Each new year ushers in fresh gastronomic fashions in the pizza sphere, and 2023 follows suit. At GreenValleyFarm, our finger is always on the pulse of what's delighting the palates of pizza aficionados globally. We present to you our compendium of the year's top pizza garnishes that are currently the craze.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has reached pizza parlors, with fermented veggies emerging as a top pick atop pizzas this year. Varieties like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending intricate zesty flavors that pair well with the creamy cheese and sauce. These fermented choices aren't just tasty, they also contribute probiotic advantages and introduce an interesting new texture to classic pizza.
Fermentation Fiesta is our newest pizza offering, boasting in-house fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, alongside gorgonzola cheese, and a drizzle of local honey to offset the sour notes. It's a mix that might seem atypical, but it's quickly risen to fame as one of our top specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-oriented diets is on the rise, and with it, there's a surging demand for pizzas topped with innovative meat substitutes. Beyond your usual veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins are bringing forth alternatives that even the staunchest carnivores enjoy.
Offerings like plant-derived Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staple items on our menu. These protein sources aren't just for those who avoid meat—they're chosen by many for their distinctive tastes and lighter feel.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor the fiery side of flavor are celebrating! This year has seen a pivot towards utilizing specific chili types from different regions over the usual red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies are still a favorite, but now there's a rise in the use of Aleppo peppers, Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang seen topping pizzas.
Try our Worldly Sizzle pizza if you're up for a challenge; it's adorned with a quartet of chilies from various regions, each lending its distinctive taste to the pie. It's become a hit among our most daring patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table trends have transitioned into forest-to-pizza, with an uptick in using seasonally foraged goods. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, gracing the pizza during their natural seasons.
Apart from fungi, we're also exploring wild ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips to add a distinctive aroma. These ingredients provide a connection to the wild and offer incomparable flavors that cultivated products just can't match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweetness and savory brought by honey has become a mainstay beyond a mere trend. Following the rise of spicy honey, 2023 has seen a burst of artisanal honey kinds, which are lavished on pizzas before serving.
Options include truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even cannabidiol honey, and they're popping up across the nation. These drizzles infuse depth and can turn even the simplest pizza into a gourmet creation.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that nearly made the top list but remain noteworthy are:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over pizzas like fine golden powder
- Picked fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain additions, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for crunch
- Specialty butters, like cultured or herb-enriched varieties
Whether you're a purist who sticks to time-honored favorites or a trailblazer eager to sample novel mixtures, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished foods globally. At GreenValleyFarm, we pay homage to tradition while also welcoming innovation—that's why you'll find both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde specialties on our roster.
Eager to sample these trending garnishments? Or perhaps you have a distinctive favorite blend you'd wish to see on our menu? Share your thoughts below in the comments, or mention them on your next visit!