Get ready to embrace the joys of fall with pumpkin carving, baking, wine mulling, and apple picking!
As the season changes, we indulge in popular fall foods like apple pie, butternut squash, and cinnamon rolls. These dishes share a common denominator: a flavor palette that exudes warmth and coziness. It’s the fragrant spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that create this comforting essence, making us yearn for moments by the fireplace with a cup of tea and a good book. In this article, we’ll discuss the fall specialty flavors that you should stockpile this season, so you can fully enjoy the comforting combinations that autumn has to offer.
Fall flavor combinations follow a consistent pattern, and one that immediately comes to mind for many people is pumpkin spice. However, what we associate strongly with the season are actually the individual spices that make up the blend. Before rushing to secure a beloved “PSL” at Starbucks, let’s discuss the flavors used to create this combination.
When you taste anything made with a pumpkin spice blend, the flavors you experience do not come from pumpkin itself. Surprisingly, most pumpkin spice blends don’t even contain real pumpkins. Instead, they rely on a mix of aromatic fall staples such as cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice, and ginger.
Cinnamon, known for its versatility, has a warming effect on any ingredient it encounters. It carries a distinct tang that adds a fiery kick to any food product. Some even consider cinnamon to be “the” flavor of fall since it appears in almost every seasonal recipe.
Following cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove provide a similar warming effect when incorporated into recipes. These spices have stronger flavors, making them suitable for large-scale production. In other words, a small amount of nutmeg and clove can go a long way, offering significant impact when added to fall food or beverage products.
The same principle applies to allspice and ginger. These ingredients possess uniquely bold flavors and provide the most spice among all the fall flavors.
2022 FALL TRENDS FORECAST
NOW THAT WE HAVE COVERED THE BASICS OF FALL SPICES, LET’S DISCUSS SOME POPULAR NEW FALL FLAVORS TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS AUTUMN.
Each year, there is a great deal of excitement surrounding new fall flavors. According to Technomic’s FLAVOR CONSUMER TREND REPORT, 37% of U.S. consumers are more inclined to try a new menu item if it features seasonal ingredients.
Taking into consideration the previously mentioned lineup of trending spices, many companies embrace the seasonal fervor by introducing new fall flavor combinations between the end of August and early September. If you want to stay ahead of the curve for the fall flavor forecast in 2022, keep reading!
1. Apple
While apple is not a “new” fall flavor, it is experiencing a surge in popularity compared to previous years. Its rich umami profile adds a homemade touch to packaged goods and serves as an excellent base ingredient in both sweet and savory autumn dishes.
Thanks to its versatility, you can anticipate encountering this timeless fall favorite almost everywhere in 2022, potentially rivaling the beloved pumpkin spice. Apple will often be paired prominently with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating delightful flavor combinations.
2. Maple
Maple is an increasingly popular and versatile ingredient that is making waves across various food and beverage categories. It can add a delightful touch to both sweet and savory products. So, if you immediately associate maple with pancakes, it’s time to broaden your perspective! Maple can be used in a wide range of applications beyond breakfast syrup, particularly during the fall season.
3. Sage
Sage, an earthy spice from the mint family, is perfect for flavoring savory products like sauces or soups. It is commonly associated with heartier autumn dishes. Sage offers the advantage of incorporating fall flavors into a product without overpowering it, making it an excellent choice for adding a touch of seasonal essence.
4. Bourbon
Bourbon, with its flavor profile of oak and vanilla, is among the top trending spices, particularly during the colder months of the year. It has the ability to infuse a subtle whiskey essence into various food and beverage products. From roasted chicken to hot toddies, bourbon can be used to add a touch of complexity and warmth to a wide range of culinary creations.
5. Pear
During this time of year, pears reach their peak freshness and are receiving well-deserved recognition in 2022. Despite being overshadowed by its apple counterpart, pears are highly underrated in the realm of fall trends. Just like apples, pears can be used in a variety of applications and add a delightful sweetness to your products, especially when paired with cinnamon or ginger. Don’t underestimate the potential of pears in creating unique and delicious fall-inspired offerings!
Now that you know what’s trending, it’s time to start planning your incorporation of fall flavors this season! St. Charles Trading can connect you with globally sourced ingredients that will spice up your products. Whether you’re taking the maple route or jumping on the bourbon bandwagon, we’ve got you covered with the high-quality, premium spices you need.
Visit our website for more information, and be sure to check out our blog for all the latest on fall trends and seasonal flavors!
