Autumn food trends 2020: our favourites
Fermented foods
Fermented foods, and especially kimchi, are definitely big 2020 trends – #kimchi has 1.8 million mentions on Instagram and #fermented has 375k! Elsewhere on social media, the YouTube chef, Brad Leone, gets up to six million views for his series It’s Alive where he does experiments with fermenting.
Fermentation is an integral part of Korean cuisine. Look out for these two favourites:
Kimchi – what is it and how to make it
Kimchi is perhaps Korea’s best known dish. Traditionally, it is spicy fermented cabbage – and much nicer than it may sound! Serve as a small plate, in a marinade or loaded on fries, topped with spring onion. Kimchi doesn’t just have to be about cabbage though. It’s also a great way to make the most of seasonal autumnal produce such as carrots, turnips or Brussels sprouts.
What is gochujang?
This red chilli paste is a key ingredient in Korean dishes. Gochujang is made from fermented soybeans, red chilli and sticky rice and can be used in marinades, dipping sauces, soups and stews.
Holiday-inspired meals
Thousands of British holidaymakers had to abandon trips this year, missing out on arguably the best part of travelling – the food! Although some of us have managed to get away in the summer, others will be planning a UK-based staycation instead. Craving the punchy flavours of the Mediterranean and beyond, consumers are looking for big, gutsy flavours and excitement in their food: a holiday from home cooking. Think paella, tagines and mezze spreads to bring back the holiday feels.
Foraging – what to forage in the autumn in the UK
Elderberries, blackberries, mushrooms, sweet chestnuts and walnuts are just a few examples of wild produce that are in season in autumn. Elderberries and blackberries are easily found in woodland and hedgerows. They’re packed with vitamins and are great in pies, crumbles and jams. Always be wary of mushrooms unless you are an accomplished picker.
Foraging for fresh produce has become so popular, there’s even a festival to celebrate it: the Scottish Wild Food Festival. Seeking out these special ingredients lets you cook more seasonally with local produce, and results in really special, limited run dishes.
