TikTok Trends

It’s safe to assume that TikTok will remain a very popular spot for new things happening in the world of food. With more and more users every day and a convenient format, TikTok videos quickly become viral sharing the latest recipes, ingredients, and cooking tips.

Real Omnivores

Real omnivores are people who eat all food groups but keep in mind their health and focus on plant-based when they can. For example, they don’t avoid meat completely, but reduce consumption and are willing to try alternatives.

No ABV

Low or no alcohol by volume (ABV) drinks are becoming more and more common. The trend of drinking in moderation is going to be big in 2022, and the industry is already responding to the demand. Many brands are releasing alcohol-free wine options, so it will be relatively common to get alcohol-free Prosecco, for example.

The post Top 3 Prospective Food Trends for 2022 appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Spicing It Up

It’s become popular to begin making and manufacturing flavored sunflower seeds—achieved by adding a flavoring or spice mix to the exterior of the roasted shells, which in effect “seasons” the interior of the seeds.

The premise of this idea is that the flavors contained in these spice mixes will impart a certain food or sauce’s flavor upon the toasted crunchiness of sunflower seeds. It’s an idea that works fantastically well!

Utilizing It Well

Some of the most popular flavors you will see on store shelves include ranch dressing, dill pickle, barbecue, and chile lemon. Between spicy, salty, tangy, and sweet—there are a boatload of options to choose from

Have you tried flavored sunflower seeds yet? What is your favorite flavor?

The post Flavored Sunflower Seeds Are All the Rage appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

While food trucks started as a concept that saw them distributed on major streets and squares, there’s a new concept that is turning the tradition on its head: food truck parks.

Food truck parks are a relatively new phenomenon that has seen designated spaces be set up in cities for food trucks to congregate on a regular basis.

Usually located near the center of a city, here, instead of trying to hunt them down throughout the streets, you will find a wide and diverse section of food trucks offering up different styles and choices of food in one space.

With ample seating and variety for all tastes, food truck parks are a great choice if you want to have a foodie night out with friends and try all kinds of different trucks’ choices. The amount of variety you can experience is truly endless!

Have you been to a food truck park yet? What did you think of it?

The post Food Truck Parks are the Next Big Thing appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Generally, organic wine is made following the same principles as organic food—pesticides, herbicides, and other unnatural chemicals are not made in the process of grape-growing which gives birth to wine.

There are some slight differences between how organic wines are defined in the U.S. and in Canada/Europe. According to American definitions, organic wine is “a wine made from organically grown grapes without added sulfites.” This means that the wine has absolutely no non-natural products, but also that it has a lower shelf life.

In Canada and Europe, however, sulfites may be added after a natural growing process. This makes it easier on winemakers, who have more control over the shelf life and taste of their wines following this process.

While the taste of organic wine is generally no different from that of “normal” wine, its natural constitution is definitely a draw for those who like their food as unadulterated as possible. Look for organic wine to become even more popular in the coming years.

The post Organic Wine is Making Its Mark in 2020 appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

These adorable bite-sized fruits are just a miniature version of a regular kiwi. About the size of a grape, these little fruits are even more portable and convenient to eat than regular kiwis, and they offer up all kinds of possibilities in the kitchen.

Also known as kiwi berries, these small fruits can be eaten whole, skin and all. Described as being even more tender and sweeter than regular kiwis, their flavor is nonetheless very similar to the normal-sized fruit’s, as they are both cultivars of the same plant.

Native to China but now grown in New Zealand, California, and Chile, baby kiwis are becoming more and more popular as people around the world discover their advantages.

Baby kiwis can be served in salads, on fruit skewers, or even as a yogurt topping. Their small size means that you don’t have to cut them up or anything to use them as a component or topping in any recipe that might appeal to you.

If you see baby kiwis at your local supermarket, be sure to give them a try!

The post Baby Kiwis are a Pint-Sized Treasure appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

The name aquafaba comes from Latin, with “aqua” meaning water and “faba” meaning bean. This liquid is obtained from the water in which beans have been cooked, which results in a viscous liquid that is an excellent substitute for eggs.

While you can make this liquid yourself by boiling any sort of dry bean (especially chickpeas, which are said to yield the best-tasting aquafaba), in reality, it can be obtained simply by draining a can of beans and then using the resulting liquid.

If you only need an egg substitute without whipping or any other special preparation, it’s as easy as using three tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg called for in a recipe. Your cakes, pastries, and whatever else you might end up making will turn out unbelievably authentic-tasting!

Now, when it comes to recipes calling for whipped egg whites like meringues and macarons, aquafaba can also do the trick. Just whip slowly for around five to ten minutes, and you’ll be amazed at how this bean water ends up resembling whipped egg whites!

If you’re looking to find the perfect egg substitute, aquafaba is the best choice out there. Why not give it a try?

The post What is Aquafaba? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Skip the Plasticware

Assuming that you will be eating at home, there’s no need to have the restaurant deliver plastic silverware along with your food. Many websites have an option to request no utensils, and if the one you order from doesn’t, be sure to request no plasticware in the notes in order to be more eco-friendly.

Tip Your Delivery Person

Delivery people are hard-working and often underpaid, which means that you should give them at least a small tip when they deliver your food to your door. It shows that you appreciate their labor and the effort that it took for them to bring your food to your home.

Wear a Mask When Opening the Door

Wearing a mask when interacting with other people is a sign of respect these days, and even though you might be in your own home, you should definitely do this when receiving your food and interacting with the delivery person. This will keep both you and the person who brings your food safe.

The post How to Make Your Online Food Order More Ethical appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

As strange as it might sound, pea milk is gaining more and more popularity as a plant-based milk alternative. Made with yellow split peas which are generally soaked in water and then made into a soluble solution which has a thick and creamy texture.

Pea milk is available in both unsweetened and sweetened/flavored editions, with the latter generally being preferred due to its more dairy milk-like taste. Flavored options on the market include vanilla and chocolate pea milk.

One of the big draws of pea milk is its environmental-friendliness. Using non-GMO products, unlike soy milk, and requiring much less water than other plant-based milk alternatives, pea milk is a product that is generally considered to be the most eco-friendly milk alternative.

With all of these points in its favor, it’s no surprise that pea milk is becoming more and more popular every day. Have you given it a try yet?

The post Pea Milk is the Newest Innovation in Plant-Based Milks appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Are you a poke bowl newbie who is looking to place their first order at your local poke restaurant? Here are some toppings that you must order in your bowl. 

Wakame

Wakame is an edible seaweed that not only tastes great with the sea-based flavors of tuna or salmon, but it is also a superfood that provides your body with tons of healthy vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds taste great on top of a poke bowl. They add a little bit of crunch and nutty flavor to a dish that can sometimes be a little strong on the soft and creamy notes of sushi rice and fish.

Red Onion

Add a little bit of acidity with the kick of sliced red onions in my poke bowls. Red onion also adds a bit of much-needed crunchiness to the poke bowl and enhances the citrus flavors already present in the dish.

The post Healthy Toppings for Your Poke Bowls appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Less Plastic Waste

If you already haven’t, 2020 is the year when you will switch from single-use bottles and cups to more sustainable options. They are already available everywhere and it’s only the matter of being conscious about ecology at this point. To make the matter easier, businesses will cut down on unnecessary plastic packaging as well.

Convenience

Our lives are fast and we want our food and beverage options to be convenient. This is not a new trend, but it will be one of the biggest in 2020. You’ll be able to get premade juices, lattes, cold brew coffees, and pretty much everything else on every corner.

Non-Dairy Milk

Again, this is a trend that’s been here for a while, but in 2020, we’ll see even more alternatives to dairy milk such as oat, coconut, hemp, and rice milk.

The post 3 Trends in the Beverage Industry For 2020 appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

TikTok Trends

It’s safe to assume that TikTok will remain a very popular spot for new things happening in the world of food. With more and more users every day and a convenient format, TikTok videos quickly become viral sharing the latest recipes, ingredients, and cooking tips.

Real Omnivores

Real omnivores are people who eat all food groups but keep in mind their health and focus on plant-based when they can. For example, they don’t avoid meat completely, but reduce consumption and are willing to try alternatives.

No ABV

Low or no alcohol by volume (ABV) drinks are becoming more and more common. The trend of drinking in moderation is going to be big in 2022, and the industry is already responding to the demand. Many brands are releasing alcohol-free wine options, so it will be relatively common to get alcohol-free Prosecco, for example.

The post Top 3 Prospective Food Trends for 2022 appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Spicing It Up

It’s become popular to begin making and manufacturing flavored sunflower seeds—achieved by adding a flavoring or spice mix to the exterior of the roasted shells, which in effect “seasons” the interior of the seeds.

The premise of this idea is that the flavors contained in these spice mixes will impart a certain food or sauce’s flavor upon the toasted crunchiness of sunflower seeds. It’s an idea that works fantastically well!

Utilizing It Well

Some of the most popular flavors you will see on store shelves include ranch dressing, dill pickle, barbecue, and chile lemon. Between spicy, salty, tangy, and sweet—there are a boatload of options to choose from

Have you tried flavored sunflower seeds yet? What is your favorite flavor?

The post Flavored Sunflower Seeds Are All the Rage appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

While food trucks started as a concept that saw them distributed on major streets and squares, there’s a new concept that is turning the tradition on its head: food truck parks.

Food truck parks are a relatively new phenomenon that has seen designated spaces be set up in cities for food trucks to congregate on a regular basis.

Usually located near the center of a city, here, instead of trying to hunt them down throughout the streets, you will find a wide and diverse section of food trucks offering up different styles and choices of food in one space.

With ample seating and variety for all tastes, food truck parks are a great choice if you want to have a foodie night out with friends and try all kinds of different trucks’ choices. The amount of variety you can experience is truly endless!

Have you been to a food truck park yet? What did you think of it?

The post Food Truck Parks are the Next Big Thing appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Generally, organic wine is made following the same principles as organic food—pesticides, herbicides, and other unnatural chemicals are not made in the process of grape-growing which gives birth to wine.

There are some slight differences between how organic wines are defined in the U.S. and in Canada/Europe. According to American definitions, organic wine is “a wine made from organically grown grapes without added sulfites.” This means that the wine has absolutely no non-natural products, but also that it has a lower shelf life.

In Canada and Europe, however, sulfites may be added after a natural growing process. This makes it easier on winemakers, who have more control over the shelf life and taste of their wines following this process.

While the taste of organic wine is generally no different from that of “normal” wine, its natural constitution is definitely a draw for those who like their food as unadulterated as possible. Look for organic wine to become even more popular in the coming years.

The post Organic Wine is Making Its Mark in 2020 appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

These adorable bite-sized fruits are just a miniature version of a regular kiwi. About the size of a grape, these little fruits are even more portable and convenient to eat than regular kiwis, and they offer up all kinds of possibilities in the kitchen.

Also known as kiwi berries, these small fruits can be eaten whole, skin and all. Described as being even more tender and sweeter than regular kiwis, their flavor is nonetheless very similar to the normal-sized fruit’s, as they are both cultivars of the same plant.

Native to China but now grown in New Zealand, California, and Chile, baby kiwis are becoming more and more popular as people around the world discover their advantages.

Baby kiwis can be served in salads, on fruit skewers, or even as a yogurt topping. Their small size means that you don’t have to cut them up or anything to use them as a component or topping in any recipe that might appeal to you.

If you see baby kiwis at your local supermarket, be sure to give them a try!

The post Baby Kiwis are a Pint-Sized Treasure appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

The name aquafaba comes from Latin, with “aqua” meaning water and “faba” meaning bean. This liquid is obtained from the water in which beans have been cooked, which results in a viscous liquid that is an excellent substitute for eggs.

While you can make this liquid yourself by boiling any sort of dry bean (especially chickpeas, which are said to yield the best-tasting aquafaba), in reality, it can be obtained simply by draining a can of beans and then using the resulting liquid.

If you only need an egg substitute without whipping or any other special preparation, it’s as easy as using three tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg called for in a recipe. Your cakes, pastries, and whatever else you might end up making will turn out unbelievably authentic-tasting!

Now, when it comes to recipes calling for whipped egg whites like meringues and macarons, aquafaba can also do the trick. Just whip slowly for around five to ten minutes, and you’ll be amazed at how this bean water ends up resembling whipped egg whites!

If you’re looking to find the perfect egg substitute, aquafaba is the best choice out there. Why not give it a try?

The post What is Aquafaba? appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Skip the Plasticware

Assuming that you will be eating at home, there’s no need to have the restaurant deliver plastic silverware along with your food. Many websites have an option to request no utensils, and if the one you order from doesn’t, be sure to request no plasticware in the notes in order to be more eco-friendly.

Tip Your Delivery Person

Delivery people are hard-working and often underpaid, which means that you should give them at least a small tip when they deliver your food to your door. It shows that you appreciate their labor and the effort that it took for them to bring your food to your home.

Wear a Mask When Opening the Door

Wearing a mask when interacting with other people is a sign of respect these days, and even though you might be in your own home, you should definitely do this when receiving your food and interacting with the delivery person. This will keep both you and the person who brings your food safe.

The post How to Make Your Online Food Order More Ethical appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

As strange as it might sound, pea milk is gaining more and more popularity as a plant-based milk alternative. Made with yellow split peas which are generally soaked in water and then made into a soluble solution which has a thick and creamy texture.

Pea milk is available in both unsweetened and sweetened/flavored editions, with the latter generally being preferred due to its more dairy milk-like taste. Flavored options on the market include vanilla and chocolate pea milk.

One of the big draws of pea milk is its environmental-friendliness. Using non-GMO products, unlike soy milk, and requiring much less water than other plant-based milk alternatives, pea milk is a product that is generally considered to be the most eco-friendly milk alternative.

With all of these points in its favor, it’s no surprise that pea milk is becoming more and more popular every day. Have you given it a try yet?

The post Pea Milk is the Newest Innovation in Plant-Based Milks appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Are you a poke bowl newbie who is looking to place their first order at your local poke restaurant? Here are some toppings that you must order in your bowl. 

Wakame

Wakame is an edible seaweed that not only tastes great with the sea-based flavors of tuna or salmon, but it is also a superfood that provides your body with tons of healthy vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds taste great on top of a poke bowl. They add a little bit of crunch and nutty flavor to a dish that can sometimes be a little strong on the soft and creamy notes of sushi rice and fish.

Red Onion

Add a little bit of acidity with the kick of sliced red onions in my poke bowls. Red onion also adds a bit of much-needed crunchiness to the poke bowl and enhances the citrus flavors already present in the dish.

The post Healthy Toppings for Your Poke Bowls appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.

Less Plastic Waste

If you already haven’t, 2020 is the year when you will switch from single-use bottles and cups to more sustainable options. They are already available everywhere and it’s only the matter of being conscious about ecology at this point. To make the matter easier, businesses will cut down on unnecessary plastic packaging as well.

Convenience

Our lives are fast and we want our food and beverage options to be convenient. This is not a new trend, but it will be one of the biggest in 2020. You’ll be able to get premade juices, lattes, cold brew coffees, and pretty much everything else on every corner.

Non-Dairy Milk

Again, this is a trend that’s been here for a while, but in 2020, we’ll see even more alternatives to dairy milk such as oat, coconut, hemp, and rice milk.

The post 3 Trends in the Beverage Industry For 2020 appeared first on thedancingcucumber.com.