Gallery: McCormick’s Flavor Forecast 2017

McCormick & Co.

Egg yolks all day, sweet heat and modern Mediterranean are among the 2017 flavor trend predictions made by chefs, culinary professionals, trend trackers and flavor experts at McCormick & Co., which recently released the 2017 version of its annual Flavor Forecast.

"This year, the Flavor Forecast identifies cutting-edge flavors that help chefs, tastemakers and home cooks refresh their menus," said McCormick Executive Chef Kevan Vetter, in a statement. "Discover a new all-purpose seasoning – Baharat. It's a fragrant, Eastern Mediterranean blend of spices such as cumin, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg and more. Sprinkle over warm, seasonal soups, stir into tomato-based sauces, or add to your favorite chicken dish."

Rise and shine to global tastes

McCormick & Co.

Breakfasts with global flavors are being sought by flavor adventurists who aren't content with the same old, same old. McCormick suggests warm, sweet congee or a Middle-eastern inspired breakfast hash topped with spicy skhug sauce.

Plancha: Flat-out grilling

McCormick & Co.

Hailing from Spain, the Basque region of France and Mexico, the thick flat slab of cast iron known as plancha is growing in popularity for creating a sizzling smoky sear and flavor crust. Grillers can use the plancha with meat, seafood and vegetables paired with bold sauces, rubs and glazes.

Egg yolks: The sunny side of flavor

McCormick & Co.

Whether poached, fried or cured, chefs are pairing egg yolks with a range of spices, herbs and sauces on lunch and dinner menus.

Pictured is Mediterranean Vegetable Shakshuka - Sunny-side-up egg yolks simmered in a tomato and vegetable sauce.

Modern Med

McCormick & Co.

Modern Med brings together Eastern Mediterranean ingredients with Western European classics like in this Eastern Mediterranean Bolognese.

Sweet on pepper

McCormick & Co.

"With an up-front bite and lingering sensation, peppercorns are finally capturing the spotlight. Their cedar and citrus notes pair perfectly with up-and-coming naturally sweet ingredients like dates and dragon fruit," according to the forecast.

Dragon Fruit & Strawberry "Poke" with Pepper Syrup is an example. It combines fresh strawberry and diced dragon fruit salad atop a dollop of peppered whipped cream and crispy wontons.