The pizza scene is always evolving, with each year introducing new flavors that capture pizza aficionados’ hearts worldwide. At MindfulMeditations, we’re keen observers of these global gustatory trends. Without further ado, here’s our compilation of the top garnishes that have been all the rage on pizzas in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Phenomenal for digestive wellness, fermented vegetables have been a standout on pizzas nowadays. They infuse an intricate tang that complements the deep flavors of cheese and sauce. Beyond boosting gut health with probiotics, they add a novel textural component to pizza.
Introducing our newest creation Fermentation Celebration pizza! It's a delectable mix of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, crowned with a drizzle of local honey to offset the sourness. Initially unexpected, this combo is swiftly becoming a highly sought specialty pie.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The plant-based diet wave is increasingly influencing pizza toppings, as we're seeing a surge in the demand for inventive meat-free alternatives. These toppings are a hot new addition, offering protein options that appeal even to ever-loyal carnivores.
Options such as plant-based crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, pulled pork styled jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni now grace our menu. These choices are loved not solely by vegetarians but for their distinctive tastes and a gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who crave heat are welcoming the trend of specifying regional chili types over the all-too-common crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies stay in the limelight, joined by the likes of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, zesty Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang as preferred heat sources on our pizzas.
For those who dare, our Global Heat pizza presents a sampler of these four distinct chilies, each lending its own exclusive flavor note to particular quadrants of the pie—a fiery trip that’s excited our most intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What started as the farm-to-table concept has now ventured into forest-to-pizza, with seasonally foraged items gaining traction. Wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, are increasingly sought-after during their seasons.
We're also infusing pizzas with spring ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, bestowing an aromatic essence. These wild pickings connect our patrons to nature and offer flavors impossible to replicate in farming.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Sweet dashed with savory, honey has melded into the pizza world staying strong as more than a temporary fad. In 2023, we've seen a burst of specialty honeys used as a final touch on pizzas elevating even the simplest pizzas.
Truffle-infused honey, garlic honey left to ferment, sweet-smelling mesquite honey, and an innovative CBD-infused honey are dribbled atop our pizzas, introducing depth and artisanal flair to every bite.
Honorable Mentions
A few other garnishes that narrowly missed entering our top five, yet have made notable impacts include:
- Salting egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza like a dusting of golden powder
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain add-ons, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum, for added texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, especially those with cultivated or mixed herbs
Whether your preference is for the timeless classics or the thrill of novel pairings, pizza’s versatility and enduring appeal is undeniable. Here at MindfulMeditations, our menu respects the past while also embracing what’s new—that’s why you’ll notice both the time-honored Margherita and avant-garde specialty pies.
Have any of these trendsetting toppings caught your fancy? Or perhaps you have a distinct combo you’d love to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop us a line when you come by!