Just ask the Center for Culinary Development (CCD), which explores emerging, advancing and mainstream ingredients, dishes, flavor profiles and cooking techniques. Each year, the CCD releases the Culinary Trend Mapping report, listing some of the hottest foods on the market. And here are a few of their picks for fruit, coming soon to a kitchen near you!
ACAI BERRIES
Hailing all the way from the Amazon’s rain forests, the dark purple acai (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”) berry contains more calcium than similar amounts of milk and more antioxidants than blueberries and cranberries. This powerful fruit (mostly used in juice form and now even available as a popular vitamin drink mix Emergen-C) is said to be good for your skin, your brain, and may lead to lower risks of heart disease and cancer. No wonder it’s popular!
Try it: At your next Sunday brunch, wow your guests with a pitcher of acai berry mimosa, or go for an acai energy bowl when you need a pick-me-up.
GOJI BERRY
Goji. The name alone sounds like something that will get your motor running. And these Asian berries definitely live up to their energetic moniker, offering immune-boosting compounds and a healthy dose of antioxidants with each bite. The goji’s flavor, similar to the tartness of cranberries, raspberries, and cherries, makes a tasty addition to everything from cocktails to entrees.
Try it: Add some goji berries for extra oomph in meatloaf, and serve with a tasty Tibetan goji berry salad.
MANGOSTEEN
Another Asian wonder, the mangosteen just recently became available in the United States (until last year, health officials banned the import of the fruit from Thailand due to pest concerns). The fleshly interior of the antioxidant-packed mangosteen (retrieved by twisting the outer rind until it breaks apart) is said to boost the body’s immune system and fight infection, while the rind (extracts of which are available in juices likeXanGo) has strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Try it: In need of a dessert fix? Satisfy your sweet tooth with some mangosteen sorbet. Or blend two cultures in one with a Thai-style mangosteen clafouti (an old-style dessert from France).
For more juicy news on fruit, check out these healthy summer fruits.
For many more recipes and meal ideas, check out the SheKnows.com Food and Recipes Channel.
