• 4 flavors to spice up your fall days were identified in a study published by Tomorow keys from Puratos.
With the leaves falling and the days getting shorter, autumn comes into its own causing the consumer to turn to foods that induce comfort and warmth. This season will be dominated by specific seasonal products, enriched with four autumn flavors that will guarantee the success of any dish.
1. Pumpkin spice mix
In the fall and at the beginning of the winter months, specialty stores, but also cafes, introduce the spice mixes used for pumpkin on the shelves and in their recipes. We find these spices in lattes, pancakes, classic cookies and pumpkin pies, but also in drinks like craft beer or cider.
Data provided by Google from online searches shows that the peak of interest in pumpkin spice mixes starts in late August and lasts until November 24, when the US celebrates Thanksgiving.
This spice mix is considered specific to pumpkin dishes because it was originally created to flavor pumpkin cakes and pies. But it also started to be used in dishes without pumpkin, becoming a global trend.
Pumpkin spice mix contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Some mixes may not have all of the spices listed, but will have at least three of them.
The Starbucks brand contributed to the popularization of the pumpkin spice mix, which, in season, serves drinks and desserts with the spice mix in its cafes. KitKat and Oreo brands have also incorporated the beloved mix into their products, acknowledging the popularity of this flavor combination.
2. Maple syrup
Maple syrup, although it is produced in the spring, is associated with autumn and this is because it goes very well with fruits specific to autumn, such as apples, pumpkin and nuts, the combination of sweet maple syrup and pecans being a classic one.
About 80% of all maple syrup is produced in Canada, where the maple leaf is even the national symbol. Maple syrup is classified by color and divided into four categories with different flavors: golden, amber, dark and very dark syrup.
Each type of syrup is used in specific preparations. For example, golden syrup goes very well with ice cream or yogurt, while amber-colored syrup is suitable for classic pancakes or syrupy desserts. Dark syrups are used for an intense maple flavor.
3. Chai spice mix
"Chai" simply means "tea" in Hindi. But here we are talking about a mix of spices used to prepare a warm and comforting drink. Chai spice mix has a long history and recipes vary by continent, culture, city or family. The common point, however, is the use of strongly aromatic spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger and black peppercorns.
Traditionally, the spice mix is mixed into milk and sweetened with sugar or honey. But lately, chai spice mixes have started to be used in products such as bread, cookies, chocolate or cupcakes, perfect desserts for the consumer who wants to warm up and indulge in cold autumn days. Thanks to the mix of spices, desserts acquire the same comforting qualities as a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite latte.
4. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes definitely deserve a mention in an article about fall flavors, especially because of their increased use in plant-based baked goods. Sweet potatoes have a creamy texture and a sweet flavor, which makes them suitable not only for savory dishes, but also as substitutes for certain ingredients in desserts.
Sweet potatoes, which are rich in fiber and vitamins, add texture and hydration to dishes and are used to reduce fat content. In fact, sweet potatoes are a great substitute for butter or oil. There are delicious recipes for sweet potato bread, chocolate mousse and cupcakes, but the options are endless when it comes to substituting certain ingredients for sweet potatoes. For special visual effects, purple sweet potatoes can be used in preparations.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor of Arta Albă
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I would like to see as many products as possible in which stevia is used. I think there are many who have given up sugar.