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Press Releases

10 January 2012

Schwartz collaborates with Chef Maria Elia

Herbs and spices experts Schwartz, in partnership with parent company McCormick & Company, Incorporated, a global leader in flavour, uncovers the future of flavour and releases its first ever global Flavour Forecast 2012. Since 2000, the report showcases McCormick and Schwartz leadership in culinary trends and innovations. It pinpoints common trends and flavours driving culinary innovation and reveals a singular set of forces driving what we will eat across the globe in coming years. In the UK, Flavour Forecast was released annually since 2008.

This first global edition of the Flavour Forecast was crafted by an international team of McCormick and Schwartz chefs, sensory scientists, trend trackers, marketing experts and food technologists spanning Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, Latin America and North America. It highlights the six hottest global culinary themes for this year illustrated by 12 regional flavour combinations.

Trends highlighted in the report include honouring a cuisine’s traditional roots, seeking the ultimate in sensory stimulation, a focus on vegetables, simplicity, flavourful swaps, and breaking boundaries.

To bring Flavour Forecast 2012 to life in the UK, Schwartz is collaborating with Chef Maria Elia, who has added her twist on Flavour Forecast by developing six contemporary new recipes appealing to the UK palate. A further six recipes have been crafted by Schwartz Concept Development Chef, Steve Love, a member of Schwartz’s dedicated team of Development Chefs, who collectively identified these flavours which showcase the trends. In total a selection of twelve inspiring on-trend recipes have been created for flavour enthusiasts to replicate at home.

Maria Elia’s Flavour Forecast 2012 recipes include:
• Raw Lamb Kibbeh and Asian Pear Salad Honours Roots
• Watermelon Cooler Cocktail takes you on a Quest for the Ultimate
• Honey, Harissa Marinated Aubergines wrapped in Kataifi brings Veggies back in Vogue
• Jerusalem Artichoke and Vanilla Soup with Seared Scallops gives Simplicity the Shine
• Red Tea Ganache with a Cinnamon and Plum Compote encourages Flavourful Swaps
• Blueberry and Cardamom Glazed Ham reminds that flavour has No Boundaries

“Being on top of culinary and flavour trends is something I’m passionate about as a chef, so it's a pleasure to work with Schwartz on their Flavour Forecast 2012,” says Maria Elia. “I get to experiment with my love of flavour combinations and create innovative recipes, applying a fresh perspective on tradition that balances modern tastes and cultural authenticity. It's a fun and exciting challenge; a global adventure to inspire the palate!”

Steve Love adds, “Flavour Forecast 2012 demonstrates six global trends with some inspiring and delicious regional flavour combinations and food experiences, allowing you to eat in many countries without leaving your home nation. Now in its fifth year in the UK, the Flavour Forecast is inspired by the food we eat every day, from supermarket products to restaurant offerings. Trends pinpointed in past editions have moved once-edgy ingredients into mainstream popularity and we have no doubt it will continue to further enlighten the global culinary scene.”

Schwartz is McCormick’s leading “herbs and spices” brand in the UK, offering the greatest variety of herbs, spices and seasonings. Our spice experts from McCormick have travelled the world in search of the best spices and herbs available. Schwartz’s extensive product portfolio spans into different sectors including recipe mixes, wet sauces, gravies and innovative stir fry seasonings.

TREND FLAVOUR COMBINATIONS RECIPES BY
MARIA ELIA & STEVE LOVE

Honouring Roots

Celebrating the origins of a cuisine is a renewed global

priority. Chefs are preserving these roots by applying a fresh perspective that balances modern tastes and cultural authenticity.

Korean Pepper Paste with Sesame, Asian Pear & Garlic – BBQ with a global twist.

MARIA ELIA

Raw Lamb Kibbeh and Asian Pear Salad

Cumin with Sofrito – Authentic Hispanic foundational flavours.

SCHWARTZ, STEVE LOVE

Almond & Date Bulgur Salad with Sofrito

Quest for the Ultimate

Culinary explorers are seeking out combinations that create powerful, harmonic bursts of elemental flavours for the ultimate taste experience. For some, this equals superlative quality; for others, it is about a patchwork of textures, colours and layers of enjoyment.

Dill with Mint, Melon & Cucumber – The ultimate refresher

MARIA ELIA

Watermelon Cooler Cocktail

Meyer Lemon with Lemon Thyme, Limoncello & Lemon Peel – The ultimate lemon experience

SCHWARTZ, STEVE LOVE

Lemon Blanc Cocktail

Veggies in Vogue

Veggies have long suffered from overcooking, over saucing and lack of inspiration. Now, thanks to the enthusiasm of chefs, the quality of seasonal produce and the unstoppable growth of fresh markets, it’s finally veggies time to shine.

Aubergine with Honey & Harissa – Worldly vegetable with sweet heat.

MARIA ELIA

Honey, Harissa Marinated Aubergines wrapped in Kataifi

Squash with Red Curry & Pancetta – Versatile veggie with a touch of Thai

SCHWARTZ, STEVE LOVE

Squash Ribbon Salad with Red Curry Vinaigrette

Simplicity Shines

The most memorable food is often the simplest. Cooks are focusing on quality ingredients with simple preparations. Clear, unpretentious flavours celebrate the basics – and remind us what real food tastes like.

Vanilla with Butter – Pure essentials for real goodness

MARIA ELIA

Jerusalem Artichoke and Vanilla Soup with Seared Scallops

Ginger with Coconut – Warm spice meets tropical favourite

SCHWARTZ, STEVE LOVE

Gingered Banana Tarts with Coconut Ice Cream

Flavourful Swaps

Small changes can help us make consistently better choices for the mind, body and soul – without sacrificing enjoyment. Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavour and improve taste with less fat, salt and sugar.

Red Tea with Cinnamon and Plum – Better-for-you drink meets fruit and spice

MARIA ELIA

Red Tea Ganache with a Cinnamon and Plum Compote

Grapefruit with Red Pepper – A new take on lemon pepper

SCHWARTZ, STEVE LOVE

Cuban Chicken with Salsa Fresca

No Boundaries

Culinary trailblazers are cooking outside the lines by discovering, reinventing and even playing with food. We now have the freedom to explore, shedding the confines of traditional ‘rules’.

Blueberry with Cardamom & Corn Masa – From every day to extraordinary

MARIA ELIA

Blueberry and Cardamom Glazed Ham

Sweet Soy with Tamarind & Black Pepper – Steak Sauce with an Oriental Flair

SCHWARTZ, STEVE LOVE

Tofu, Butternut Squash and Brussels sprout kebabs

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