As each year unfolds, so do new trends in pizza gastronomy, and 2023 is no different. Here at TheCuriousSphere, we keep a keen eye on the latest preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. We're excited to share our list of the top pizza garnishes that are currently popular.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has transported fermented foods right into pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as a crowd-pleaser this year. The sharp flavors of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are a fantastic balance for the creamy cheese and sauce that we're accustomed to. Not only do these fermented options come with probiotic perks, but they also add fascinating new textures to the traditional pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all tied together with a hint of local honey to offset the sourness. While the mix may seem unconventional, it's swiftly climbing the ranks as one of our highly sought-after specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets continues to influence the pizza industry, resulting in a higher demand for pizzas with inventive non-meat options. Moving beyond just veggies, new plant-based protein alternatives are winning over even the staunchest of carnivores.
Items like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These proteins are not exclusive to vegetarians; frequently, they are chosen by patrons for their distinctive tastes and a less hefty after-meal feeling.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave spice, 2023 is a year to celebrate, as pizza lovers are gravitating towards specific types of regional chilis instead of the standard red pepper flakes. Popular choices include Calabrian chilies, while varieties like the smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also making their way onto pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a concoction of four diverse regional chilies, each delivering its distinct taste to different sections of the pizza. This spicy globe-trotting palette pleaser has earned particular favor among our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from nature to the dinner table has developed further with the increasing popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear periodically during their growth seasons.
We're also incorporating wild spring leeks (ramps), sea greens like dulse and nori, as well as pine tips for a special fragrant touch. These naturally occurring elements offer a connection to the wild and provide flavors that can't be found in commercially-grown products.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has proven its staying power as a favored addition to pizza, far beyond a fleeting craze. Building upon the hot honey trends of recent years, 2023 has seen a variety of unique honey types being used as a final touch on pizzas.
Drizzles such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey are appearing more frequently, adding a sophisticated edge to even the simplest pizzas. These garnishes add depth and can transform ordinary pizzas into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings are gaining attention, although they didn't make our top five. Here are a few:
- Cured egg yolks grated over the pizza for a luxurious finish
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Grains of heritage such as toasted farro or puffed sorghum adding crunch
- Small amounts of artisanal butter, especially those flavored with herbs or cultured
No matter if you stick with age-old favorites or are open to exploring exciting new flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and endearing dishes worldwide. At TheCuriousSphere, we honor age-old traditions while also embracing the new, offering both time-honored classics and innovative specialty pizzas.
Have you had a chance to try any of these modern garnishes? Or perhaps there's a unique combination you're hoping we'll introduce? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!