Culinary Trends

Ellen C. Wells

I firmly believe the direction things go in the commercial or home kitchen leads the way in what’s being grown in the garden. And according to the “Garden and Grove: Culinary Trend Tracking Series” from Packaged Facts, “fresh” is the trend that is definitely leading the way.

Even more influential than “local,” “non-GMO” and “organic”? Yes, yes and yes, Packaged Facts has found. And this influential “fresh” trend even extends into the Millennial generation. And as a Gen Xer, I would say to this, “fresh” is fresh.

The food trends that Packaged Facts sees as driving the bus of innovation in restaurants and retail include:

• Celery and fennel

• Fresh mint

• Radishes

• Specialty salad greens

• Shishito, Peppadew and ghost peppers as the next trending hot peppers

• Cocktail bar fruit

Perfect! I think we all can work with those in the garden. Make note and order them for the coming spring. GP