What excites you about 2023? The new year is upon us, and we’re all hoping for a ray of much-needed light. What do you think Team Quattro is most looking forward to this year? You guessed it – food of course – but which trends are on the horizon? What should we expect in this new year? And which food and drink trends will shape your 2023 menu?
Conscious choices
We are what we eat. Not literally but our gastronomical choices do say a lot about us. Ethical eating is growing in popularity. If you believe in eating for the health of the planet as well as for your mind and body, it’s important to do some research, especially when shopping from the supermarket. Always read labels carefully if you plan to buy wisely. Do you prefer non-Genetically Modified (GMO)? Has the meat been given antibiotics and was it grown on an ethical farm? Labels should tell you everything you need to know.
Grow your own
Gardening burst onto the scene in lockdown as a nationwide hobby and the Quattro crew has developed quite green fingers. Planting seeds to eat is fun, fulfilling, environmentally sound and healthy for your body. Give it a go! It’s a great opportunity to get closer to nature and to educate kids on how nature works and how vital it is for our survival.
Support local farmers
The Quattro Foods supply chain includes many producers who grow their crops, meat and poultry on the South Coast of England. Why not reduce your carbon footprint and support your neighbours by buying from people you know, or from those who live or work nearby? Farmers are always working to promote and sell their products, and you’ll find the best local growers with a simple online search, so you can read about their practices before you buy.
Flavours less travelled
Always excited by the latest world cuisine making waves in the global market, Team Quattro has identified a couple of hot new international favourites.
Peru packs a punch
The traditional staples of Peruvian cuisine are corn, potatoes and quinoa. Must-try Peruvian dishes include Ceviche, a delicious lime infused raw fish dish; Causa Rellena – a layered potato dish, and a sirloin stir-fry called Lomo Saltado.
Sri Lanka scintillates
Similar in many ways to South Indian food, yet distinct in its influences, classic Sri Lankan dishes include exotic ingredients, from jackfruit to coconut, with plenty of fish and bucketloads of flavour, all matched with beautiful fresh bread. Sri Lankans love a bit of spice and deep-fried treats – all bursting with flavours that tickle the tongue.
Pasta, the healthy way
Want to boost your fruit and veg intake? Love a bowl of pasta? You can do both at once! Plant-based pasta is here to stay, with cauliflower, courgette and chickpeas, and noodles made from squash and hearts of palm.
Delectable dates
Dates have been around for centuries, but did you know they’re widely used as a natural sweetener? Date paste or syrup can be found in cereal, porridge, ketchup, dressings and everything in between, giving an ordinary meal a sweet, healthy kick.
Whatever culinary innovation is headed our way in 2023, we’re safely predicting some new products in shops, on dinner tables and in lunchboxes. Watch this space!