As each year passes, the pizza sector sees the emergence of fresh gustatory preferences, and the year 2023 hasn't deviated from this path. At CitrusGrove, our team diligently tracks the flavor profiles that delight pizza aficionados worldwide. We present to you the rundown of this year's sensational and most favored pizza garnishments that are currently trending.
1. Cultivated Microbes in Vegetables
This year, a focus on digestive wellness has led to the unexpected popularity of microbe-enriched vegetables as pizza garnishments. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing layers of tart flavors that balance out the creamy cheese and tangy tomato base. Not only are these garnishments rich in beneficial microbes, but they also introduce an all-new textural twist to classic pizzas.
One of our innovative offerings, the Fermentation Festivity pizza, proudly showcases in-house prepared sauerkraut, kimchi, and bold gorgonzola cheese, with an addition of local honey dashes which offers a sweet counterbalance to the pervasive sharpness. It may be an unconventional blend, but it's rapidly turning into a top-requested choice among our gourmet selections.
2. Alternative Protein Sources from Plants
The surge in plant-based dietary choices has led to an upturn in vegetarian versions of meat toppings on pizzas. Moving beyond routine veggie toppings, innovation in plant-sourced proteins has provided alternatives that even staunch meat aficionados can appreciate.
Within our garnishment assortment, we now offer plant-derived Italian sausage crumbs, well-seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork in a marination, and pepper-like pea protein. These are not exclusively consumed by vegetarians but selected for their intriguing flavors and the more lenient impact on digestion.
3. Diverse Regional Chilies
2023 has been a delight for those who prefer their pizzas with a zestful kick, showing a preference for specific regional chilies over generalized hot pepper sprinklings. While Calabrian chilies have retained their charm from past years, we're now noticing other varieties like smoky Spanish ñora peppers, the sweet-hot Aleppo or fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korea's savory gochujang paste make their mark on pizzas.
Our exploratory Global Spice pizza showcases an assortment of four diverse regional chilies, each bringing a distinct taste note to separate sections of the pizza, creating a fiery experience that has won favor with our more daring patrons.
4. Foraged Finds From Nature
The local sourcing trend has expanded towards the wild harvest, with collected ingredients from nature gaining favor for use on pizzas. Leading this trend are forest-picked mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, featured prominently during their peak seasonings.
In addition to mushrooms, we have been experimental with incorporating spring ramps, sea botanicals like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These elements forge a connective experience with nature and introduce flavors otherwise impossible to achieve through cultivation.
5. Gourmet Honey Infusions
The delectable interplay between sweetness and savoriness offered by honey on pizzas continues to secure its place in the gourmet world. Expanding on the well-received spicy honey varieties of prior years, 2023 has unveiled a surge in unique honey types delicately drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Our menu now features an array of exotic honey offerings—honey infused with the essence of truffle, honey aromatic from fermented garlic, smoky honey reminiscent of mesquite, and even honey imbued with therapeutic CBD. These final drizzles contribute an intricate depth taking conventional pizza blends to an elevated, sophisticated level.
Additional Worthy Mentions
A selection of garnishments that narrowly missed our primary list but remains noteworthy includes:
- Cured egg yolk shavings over the pizza akin to a soft, golden dusting
- Pickled fruits with a particular nod to stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Whole grain embellishments for texture, such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet dollops of artisanal butter, including specially cultured or mixed herb-infused types
Pizza remains a beloved and versatile dish globally, whether your preference leans towards the authentically classic or skews towards experimental and bold flavors. At CitrusGrove, we pay homage to enduring classics while wholeheartedly engaging with modern creativity—our menu speaks this language, boasting both the time-honored Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Did any of these innovative toppings catch your interest? Perhaps there's a unique blend you'd love to see us include? Drop your thoughts in the comments or let us know during your following visit!