Each year unveils novel trends in the pizza realm, and 2023 is matching stride. At CalmHerbTrail, we’re keen observers of the ingredients captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here’s a compiled list of this year’s standout pizza garnishes.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Digestive wellness has brought fermented veggies to the forefront in many pizzerias, turning them into a top favorite on pizzas. Tangy options like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are enriching pies with complex flavors, meshing well with the creamy cheese and sauces. These toppings aren’t merely tasteful; they bring probiotic goodness and an extra layer of texture to the mix.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza on our menu combines homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, sweetened with a dash of local honey to mellow the zest. Though it may seem an odd pairing, it's fast becoming one of our most popular specialties.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has led to an increased demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Far exceeding usual veggie options, the new array of plant-based proteins caters to even staunch carnivores.
Options like plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, marinated jackfruit as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples. These protein sources are favored not only by vegetarians but also by our customers drawn to their distinctive tastes and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those chasing a spicy kick, 2023 is a time to celebrate, with pizza lovers leaning toward specific chili types beyond the standard crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies remain a staple, with new additions like Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang emerging on the scene.
The International Zest pizza available at our restaurant is an assortment of four diverse chilies, each adding a unique flavor to the pizza’s quadrants. It’s the ideal choice for those keen on a bit of fiery excitement.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from the wild to our meals intensifies with seasonal foraged ingredients gaining traction on pizzas. Lead by wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear as the seasons allow.
Our experimentation doesn’t end with fungi; we’re incorporating spring ramps (wild garlic), sea vegetables such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their distinctive fragrance. These components offer not just unique tastes but a way for diners to connect with the natural environment.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The leap from savory to sweet with honey has secured its spot beyond a fleeting fashion. The recent arrival of various specialty honey types drizzled over pizzas just before serving has marked 2023 as a year for this trend.
Varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey imbued with CBD are making their way to pizzerias nationwide. A drizzle of these lends a level of sophistication, transforming a simple pie into a gourmand’s delight.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional notable toppings that narrowly missed our list but are making their mark include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pizza surfacing like a gold-dusted layer
- Marinated fruits, with stone fruits such as peaches and plums coming to the fore
- Grains of heritage significance, offering crunch with crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Dollops of artisan butter, notably cultured or herb-infused varieties
Pizza persists as a world-beloved dish revered for its versatility. Whether your palate favors the timeless classics or ventures into uncharted flavor territories, CalmHerbTrail respects age-old traditions and invites culinary creativity—our selection boasts both the iconic Margherita and the avant-garde pies.
What are your thoughts on these trendsetting toppings? Maybe you have a peculiar favorite combo you’d like to see on our menu? We invite your comments below or your suggestions during your next visit!