As we make our way through the year, pizza continues to innovate with new flavors and combinations. At CalmGrovePark, we're keen observers of emerging trends that captivate pizza aficionados worldwide. We're excited to share our list of the top pizza garnishes that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has paved the way for fermented veggies to become an unexpected favorite atop pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with bold, tangy notes that wonderfully balance out the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Not only do these toppings support gut health with probiotics, but also add a refreshing change of texture to the familiar pizza profile.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza at our premises stars in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, sweetened with a touch of local honey to soften the sharp flavors. It may seem like an unconventional combination, yet it's swiftly grown into one of our most sought-after special pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has led to an increased demand for pizzas that showcase inventive meat substitutes. Moving beyond typical veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins have brought forth choices that can even win over the most ardent carnivores.
Substitutes such as crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These protein options aren't just catering to vegetarians but are chosen by many for their distinctive tastes and digestibility.
3. Specific Regional Chilies
For those who love a dash of heat, 2023 is the year where pizza lovers are celebrating distinct regional chilies in place of the generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have kept their popularity steady, we're now finding Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang rising in use on pizzas.
The International Zest pizza presents a thoughtfully chosen assortment of different regional chilies, each contributing its unique heat and flavor profile to sections of the pizza. It offers a fiery gastronomic journey that's gained favor with our boldest customers.
4. Wild Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-fork initiative has morphed into a trend of using foraged goods directly from the wilderness to top pizzas. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, each frequently featured during their season of harvest.
In addition to mushrooms, our creative endeavors have included early spring ramps, seaweeds like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an exceptional fragrant punch. These natural ingredients connect our customers to the wild and offer irreplaceable flavors that can't be replicated with farmed goods.
5. Exotic Honey Drizzles
The combination of sweet and savory that honey brings has secured its status as more than just a fleeting craze. Expanding upon the recent beloved spicy honey, there's been a surge in the use of unique honey varieties as a final touch on pizzas right before they're served.
Options such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD are showing up on pizzeria menus nationwide. These drizzles lend a sophisticated twist and can transform even the simplest pizzas into premium delights.
Noteworthy Mentions
Some other toppings that are close to making our top list but deserve a mention include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza like a dusting of gold
- Marinated stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Ancient grain enhancements, such as crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of artisan butter, including varieties enhanced with culture or infused with herbs
Whether you're someone who honors timeless classics or a culinary explorer ready to try out innovative flavors, pizza continues to reinvent itself, remaining a global favorite. At CalmGrovePark, we stand by tradition as much as we do progress, which is why our menu features both the original Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Are any of these trendy garnishes new to you? Or maybe there's a particular blend you'd love to see us take on? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop by to let us know!