November 18, 2009
1. Cardamom - Known to be intensely aromatic with a strong, unique taste, cardamom will find a home in more than just ethnic fare. Cosmic Chocolate recently launched a chocolate bar flavored with cardamom and oranges.2. Sweet Potato - Candied, fried, baked or boiled, sweet potatoes are one of the most diversely prepared vegetables. Aside from being a delicious snack or side dish, they also will become known as the new functional food, as they are rich in dietary fiber, beta carotene and vitamins C and B6.3. Hibiscus - Commonly seen in teas, the USDA has said that consuming hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure. In the future, expect to see it become a common ingredient in the beverage market. Premium Essence Water from Hint now offers Hibiscus-vanilla flavored water.4. Cupuaçu - Cupuaçu is the next big superfruit. It contains more than 10 vitamins and antioxidants, as well as essential fatty acids and amino acids. Musselmans launched a lime and cupuaçu-flavored apple sauce showcasing this unique flavor.5. Rose water - Rose water is no longer just a fragrance. You can look forward to finding it as a common flavor in ethnic foods or, like Ghalia Organic Desserts in Los Angeles discovered, you can add it to your brownie recipe for a subtle rose water flavor.6. Latin - Latin spices will be heating up our palates next year. Whole Foods Market now offers a Mayan ceviche; meanwhile, Icelandic Salsa Shrimp Cocktail features a spice packet loaded with the popular Latin flavor of cilantro.
1. Simple, clean - In 2010, expect to see everything from body lotions to dish detergents to air fresheners launched with few- or single-component scents. Palmolive launched their Clean + Clear dishwashing liquid that boasts no heavy fragrances or unnecessary chemicals.2. Scents to influence mood - During a time of high-stress lifestyles, consumers are looking for any way they can to "escape" the rigors of everyday life. A candle that smells like a piña colada might be reminiscent of a beach vacation or an air freshener that has a pumpkin spice scent could remind you of the holidays.