Food blogs, cooking shows, culinary festivals, and food halls dominate our culture today. We're increasingly mindful of what we eat, yet time for cooking is scarce. TV chef Mathijs Vrieze, with years of professional experience, shares the key food trends shaping 2016. Here's what's gaining traction and what's fading.
Say 'No' to Waste – Minimize food waste by portioning meals correctly or repurposing leftovers creatively for the next day.
Green is In – Beyond organic, this means sustainable farming and ethical animal welfare. That's why BBQs are firing up even in winter.
Natural Foods – Home gardening on balconies or plots is commonplace. We're foraging beyond supermarkets into nature for berries, fruits, flowers, leaves, and wild greens – nature's superfoods.
Global Flavors at Home – Travel inspires us to seek international ingredients via Asian markets or online specialty shops.
Less Sugar – Opting for pure, unsweetened options, even at breakfast.
Personalized Eating – Diners customize orders, tailoring meals to their preferences rather than sticking to menus.
Beans and Legumes Rising – Not full vegetarianism, but mindful meat reduction. Protein-packed legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and beans offer nutritious, trendy alternatives.
Gourmet Sweets – Indulge in elevated treats: rose sugar candies, blueberry marshmallows, coconut ice cream, disco dip bonbons, and vanilla popcorn – all in sophisticated, bite-sized portions.
Power of Simplicity – Modern cooking favors 'less is more.' Create bold flavors with minimal ingredients for maximum impact.
Hot vs. Not:
Hot – Not
Steaming – Baking
Food trucks – Fast food restaurants
Meal boxes – Ready-made meals
Pulses – Lots of meat
Curd cheese – Fruit juice
BBQs – Microwave
Wild picking – Manipulated food
Less sugar – Artificial sweeteners
French toast – Throwing food away
Oatmeal – Quinoa
Less = more – Recipes with many ingredients
24-hour breakfast – Breakfast only in the morning
Green and black tea – Bubble tea
Vegetables – E numbers
Nuts – Chips
Meal prepping – Snacks
Seaweed – Goji berries
Herbs – White/refined products
