The realm of pizza is constantly evolving, with 2023 ushering in fresh gastronomic fashions. At ThatchField, we diligently track the emerging preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. Below are the toppings that have seized the limelight this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gastrointestinal wellness has now found its way into the pizza industry, with fermented veggies turning into a hit topping. Ingredients such as kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions bring a vibrant zest that contrasts the creamy cheese and sauce. These fermented favorites are not only good for your gut but also introduce an intriguing new texture to classic pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pie features our own pickled cabbage, kimchi, and gorgonzola, topped with a touch of local honey to soften the sour flavor. This unconventional blend is swiftly climbing the ranks in fan-favorites.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The tide of plant-based diets remains strong, shown by an uptick in pizzas adorned with ingenious meat substitutes. Beyond standard veggies, plant-derived proteins like tempeh seasoned with Italian spices, pulled jackfruit, and vegan pepperoni have been added to our selection. These meat alternatives capture the interest of not just vegans but all customers for their distinct tastes and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who favor fiery flavors, 2023 has welcomed an appreciation for distinct regional chilies over common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian peppers continue to be a favorite, we are now seeing a proliferation of other unique types like Spanish ñora peppers, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang sauce.
Global Heat, our pie with a spectrum of four different regional peppers, delivers a distinctive fiery taste to each quadrant, enjoyed by our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
As the local sourcing philosophy extends its reach, seasonal gathered ingredients have become increasingly in vogue on pizzas. Leading this trend are wild fungi such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake mushrooms, appearing during their respective harvesting times.
We're also incorporating wild leeks, seaweeds such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips to add unique fragrant undertones. These foraged components offer diners a connection to nature and flavors that cannot be replicated in traditional agriculture.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of honey's sweetness with savory elements has become a staple trend. 2023 has seen a surge in the use of exotic honey varieties drizzled over pizzas just before they're served.
Options like honey infused with truffles, aged garlic honey, mesquite honey, and CBD-honey are showing up on menus countrywide. These drizzled condiments introduce a level of sophistication that transforms even the most basic pizzas into gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Other contenders that narrowly missed our prime list but still deserve recognition include:
- Cured yolks sprinkled over pizzas akin to fine cheese shreds
- Marinated fruits, particularly pitted varieties like peaches and plums
- Grains of heritage with a crispy bite, such as toasted farro or sorghum
- Morsels of artisan butter, especially those infused with flavors or herbs
Pizza can satisfy both those who favor timeless classics and explorers of new taste territories. At ThatchField, we respect the basics and celebrate the new—that's why our menu includes traditional options like Margherita as well as innovative creations.
Are there any trending ingredients you've tried lately, or is there a particular combo you'd like to see us whip up? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!