Reviewing Interesting Trends With Gourmet Foods

Trends in gourmet foods seem to be changing each year, but the basic premise is to find the best quality ingredients for a sensory explosion that tickles the palate and makes the mouth water just thinking of the exotic flavors. Consumers who purchase their favorite foods from all across the world aren't worried about paying more; rather, their concern is having the most enjoyable culinary experiences possible.

According to Mintel new product expert Lynn Dornblaster, there will be many new gourmet tastes and smells expanding globally through 2009. Persimmon, an exotic fruit, has been a key ingredient in Japanese yogurt and beverages, which will likely be blended with peaches, apricots and other familiar fruits this year. The Brazilian starfruit makes a delicious addition to Flor De Hibiscus's Chutney, while Latin American cactus has been incorporated into products like Nopalia Cactus Toasts.

German favorite lavender is being featured in Lindt Chocolat Provence's Lemon-Lavender Dream chocolate and Latin American chimichurri came up in Gaucho Ranch's Argentinean steak sauce. Peri-peri is a new African hot sauce making its way to other countries and masala is the latest Indian-inspired spice to reach the snack foods market.

A recent trend in gourmet foods is the number of restaurants exporting their products into retail markets. At one time, people had to head to Buffalo's Anchor Bar to get a taste of the original Buffalo chicken wing sauce, but now grocers are carrying this product nationally.

Similarly, Junior's is now selling its famous New York cheesecake; Il Mulino is selling their pasta sauces too. Additionally, gourmet ethnic foods are being packaged up in the frozen foods section to cater to the increasingly diverse American market. For instance, India's Tandoor Chef offers twenty-five different entrees, including Panek Paneer and a vegetarian marsala burger.

In addition to the whole foods market, there are many online destinations to learn about and to shop for gourmet foods. For specialty cheeses, particularly American-made cheese from almost every state, check out "Igourmet". At "Dibruno", you'll find the Dibruno Brothers' great selection of olives, charcuterie, caviar, pates, foie gras and truffles. Zingermans ("Zingermans") offers a solid selection of vinegars, olive oils, cheeses and breads. Earth Delights ("Earthy") specializes in mushrooms, but also offers salts, cheeses, chocolates, vinegars and more. Other places to check include: "Formaggio", "Chefshop", "Straubs" and "Zabar". Also, "The Nibble" is a great little gourmet foods magazine to check out on the web.

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