Each annum introduces new tastes to pizza cuisine, and the year 2023 has been following this tradition. At FernBorough, we keep a close eye on the global pizza aficionados' preferences. Below you'll find the list of this year's most appealing and sought-after pizza toppings that have taken the market by storm.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has entered the pizza scene, with fermented veggies emerging as a surprising topping champion this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with rich layers of tang, perfectly pairing with the traditional cheese and sauce while offering probiotic perks. It also brings a new edge of texture to the time-honored pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes our very own sauerkraut, kimchi, and bleu cheese, which is liberally drizzled with local honey to soften the tangy bite. This combination might initially appear unconventional, but it's swiftly become a top request at our establishment.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-based diets has seen an increased demand for pizzas topped with innovative non-meat options. We're not only talking about the usual veggie toppings; the plant-based protein revolution has brought forth selections that even die-hard carnivores can't resist.
Items like plant-based Italian sausage bits, savory tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples on our menu. And it’s not just vegetarians ordering these — the distinctive flavors and lighter impact on digestion make them a hit with a wide range of customers.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those seeking a hot kick, 2023 has seen a shift towards distinctive regional chilies as opposed to a shake of generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their strong performance from past years, we are now featuring chilies like the aromatic Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and bold Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
Our International Scorch pizza is a mix of these diverse regional chilies, offering a unique flavor journey across the quarters of the pie. It’s been a hit with our thrill-seeking clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local sourcing concept has expanded from farm to forest, as foraged ingredients for pizzas are in vogue. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, which grace our pizzas according to what the seasons bestow.
We've also incorporated wild ramps, sea greens like dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips into our ingredient arsenal. These components bring our patrons closer to nature and offer irreplaceable flavors that can't be found amid cultivated crops.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory flavors from honey has secured its spot as a long-lasting pizza topping trend. Riding on the coattails of the hot honey trend of bygone years, 2023 has welcomed a surge of special honey varieties that are dribbled atop the pizza just before serving.
Distinctive honeys such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even CBD-infused are emerging on the culinary scene. These honeys add a sense of luxury and depth, transforming basic pizza renditions into extraordinary gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that have narrowly missed the top five but are still making an impression include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, adding a shower of umami-rich gold onto pizzas
- Pickled fruits, with a particular nod to stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Crunchy heritage grains, like toasted spelt or puffed sorghum, for added texture
- Gourmet dabs of butter, specifically those crafted with cultured or herbed infusions
Whether you’re someone who sticks with time-tested favorites or a diner eager to explore inventive flavor fusions, pizza rema