EXPLORING THE APPEAL BEHIND ACIDIC FLAVORS
Whether feeding summer cravings or bringing brightness into winter dishes, acidic flavors have a place on menus all year long. Ingredients that feature citrus-sour-vinegar tastes can do everything from punching up unexpecting dishes to nodding to specific health benefits.
ACIDIC IN ACTION
Acidic-forward ingredients were trending steadily throughout 2024.1
SEEING CITRUS
Citrus flavors have been more present in the profiles of sauces and dressings in recent years.2
YES FOR YUZU
Yuzu is the fastest growing citrus flavor in the U.S., followed closely by blood orange and kumquat.3
WHY DO WE ENJOY ACIDIC FLAVORS?
With what seems like a naturally off-putting tasting experience (especially compared to sweetness or saltiness), the fact that our tastebuds appreciate the sour, tangy elements of acidic foods can appear odd.
According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, there may be two reasons humans like these flavors. Acidity might be a cue that a food contains vitamin C, which our bodies need in order to remain healthy. Alternatively, the taste may have helped our ancestors know if rotting fruits were safe to eat, as acidic bacteria kills other harmful bacteria.
DRESSINGS THAT FIT THE ACIDIC BILL
Greek Feta Vinaigrette
This semi-thin vinaigrette boasts a balanced savory-tangy profile with notes of onion and garlic. Use it on Greek salads, for tilapia marinades, or drizzled over roasted artichoke hearts.
White Balsamic Vinaigrette
The sweet and fruity flavor profile of this smooth, bright vinaigrette makes it ideal for menu favorites like quinoa, steamed green beans and grilled shrimp.
Greek, feta and balsamic are among the fastest growing dressing flavors on restaurant menus.4
Try This
TRopical fruit salad
Slices of kiwi, papaya, apple, dragon fruit with mandarin orange slices, pomegranate seeds, and Lemon Honey Poppy Seed Dressing.
1 National Restaurant Association, 2024
2 Tastewise, 2023
3 Perfumer Flavorist, 2022
4 Technomic 2024
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