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It’s very hip to be up on the latest flavors, whether you’re a gourmet cook or just like to sprinkle a little something on your microwave popcorn. McCormick®, the spices, seasonings and flavors company, just released their top 10 flavor trends for 2007. And you might find them surprising. The combinations are intriguing, with a sweet taste combined with either a salty, smoky, bitter or sour herb or spice, hitting the tongue in different places.

Their top ten are:

Clove and Green Apple – Crisp, refreshing, and warm, this healthful pair is an ideal accent to light flavors and foods.
Crystallized Ginger & Salted Pistachio – The palate-pleasing combination of salty and sweet goes upscale with this pairing.
Thyme & Tangerine – When thyme and tangerine come together, the result is, at once, sweet and savory.
Cumin & Apricot – Cumin and apricot are a perfect example of the yin/yang nature of flavor pairings.
Tellicherry Black Pepper & Berry – The distinct flavor of black pepper becomes twice as nice when paired with berry.
Toasted Mustard & Fennel Seeds – When mustard and fennel seeds join forces, the result is a mighty punch of flavor and texture.
Sea Salt & Smoked Tea – This chic coupling is the next evolution of the classic salt and smoke combination.
Wasabi & Maple – The ultimate in sweet heat, watch out when wasabi and maple team up!

Recipes are provided for each flavor profile. I may have to try the Ginger-Pistachio Crusted Chicken with Tangerine Sauce or the Peppered Filet Mignon with Blackberry Sauce.

I think what’s interesting about McCormick’s forecast is that these flavor pairings are not specifically ethnic, that is they are not “Southwest” or “Asian” or “Mexican.” Rather, they are fusions of flavors from different parts of the world. This could begin to make you think about making your own unique combinations, or taking a favorite recipe and putting a new spin on it.

There are many spice companies available online, so do a little surfing and see what you can find. McCormick products are available at most regular grocery stores, and some of their newer products are available to buy through their website.

Flavor Trends, McCormick, Spices, Herbs, Recipes