Each year ushers in fresh gastronomic trends within the realm of pizza, and the year 2023 is no different. At SaltedOrchard, our focus is on keeping track of what's trending in the taste preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. We’re excited to share our list of top pizza garnishes that are current favorites within the community.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The spotlight on digestive wellness has found its way into pizzeria kitchens, with fermented vegetables emerging as a surprise favorite atop pizzas. Offerings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with their complex sour notes, which perfectly offset the creaminess of cheese and depth of sauces. Besides offering probiotic advantages, these toppings also present new textural elements to the classic pizza.
Imagine our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and piquant gorgonzola cheese, all brought together with a sweet drizzle of local honey to counterbalance the sour flavors. Although it's an unconventional mix, it's quickly becoming a highly sought-after item on our specialty menu.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The momentum for plant-based diets maintains its course, bringing us a growing interest in pizzas that spotlight inventive non-meat options. Venturing beyond traditional veggie toppings, we've seen innovative plant proteins that even die-hard carnivores find delightful.
You'll now find plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, herby tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein alternatives to pepperoni starring on our menus. These proteins aren't just a hit with vegetarians—they're a hit with patrons who appreciate their distinctive tastes and gentler effect on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a fiery bite, 2023 marks a time when pizza lovers are selectively reaching for particular chilies over the commonplace red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their popularity streak, a range of distinct chilies like the fragrant Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and rich Korean gochujang are now being sprinkled on pizzas.
Dare to try our Global Heat pizza, which is a mosaic of four distinct chilies, each lending its signature zest to our pie. It's the perfect choice for our guests who love a culinary venture into spice.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The concept of farm-to-table has expanded into a forest-to-pizza trend with the surging interest in seasonally foraged additions. Leading this trend are forest mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, showcased during their natural growing periods.
We’re going beyond mushrooms and incorporating wild ramps (wild leeks), oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even fresh spruce tips for a touch of aromatic flavoring. These ingredients forge a connection to nature while offering flavors that can't be replicated by farming.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay between sweet and savory brought about by honey has become a staple, outliving the label of a fleeting craze. Capitalizing on the fame of spicy honey, 2023 brings an abundance of specialty honeys drizzled on pizzas just before they’re served up.
Amongst these are truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and unique CBD-enriched honey, which you’ll find making an appearance in eateries nationwide. These drizzles are not just finishing touches but add nuance, transforming simple pizzas into gourmet offerings.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that nearly made it into our top five but are still making a significant impact include:
- Salted cured egg yolks grated over pizzas creating a luxurious topping
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruits like cherries and apricots
- Wholesome grain toppings, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Buttery spreads handcrafted in small batches, like those infused with herbs for extra flavor
Whether your preference is for timeless classics or you're one to seek out the unconventional, pizza remains the ultimate versatile and cherished dish. At SaltedOrchard, we pay homage to timeless recipes while also exploring the frontiers of culinary creativity, reflected by both our age-old Margherita and pioneering specialty pizzas.
Have you had a chance to experience any of these trend-setting toppings? Or do you have an innovative pairing of your own you’d like to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!