Flavor Forecast 2011

We’ve got an insider’s peek at the flavor combinations that are slated to shape the way we all eat for the year ahead. As it’s the middle of winter now, the good news is the combinations are sure to warm you up. The 2011 Flavor Forecast, presented by McCormick, a global leader in the sale of spices, herbs and seasonings, predicts that Americans will prefer a more complex and intense taste experience with interesting spice and flavor pairings.

Chances are your spice cabinet is already well stocked: According to McCormick, spice consumption is at an all-time high—growing more than three times as fast as the population and currently exceeding 1 billion pounds per year. In fact, today’s average pantry consists of about 40 different seasonings, compared to less than 10 in the 1950s. The leading trend is mixing and matching different tastes, textures and visual cues. For example, according to the report, the tartness of hibiscus offers an uplifting counterpoint to the warmth of ancho chile pepper and the crunch of popcorn is a playful partner for worldly Herbes de Provence.—Denise Shoukas

McCormick's top 10 flavor pairings

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•    Fennel & Peri-Peri Sauce
•    Pickling Spice & Rice Vinegar
•    Roasted Curry Powder & Wild Mushrooms
•    Caramelized Honey & Adzuki Red Beans
•    Ancho Chile Pepper & Hibiscus
•    Thyme & Stone Fruits
•    Mustard Seed & Vermouth
•    Cilantro & Nut Butters
•    Herbes de Provence & Popcorn
•    Green Peppercorn & Goat’s Milk

Recipes using 2011's Flavor Combinations

Click on the followin recipe links or images to try two recipes that will inspire you to amp up your flavor combinations in 2011.

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Marinated Shrimp with
Mango & Radishes

Ancho-Hibiscus Sparkling
Sangria Recipe

Denise Shoukas is a regular foodspring.com contributor
and is the author of foodspring's food forager blog.

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