As each year unfolds, it introduces fresh culinary waves in the sphere of pizza, and 2023 is certainly no different. At MeadowShade, keeping a pulse on the preferences tantalizing the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide is our priority. Here you'll discover a compilation of this year's most intriguing and sought-after pizza garnishes that are currently the rage.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With a newfound dedication to digestive health, fermented vegetables have surfaced as an unexpectedly popular choice atop pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions infuse a zesty complexity to flavors that balances well with the creamy texture of cheese and the base sauce. Not only do these fermented options bring probiotic advantages, they also add layers of novel textures to the classic pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Festivity pie is a celebration of house-crafted sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a final flourish of local honeys to offset the zestiness. This fusion may come across as unconventional, yet it's fast becoming one of the most in-demand creations among our signature pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain more traction, there's been a noticeable increase in the call for pizzas adorned with innovative substitutes for meat. Extending beyond typical veggie toppings, newfound advances in plant-based proteins have introduced choices that can even satisfy the staunchest carnivores.
We've added plant-derived Italian sausage chunks, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork with a marinade, and pea protein pepperoni as staples on our menu. These proteins cater not only to those who prefer vegetarian options but also to patrons enticed by their distinctive tastes and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who chase a spicy kick, 2023 has delivered with an embrace of specific chili varieties from distinct regions, moving away from the generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies persist in their popularity from years gone by, while we are also witnessing the emergence of Aleppo pepper, the smokiness of Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity punch of Peruvian aji amarillo, and the distinct Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
Heat from Around the World is our pizza offering that combines a selection of four divergent regional chilies, assigning each a unique section of the pizza. It's a fiery gastronomic journey that's seen particular favor with our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The ethos of farm-to-table has now branched into a 'forest-to-pizza' movement, as foraged seasonal ingredients gain in popularity. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which find their way onto our pizzas in sync with their growing seasons.
We're also embracing wild ramps (also known as wild leeks), sea-foraged edibles like dulse and nori, and even the fresh spruce tips to impart a distinctive aromatic essence. These foraged elements provide a connection to the wilderness and offer tastes not replicated in farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
A brush of honey creates a delightful interplay of sweet and savory that has proven its staying power beyond a fleeting fad. Building upon the hot honey trend of past years, 2023 has witnessed a proliferation of unique honey types being drizzled over pizzas immediately before being presented to the table.
Varieties such as truffle honey, honey fermented with garlic, smoky mesquite honey, and even non-psychoactive cannabinoid honey are making their way onto dining spots nationwide. These special accents add a layer of sophistication, turning even the simplest pizza creations into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
There are a few other toppings that didn't make it to our top five list, yet they deserve a mention for their impact:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza, giving the appearance of golden flakes
- Marinated fruit, in particular stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grains used as toppings, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum, for added texture
- Handcrafted butter spots (notably those cultured or mixed with herbal essences)
No matter if you lean towards time-honored choices or aim to delve into bold, novel combos, pizza stands resilient as an endlessly versatile and adored dish. At MeadowShade, we pay homage to tradition while also welcoming culinary advancement—this approach ensures our menu features both the timeless Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas alike.
Have you sampled any of these trendsetting toppings? Or maybe you have a distinctive blend you'd like us to consider? Drop us a comment or mention it when you stop by next!