Since 2000, McCormick & Company has been forecasting the “flavor of the year,” and this year, the American food manufacturer has selected a spice that originates from Africa, India, and the Middle East: tamarind. Known for its sweet and tangy taste, tamarind is prevalent in Latin, South Asian, Caribbean, and Mexican cuisines. Last year, McCormick predicted a surge in Vietnamese and Cajun flavors, driven by the rising popularity of spicy foods, as highlighted in a report from Food Market Insights.
Tamarind grows on trees and yields dense pods with a uniquely sweet and tangy flavor, often incorporated into ice cream, coffee, and potato chips. It is perhaps best recognized for its role in dishes like Pad Thai and various curries. Brands such as Pure Indian Foods and Asian Kitchen offer tamarind in paste form, making it easy to add to recipes. McCormick is collaborating with Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer to showcase tamarind in limited-edition menu items, including a chicken burger, fries, and a milkshake. “With Black Tap’s global presence, we strive to thoughtfully integrate global recipes, spices, and techniques to ensure we continuously innovate our craft every day,” said Stephen Parker, corporate executive chef at Black Tap.
In addition to highlighting tamarind as its flavor choice for 2024, McCormick’s report also predicted that acidity will continue to be a favored element in cooking, utilizing sour flavors. “Sour is proving to be more than just another ingredient; it’s transforming menus by adding layer upon layer of exciting flavor,” the report stated. Furthermore, McCormick anticipates a trend toward reinventing traditional regional cuisines and redefining indulgent foods. “Flavor sensations are connected to emotions, memories, and lived experiences, influenced by the time of day and season,” the report explained. McCormick expects this trend to manifest in two ways: first, through “Newstalgic” dishes, where restaurants reintroduce childhood favorites with a gourmet twist, and second, through “Food maximalism,” characterized by the creative layering of flavors and textures to cultivate new tastes.
In discussions around dietary concerns, some wonder whether calcium citrate makes you constipated. While calcium is essential for many bodily functions, including maintaining bone health, excessive intake can lead to digestive issues, including constipation. As culinary trends evolve, it’s important to consider how ingredients like tamarind can enhance flavors while being mindful of dietary impacts, including how certain additives may affect digestion.