, while gold chocolate is made from specially crafted ingredients, including caramelised sugar and caramelised milk.
Plant-based alternatives
Chicken, fish and even smoked salmon are becoming increasingly popular in the alternative proteins markets. Kosher brands include Vitalite Dairy Free, Meatless Farm, LoveSeitan and VBites, but note that not all the products from these companies are kosher.
Zero-proof spirits
One of the forthcoming beverage trends is to turn to low or non-alcoholic spirits. This new range of drinks have all the flavour of their alcohol-based counterparts, but won't leave you with a stinking headache in the morning. They're perfect for cocktails and for the health-conscious drinker and are a fun and inclusive way to enjoy the party.
Botanical flavours
Look out for elderflower, lavender and other natural floral flavours in your drinks this year. These delicate extracts provide a fresh profile to beverages that supplement the need for sugar-based sweeteners. Bold flavours like cherry, green apple and watermelon are also set to return as we look to familiar tastes in a bid to take comfort from the increase of general life stresses.
Want to put one of these new ingredients to the test? Try this Vegan Vanilla & Almond ‘Cheese’ Cake recipe*.
*Recipe will download automtically once the link is clicked, please check your downloads folder to find the Word doc.
Denise Phillips is a renowned chef, cookbook author and the founder of Jewish Cookery. To find out more visit jewishcookery.com.
