It's Here - McCormick Global Flavor Forecast for 2012

The McCormick Flavor Forecast has been a yearly report for 12 years now. Until this year, the forecast was regional and used to highlight flavor trends that were relevant to specific areas of the world. This year the forecast has gone global and an international group of McCormick experts, including chefs, sensory scientists, trend trackers, marketing experts and food technologists, have joined forces to identify global trends and the flavor combinations that drive them.

These are the six trends that were identified using the flavor combinations and food experience of the participants who helped prepare the forecast. I love the new flavor combinations and I am looking forward to working with several of them, particularly those that are part of the Quest for the Ultimate trend. Do you see any combinations that are standouts for you? McCormick has put together a wonderful guide that includes photos and recipes that use the flavor combinations featured below. You can find it here. I'll be featuring some of the recipes in the days to come. In the meantime, I hope you'll pay them a visit.

TREND	FLAVOR COMBINATION
Honoring Roots Chefs inspired by foundational flavors are finding a way to balance modern flair with cultural authenticity.	1. Cumin with Sofrito Authentic Hispanic foundational flavors. 2. Korean Pepper Paste with Sesame, Asian Pear & Garlic BBQ with a global twist.
Quest for the Ultimate Flavor fanatics searching for the ultimate taste experience through quality ingredients, flavors and textures.	3. Dill with Mint, Melon & Cucumber The ultimate refresher. 4. Meyer Lemon with Lemon Thyme, Limoncello & Lemon Peel The ultimate lemon.
Veggies in Vogue Fresh, seasonal veggies are dressed to impress with new cooking techniques and inventive bursts of flavor.	5. Eggplant with Honey & Harissa Worldly veggie with sweet heat. 6. Squash with Red Curry & Pancetta Versatile veggie with a touch of Thai.
Simplicity Shines Clear, unpretentious flavors are an approachable celebration of the basics. A move away from complexity and flash.	7. Ginger with Coconut Warm spice joins tropical favorite. 8. Vanilla with Butter Pure essentials for real goodness.
Flavorful Swaps Balancing bold flavor with hunger for health is key to achieving wellness goals, without sacrificing enjoyment.	9. Red Tea with Cinnamon & Plum Better-for-you beverage meets fruit and spice. 10. Grapefruit with Red Pepper A new take on lemon pepper.
No Boundaries Blending inspirations and shedding the confines of traditional “rules” equals a renewed permission to have fun.	11. Sweet Soy with Tamarind & Black Pepper Steak sauce with an Asian flair. 12. Blueberry with Cardamom & Corn Masa From everyday to extraordinary.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of McCormick Flavor Forecast 2012. All opinions are 100% mine.