Each year presents a fresh wave of pizza culinary transformations, and 2023 has its own unique offerings. At OceanTrailCenter, we're constantly tracking the newest favorites of pizza aficionados around the planet. Explore our list of the most stimulating and sought-after pizza garnishes that have emerged this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has infiltrated pizza parlors, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas in this calendar year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with complex, sour flavors which are a delicious contrast with the creamy density of cheese and sauce. These fermented additions are not just known for their probiotic advantages but also for adding intriguing new textures to classical pizza compositions.
Our exclusive Fermentation Fiesta pizza boasts home-crafted sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, complemented by a dribble of regional honey to tame the sourness. This blend may seem unconventional, but it has quickly become among our most demanded signature offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The popularity of a plant-based diet is not waning, and the interest in pizzas adorned with novel meat substitutes has surged accordingly. Beyond ordinary vegetal garnishes, advancements in plant-sourced proteins have introduced alternatives that even the most ardent carnivores find satisfying.
Veggie Italian sausage crumbles, nicely seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now permanent selections on our menu. These protein choices are attracting customers not solely for their dietary preferences but also for their distinctive tastes and a more digestible impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek a fiery experience, 2023 marks a turn towards precise regional chili varieties over generic hot pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity from past times, we are now witnessing the integration of peppers like the aromatic Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Heatwave pizza consists of an assortment of four diverse regional chilies, giving each slice a distinct flavor characteristic. It's a scorching gastronomic journey that's especially well-liked by our bold-flavor-lover customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trail from woodland to pizza oven is gaining popularity with wild-foraged seasonal ingredients' growing enthusiasm. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with species such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushroom popping up in their respective harvesting times.
In addition to mushrooms, we're experimenting with wild herbs like spring ramps, oceanic greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an exceptionally fragrant twist. These natural ingredients are a bridge to the wilderness, offering flavors that aren't typically found in agricultural environments.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The juxtaposition of sweet and savory facilitated by honey has solidified its standing as a timeless pizza topping trend. Building on the traction of spicy honey in preceding years, 2023 has brought about an influx of unique honey varieties that are drizzled onto pizzas just prior to being served.
Options like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD are making their way into eateries nationwide. These final drizzles contribute a layer of sophistication, turning even basic pizzas into gourmet meals.
Honorable Mentions
Some other garnishments that didn't quite make our top five but are still creating a buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely zested over the pizza like a dusting of yellow flakes
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Heritage grain toppings, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum adding texture
- Handcrafted butter dabs (especially flavoured compound butters with herbs)
Regardless if you're a purist who favours classic tastes or an experimental eater open to fresh and audacious combinations, pizza endures as one of the globe's most modifiable and universally cherished dishes. At OceanTrailCenter, we pay homage to time-honored methods while also venturing into the realm of innovation—that's the reason our selection includes both the classic Margherita and avant-garde pies.
Have you had the chance to experience any of these voguish toppings? Or maybe you have a special topping mix you'd like us to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments or let us know during your next visit!