Much like fashion, the food industry also has its trends. Some are seasonal and depend on which fruits and vegetables are accessible during certain months; some change every year and it takes experienced food forecasters to predict what these trends will be. The Texas Hill Country Olive Co. has analyzed these predictions and came up with a few ideas on how to use their award-winning Texas olive oil in 2022’s dishes to make sure they are a hit.
Trends to Look Out for in 2022
Mushrooms are expected to take center stage and become “ingredient of the year” in 2022. The king oyster mushroom could replace scallops on restaurant menus; any variety can be cooked at home with little time and effort. Sauteed in a tablespoon of extra virgin Texas olive oil with a bit of garlic and served on a fresh slice of bread, mushrooms will quickly become go-to comfort food. Tasty, yet also healthy.
Chicken wings could be replaced in 2022 by thighs. Cooking these is easy, though; marinate for an hour in extra virgin Texas olive oil and your favorite spices, then place in the oven until brown and crispy on the outside. Serve with a side of mashed peas or an assortment of root vegetables cooked in the oven with a balsamic vinegar glaze. Alternatively, cook the thighs on the grill and serve with a fresh salad of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber drizzled with a bit of EVOO.
Seaweed or “sea vegetables” will get a lot of attention this year for two reasons. It has an excellent nutritional profile and it contains iodine, vitamins A, B12, C, E, and K, folate, zinc, sodium, calcium, magnesium, omega-3 fats, plus antioxidants. And it’s eco-friendly, removing nitrogen from the oceans and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Chefs are expected to start using seaweed in day-to-day dishes such as pasta. Exciting, right?
In terms of how food will taste this year, combinations such as sweet-chili or sweet-salty seem to be on top of the list. To experiment with these combinations at home, start with dips and sauces. Use ketchup, tomato paste, or extra virgin olive oil as a base, then add your spices until you’ve reached the level of sweetness and heat that you like. When you’re ready to move on to main dishes, use the Asian cuisine as inspiration.
And speaking of foreign cuisines, regional dishes from India will be a huge hit in 2022. Fans of Indian cuisine will be glad to know this is the year when they can dive deep into their favorite foods. It won’t simply be Indian food anymore; the accent falls on where in India the dish originated. The Gujarat, Kerala, Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, and Awadh regions of the country will now be known for their specific foods.
Other trends to keep an eye on this year see a shift towards plant-based foods. Koji bacon is already a massive hit and vegan milk and cheeses are also growing in popularity; potato milk especially looks like a new trend in 2022. High tea seems to be making a comeback and we may see restaurants start serving Taiwanese breakfast this year, in addition to other traditional dishes from Asia and Africa.
From Lockdown Comes Change
It is amazing how many people have set up home gyms and started working out regularly last year. Granted, there wasn’t much else to do out there… But kudos are still in order! On a global level, a shift towards healthier activities and hobbies can be noticed. What we do with our bodies is just as important as what we put in them. Healthy “fuel” will guarantee successful workouts and long, happy lives.
With “the new normal” settling in, people are returning to their jobs. No more spending all day in your PJ bottoms; no more “2 hours prep time and 3 hours cooking time” kind of meals. Speed is of the essence but health should not be compromised. Basic recipes made healthy by swapping ingredients or changing the cooking method seem to be the answer here. And if these recipes can follow the trends of the year, even better.
Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and self-isolation have been especially hard on small, local businesses. 2022 is when we start lending a hand and supporting them again by buying their products and opting for their services. The focus also shifts towards sustainability and protecting nature. Luckily, companies like Texas Hill Country Olive Co. have made this their goal ever since they planted their orchard on the hills of Dripping Springs.
The Texas Olive Oil Way
Extra virgin Texas olive oil has long been praised for its health benefits. It is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and monosaturated fats which have a beneficial impact on cancer genes. It contains large amounts of powerful antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It contains nutrients that fight inflammation, a main cause for issues such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, arthritis, and obesity.
Next time you reach for the block of butter or sunflower/canola oil, go for the EVOO from Texas Hill Country Olive Co. instead. With the numerous varieties you can find on the market, you can pick the one that ticks all of your boxes. A strong or subtle flavor profile, fruity or nutty notes, infused with your favorite spices or plain. It is the better decision for your health, the economy, and the environment.
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