As Americans seek out fresh flavors to replace decades of overly sweetened foods and meat-centric plates, a certain flavor profile is popping its way onto menus.
As Americans seek out fresh flavors to replace decades of overly sweetened foods and meat-centric plates, a certain flavor profile is popping its way onto menus.
Move over, kale. Is bitter the new black?
Bitter flavors are showing up on chef's menus, foods and drinks from coast to coast. I've noticed bitter beer gaining ground with imbibers, as well as notorious bitter ingredients like coffee, chicory, mustard greens and vinegar popping up in more products. It's interesting that bitter is gaining popularity as we wage war on obesity and center the culprit on high sugar intakes. Are our palettes becoming more acceptable of flavors beyond sweet? If the rise of bitter-tasting products is any indication, I'd say yes. And one of those additions I'm seeing on restaurant menus more often is radicchio.
Radicchio is a member of the chicory family, along with Belgian endive, frisée, escarole and other leafy greens. But what makes radicchio unique even among these special greens is its radiant purple-red pigment and commanding flavor.
In my kitchen experiments with radicchio, I've found it makes a perfect pairing for a wide range of flavors, from sweet to salty. Here are a few bright ideas to try:
Bitter + Salty
Radicchio + Parmesan or Asiago (Try it in Radicchio and Zucchini with Parmesan)
Radicchio + Pistachios or Cashews (Make it in Asparagus Salad with Peppered Cashews)
Radicchio + Olives
Bitter + Savory
Radicchio + Quinoa (See it in Grilled Tomatoes, Eggplant and Radicchio with Quinoa)
Radicchio + Fish (Serve it in Mixed Bitter Greens with Fennel and Smoked Trout)
Radicchio + Avocado
Bitter + Sweet
Radicchio + Dried Fruit
Radicchio + Honey or Maple Syrup (Get it in Honey-Orange Quinoa with Roasted Cauliflower)
Radicchio + Apples or Pears
Bitter + Sour
Radicchio + Sour Cream or Buttermilk
Radicchio + Citrus Juices (Taste it in this Radicchio Salad with Lime Juice)
Radicchio + Blue Cheese or Goat Cheese (Give it a go in Grilled Radicchio, Fennel and Goat Cheese Panini)
Are you on board with the bitter trend?
