Can I interest you in a tall glass of kombucha to wash down your poke? Does this question have you scratching your head? No fears, we’re here to help! As part of National Nutrition Month, we’re taking a look at five popular food trends in 2016.
- Kombucha [kum-boo-chah] is a fermented tea drink. It’s been around for centuries in Asia, but it recently became popular in the U.S. The probiotic rich beverage is made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. It’s slightly carbonated with a vinegary taste. Proponents of the drink say it can improve digestion, prevent cancer, boost your immune system, increase energy and help you lose weight. However, the Mayo Clinic says there’s no scientific evidence to support these claims.
- Poke [poh-kay] is a raw seafood salad. The traditional Hawaiian dish is now spreading across the continental United States. You can think of poke as a sushi burrito bowl. Chunks of raw seafood (usually tuna) are marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil, tossed with vegetables and served over rice. Varieties are endless!
- Ube [oo-bay] is a purple yam. It’s a popular ingredient in Filipino desserts but is often eaten boiled or as a jam. Here is the U.S., ube doughnuts have been popping up from coast to coast. Earlier this year, a Brooklyn restaurant made headlines for its $100 ube doughnut. (We should note, the doughnut was also covered in 24-karat gold and infused with Cristal champagne!)
- Seaweed is being hailed as the new kale. The nutrient dense vegetable is packed with fiber, antioxidants and iodine. Expect to see seaweed in everything from soups and salad to chips and pasta. There’s even seaweed that tastes like bacon.
- Zoodles (zucchini noodles) and are all the rage in healthy eating. Using a gadget called a spiralizer, zucchinis (or other veggies) are turned into “noodles.” From wide ribbons to angel hair, a variety of “pasta” shapes and thicknesses can be created using different blades. The craze is especially popular among the low-carb and gluten-free crowds.
As with most trends, it will be interesting to see which ones stick and which are only short-lived fads. What do you think about these food trends? Have you tried any of these popular dishes? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Bon appétit!