As we move through the year, fresh gourmet fads emerge, particularly in the pizza sector. At MedianAspect, keeping tabs on global pizza flavor favorites is what we do best. Here is a list of the most thrilling and in-demand pizza toppings of the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
People's increasing awareness of digestive health has put fermented vegetables on the pizza map. Ingredients like kimchi, pickled cabbage, and preserving onions lend a unique, tangy zest that meshes well with the creaminess of cheese and pizza sauce. These tangy delights not only boast probiotic health benefits but also bring a novel texture to the pizza eating experience.
Our Fermented Festivity pie is topped with our very own house-fermented cabbage, spicy kimchi, and sharp blue cheese, with a honey fresh from local hives drizzled on top for a sweet counterpoint. It's a combo that may seem odd but is swiftly turning into one of our most beloved special pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-centric diets has led to a significant uptick in plant-based protein options on pizza. Think beyond the usual veggie toppings, as we're introducing meat substitutes that even die-hard carnivores appreciate.
We've added alternatives like vegan Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, barbecue-style jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni to our lineup, offering not only veggie-lovers but also customers looking for diverse tastes and lighter meals a reason to indulge.
3. Specific Regional Chilies
The spice enthusiasts of 2023 are making the switch from generic crushed red pepper to authentic regional chili types. While Calabrian peppers continue to be popular, we're now spicing things up with the noteworthy Aleppo spice, smoked Spanish ñora peppers, tangy aji amarillo from Peru, and spicy Korean gochujang paste.
Global Heatwave is our spicy pizza that gives each slice a different blast of heat, thanks to an assortment of four distinct chilies recognized for bringing their own signature heat profile to the table, thrilling our daring customers.
4. Foraged Seasonal Offerings
The connection between wild ingredients and gastronomy strengthens with more pizzerias using foraged items. The foray into the wild has been led by an array of mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and maitake mushrooms popping up seasonally.
We're not stopping at mushrooms; we're also incorporating wild leeks known as ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even the aromatic spruce tips. These offerings bring a connection to the environment and flavors you can't find on a farm.
5. Specialized Honey Drippings
The interplay between sweet and savory provided by honey is solidifying its place in the pizza world. On the heels of the fiery honey trend, there's now a boom in specialty honey variants that are drizzled right before eating.
Pizzas are being adorned with gourmet touches like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoked mesquite honey, and honey blended with CBD extracts. These special honey drizzles are reshaping simple pies into sophisticated delights.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that just narrowly missed our top five but deserve recognition include:
- Preserved egg yolks, grated right onto the pizza for a burst of umami
- Sweet and sour pickled fruits, with stone fruits such as peaches and cherries being a hit
- Ancient grains for texture, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum
- Gourmet butter options, from cultured to herbed, adding rich nuances of flavor
Whether your taste buds are tuned to timeless staples or yearn for the excitement of new flavors, pizza's versatility ensures it remains a global favorite. At MedianAspect, we revere the classics while welcoming the new, offering a menu that appeals to purists and innovators alike.
Have any of these top trends caught your fancy, or is there a unique topping you're itching to try? Share your thoughts in the comments, or let us know during your next visit to our eatery!