Food critic declares 2017 the year of the humble vegetable
From avocados to cauliflower, foodies are salivating for next year's hottest food trends
The humble vegetable will be the star of the dinner plate in 2017, according to one food critic.
Angie Quaale, a gourmet food store owner and chef, told CBC's The Early Edition vegetables are getting lots of love this year.
"They're not just a side dish anymore," she said.
"They're taking up more space on the plate.... People who eat meat or seafood are paying more attention."
Quaale said cauliflower will keep on basking in the limelight, and kale and brussel sprouts will also continue to be popular.
Anything charred or roasted is also going to be big, she added.
Top food trends
According to Quaale, these are a few of 2017's top food trends.
Avocados: avocados are already quite popular, but Quaale said the fruit will be in everything from savory snacks to dessert.
Alternate flours: Quaale predicts non-wheat flours made from foods like coconut and almond will be popular — not just because of allergies but because they're more readily available than they have been and taste great.
Pimento cheese: usually found in sandwiches, the Southern-style cheese spread combines grated cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimento peppers.
Craft cider: hot on the heels of craft beer, Quaale says craft cider is the next step for discerning brew masters.
Reducing food waste: Quaale says people are more conscious than ever of reducing food waste by saving vegetable trimmings, freezing leftovers and shopping in smaller quantities more frequently.
"It's a good way to save food and save some money," she said.
With files from The Early Edition
To listen to the interview, click on the link labelled Top food trends of 2017