The pizza industry annually greets fresh, gastronomic waves, and 2023 follows suit. At TheUnseenWorld, we stay abreast of trends tantalizing pizza aficionados globally. Discover our compilation of the year’s smashing pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive wellness has planted fermented veggies in the pizza scene, bringing an unexpected twang. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute complex, sour zest in harmony with creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings gift probiotics while adding novel textural aspects to classic pizza craftsmanship.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, our new creation, is loaded with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a honey drizzle from local apiaries to soften the sour notes. This blend may sound avant-garde, yet it's rising the ranks in our specialty pie requests.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets propels the ascent in plant-derive meat substitutes on pizzas. Beyond typical veggies, plant-based protein ingenuity has ushered in alternatives that charm staunch carnivores.
From plant-based crumbled Italian sausage to spiced tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni, these options have secured a spot on our roster. These plant proteins captivate not merely for their ethics but also for their unique savor and gentleness on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Savor-seekers are elated as 2023 spotlights connoisseurs turning to distinct regional chilies over commonplace red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies retain their fame, yet now see competition from Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang gracing pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza introduces a quartet of regional chilies, each infusing its particular taste profile to separate portions of the pizza, catering to our patrons inclined towards zestful culinary journeys.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table transitions to forage-to-pizza as wild, ethically gathered ingredients win favor. Varietal wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods prevail during their natural growth windows.
Aside from fungi, our foraged repertoire includes spring ramps, marine greens like dulse and nori, and spruce tips, which impart a distinct aromatic accent. These ingredients kindle a bond with the wild and offer flavors unreplicable in cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory via honey is well beyond a fad. Advancing from the recent beloved spicy honey, 2023 witnesses a surge in specialty honeys used as a finishing touch on pizzas.
Honeys such as truffle-infused, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and CBD-infused varieties are finding their way onto menus nationwide. When drizzled atop, these honeys add intricate nuances, transforming simple pizzas into culinary masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings nearly making our list but still creating ripples are:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated across pizzas creating a golden cascade
- Pickled stone fruits, notably peaches and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes, such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Specialty butter dollops, like cultured or mixed herb butters
No matter if you're a purist with an inclination towards the timeless or an exploratory diner eager for novel combinations, pizza stands as one of the most versatile and adored delicacies worldwide. At TheUnseenWorld, we pay homage to tradition whilst navigating culinary progress—that's the secret behind our simultaneous offering of the classical Margherita alongside trailblazing specialty pies.
Have these trending toppings graced your palate yet? Or is there a unique flavor ensemble you’d desire on our menu? We're all ears in the comments or your next visit!