Among the 7,000 islands stretching over 2,500 square miles, there are dozens of island countries in the Caribbean. Each has its unique style of cooking techniques, using many of the same ingredients found throughout the Caribbean.
Manufacturers must be savvy about what flavor ingredients can be used in which countries. Good flavor also is important in fried foods, but acrylamide can be an issue. Both subjects were topics at Prepared Foods' 2009 R&D Applications Seminar-East.
Since flavor can easily be imparted through sauces, condiments and dips, chefs are using bolder, spicier and more ethnic-inspired ingredients to amp up the foodservice flavor scene.
Restaurant operators, hit hard by the recession, scramble to find offerings that incorporate new ingredients and presentations, an acceptable price point and previously underserved dayparts--all while trying to guess what the next hot trend will be.
Nominations for the 2010 Spirit of Innovation Awards were all excellent examples of the teamwork crucial to innovation, the very concept the awards were created to reward. This year saw major and minor companies alike align to create innovative new products and push the boundaries of innovation.
American chefs have taken some of the world's signature street foods, such as tapas, and reinvented them for their restaurants. Starters allow chefs to be playful, creative, experimental and whimsical. Chefs are taking street foods from other parts of the world and putting their own spin on them.
Even with the oil spill capped, the oyster beds off the coast of northwest Florida are in danger, as oil-tinged waters creep closer toward Apalachicola Bay.
Spending on ethnic foods continues to surge, even in the midst of a down economy. The future of the market looks strong, as manufacturers and restaurants capitalize on consumersí increased interest and willingness to experiment.
Traditional "kid fare" items, such as hot dogs and PB&J, are being moved aside for more sophisticated and healthy options with bold, authentic and fusion flavors.
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