With each year, the pizza industry witnesses fresh gastronomic fads, and 2023 is no exception. At CloverByteFarm, we keenly observe which flavors are captivating the palates of pizza aficionados globally. Here's a summary of the top pizza garnishes that have caught attention this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
As the gut health movement continues to influence what we eat, an unexpected trending pizza topping has emerged in the form of fermented veggies. Foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a complex tartness that pairs well with the creamy cheese and sauce. Offering probiotic perks, these fermented choices also introduce a novel texture to the pizza-eating experience.
Fermentation Fiesta pizza is the latest addition to our menu, proudly featuring our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a touch of local bee’s nectar for a perfect flavor balance. It may seem unconventional, but it's soaring in popularity quickly.
2. Plant-Based Meats
Heightened interest in plant-based diets has translated into a sharp uptick in the desire for pizzas adorned with inventive non-animal proteins. Going beyond the usual veggie toppings, advances in plant-based options have brought forth alternatives that even staunch carnivores appreciate.
We provide items such as plant-derived crumbled Italian sausage, herby tempeh, jackfruit in a 'pulled pork' style, and pea protein slices similar to 'pepperoni.' These are not solely for herbivores—our patrons opt for them due to their distinctive taste profiles and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Niche Chili Varietals
Those with a penchant for the piquant are enjoying the precision of specific chili varietals, moving away from unspecifically hot pepper shakes. While Calabrian peppers retain their standing from past years, other chilies like smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and robust Korean gochujang have started making their mark on pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza creatively incorporates a selection of different regional chilies, each lending a distinct palate to various sections of the pie, becoming a hit among our more daring clientele.
4. Wild-Harvested Seasonal Ingredients
The connection to the land has deepened with the upsurge in seasonal ingredients that are found in the wild, taking the farm-to-table concept a notch up. Leading the way are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, featured prominently in their respective growing times.
We’re also exploring flavors from the wild like spring ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips that impart unique fragrant notes. These components allow our customers to savor flavors that go beyond the scope of farmed goods.
5. Unique Honey Drizzles
The sweet and savory combination of honey has established a strong foothold, building on the enthusiasm for spicy honey in recent times. The year 2023 observes a surge in specialty honeys like truffle-infused, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, enhancing pizzas before they're served.
Sprinkled atop the pizzas, these honeys are not just garnishes but are transformative, adding layers of sophistication and turning even the simplest pies into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that haven't quite made our primary list but are nonetheless trending include:
- Preserved egg yolks finely grated over pizzas adding a rich umami flavor
- Pickled fruits, with a particular emphasis on stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Ancient grains used as toppings, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, adding texture
- Dollops of upscale butters such as cultured or mixed with fine herbs, for rich bursts of flavor
Whether one is a conventionalist hooked on classic styles or a daredevil eager to sample novel blends, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At CloverByteFarm, we respect the age-old ways while welcoming the new, which is why our menu hosts the ageless Margherita alongside avant-garde options.
Have you savored any of these avant-garde toppings? Or perhaps you've been yearning for a unique combination to appear in our selection? Share with us in the commentary section or during your next patronage!