Each year introduces new gastronomic fashions to the realm of pizza, and 2023 is brimming with novelties. At StewandSpoon, our dedication is towards tracking global pizza aficionados' latest obsessions. This listing encapsulates the top pizza garnishes that are creating buzz currently.
1. Pickled Vegetation
As gut health garners more attention, pickled vegetables are the unexpected chart-toppers on pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are injecting a zesty complexity that balances the cheese and sauce's richness. These toppings are not just bursting with probiotics but also introduce an intriguing new palette of textures to the classic pizza.
Fermentation Fiesta pizza, our latest creation, boasts in-house sauerkraut and kimchi coupled with tangy gorgonzola, expertly offset by a drizzle of local honey. An unusual blend, it's swiftly risen to stardom as one of our most sought-after specialty pizzas.
2. Botanical-Based Meats
The surge in plant-forward diets is evident, and so is the uptick in requests for pizzas adorned with inventive non-meat options. Beyond mere veggies, advancements in botanical meats have introduced selections that can convince the staunchest carnivores.
Options like botanical Italian sausage granules, spiced tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork in marinade, and pea protein pepperoni now regularly adorn our menu. These alternatives are chosen not solely by vegetarians but for their distinctive flavors and easy digestibility by many patrons.
3. Specific Regional Chilies
For those favoring spiciness, 2023 has signified the preference for distinct regional chilies over standard chili flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to enjoy their sustained popularity from the past, peppers like Aleppo, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now finding their ways onto pizzas.
Our International Spice Journey pizza presents a selection of four unique regional chilies, each gracing a different segment of the pizza, perfect for patrons seeking a zesty escapade.
4. Seasonal Gathered Edibles
The essence of forest-to-table is reflected by the embracing of seasonally gathered ingredients atop pizzas. Leading this movement are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appearing during select seasons.
We've ventured into using spring ramps, maritime greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These handpicked elements offer our customers a linkage to the wilderness and deliver unmatched flavors that can't be artificially cultivated.
5. Unique Honey Infusions
Honey's sweet and savory juxtaposition has transcended its fad status to become a mainstay. On top of the once-famed hot honey, 2023 has introduced a burst of specialized honey types drizzled over pizzas just before they're served.
From delicately infused truffle honey to smoky mesquite, fermented garlic honey, and even CBD-enriched honey augment the culinary experience, imparting layers of complexity to what might otherwise be a simple pizza.
Honorable Mentions
While not making the prime list, several other garnishes still deserve mention for their emerging popularity:
- Cured egg yolks, finely shaved onto pizzas like flakes of golden snow
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Wholegrain crunch added via toasted farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet butter spots, especially those cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether one’s taste slants towards time-honored favorites or inclines to experiment with avant-garde mixtures, pizza retains its standing as an infinitely versatile and cherished meal. At StewandSpoon, we pay homage to time-honored approaches while also welcoming the new, which is why our menu offers both the classic Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Ever sampled any of these current favorite toppings, or do you have a particular blend you'd like us to add to the menu? Share with us in the comment section or during your next visit!