As every new year ushers in fresh pizza culinary trends, 2023 stands out with its distinctive flavors. At OpenReferenceGuide, we keep a close eye on global trends capturing the appetites of pizza aficionados. Here's a curated list of this year's standout pizza toppings that have caught our attention.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The spotlight on digestive wellness has expanded into pizzerias, with fermentable veggies emerging as unexpected pizza crowd-pleasers. Kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions contribute sour depths that pair well with the traditional cheese and tomato foundation. These zesty additions bring not only gut-friendly probiotics but also add novel textures to the classic pizza form.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza combines our own pickled cabbage, kimchi, and bold gorgonzola, with a finishing touch of regional honey to soften the sourness. The flavor profile may initially seem odd, but it has swiftly turned into a customer favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The movement towards plant-centric diets has increased the popularity of pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Beyond ordinary garden toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins have impressed even the staunchest carnivores.
We offer an array of botanical proteins – Italian sausage made from plants, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These options attract not just vegetarians; many patrons select them for their distinctive tastes and more agreeable digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who enjoy a spicy slice are now gravitating towards specific chilies from various regions instead of the ubiquitous crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, other peppers like Turkish Aleppo, smoked Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are being spotted on pizza toppings.
Global Heat, our newest pizza, is an aromatic tour with four distinct chilies representing different parts of the globe, each spice bringing its signature flavor to the mix. This fiery offering is particularly popular with our patrons inclined towards culinary exploration.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Forest offerings have become the new trend for pizza, as evidenced by the inclusion of seasonal, wild-foraged elements. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing atop pizzas in correspondence to their natural growing seasons.
Other wild ingredients we've incorporated include foraged wild leeks in spring, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even pine tips for their unique fragrance. These ingredients forge a connection to nature while delivering flavors that commercial cultivation can't replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Drizzles of honey provide a sweet contrast that has found a permanent place on the pizza landscape. The trend of using unique varieties of honey continues to flourish in 2023, offering a final sophisticated flourish to pizzas.
We've embraced a variety of honey such as truffle-infused, garlic fermented, smoke-infused mesquite, and also honey combined with CBD. These distinct flavors add layers of depth and convert simple pizza creations into luxurious experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few other toppings that nearly made the cut, but are still generating interest:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated for a rich umami dusting
- Pickled stone fruits, with peaches and plums being particularly popular
- Textures from heritage grains like crisp farro or puffed sorghum
- Dollops of artisan butter, such as cultured or herby compound variations
Regardless of whether you're a pizza purist or a gastronomic adventurer, pizza remains a versatile and universally cherished dish. At OpenReferenceGuide, we honor timeless recipes and invite innovation with a range that includes both the classic Margherita and the avant-garde creations.
We're curious to hear if you've sampled any of these newfangled toppings or if there's an original mix you'd love to see in our repertoire. Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!