{"id":1205,"date":"2020-06-23T13:57:15","date_gmt":"2020-06-23T20:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foodconnectorproduction.com\/pizza2024\/?p=1205"},"modified":"2020-06-23T13:57:15","modified_gmt":"2020-06-23T20:57:15","slug":"california-cheese-enhances-global-flavors-and-plant-forward-innovations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/realcaliforniamilkfoodservice.com\/pizza-contest\/california-cheese-enhances-global-flavors-and-plant-forward-innovations\/","title":{"rendered":"California Cheese Enhances Global Flavors and Plant-Forward Innovations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Consumers are increasingly looking for vegetarian and plant-forward options when they dine out. But they\u2019re not looking for standard options, such as a garden salad or veggie burger. In fact, 38% of consumers say they are interested in trying vegetarian dishes made with new or innovative flavors, according to Technomic\u2019s 2019 Center of the Plate: Seafood & Vegetarian Consumer Trend Report<\/em>. For restaurants, the opportunity to get creative with plant-based foods is high, especially when incorporating global flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Technomic, globally inspired flavors are some of the most preferred for vegetarian dishes, with 33% of consumers saying they\u2019d order vegetarian dishes with ethnic flavors if they were available. What\u2019s more, about a third (32%) would be willing to pay extra for authentic ethnic fare, according to Technomic\u2019s 2018 Ethnic Food & Beverage Consumer Trend Report<\/em>, so operators can benefit big-time from incorporating authentic ingredients into their plant-based options and calling out those ingredients on the menu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, using authentic California cheeses not only adds integrity to globally inspired dishes but also boosts their flavor appeal, particularly in Mediterranean and Mexican dishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mediterranean plant-based dishes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Technomic\u2019s Center of the Plate: Seafood & Vegetarian Consumer<\/em> Trend Report<\/em> notes that 25% of consumers would order Mediterranean cuisine at least occasionally if it were offered as a vegetarian dish. For these consumers, the addition of California-sourced Mediterranean-style dairy, including feta cheese, ackawi (a semifirm, unripened cow\u2019s milk cheese with a mild flavor and smooth texture), halloumi and labneh (a \u201cyogurt cheese\u201d made by draining thick, full-fat yogurt overnight in cloth) not only boosts the indulgence and flavor of vegetarian and plant-based dishes but also offers a protein boost. Try adding cow\u2019s milk feta to \u201cmezze\u201d plates featuring hummus, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, almonds and a drizzle of olive oil\u2014perfect for the starters menu\u2014or inspire excitement with saganaki, a Greek appetizer of halloumi cheese fried in a pan and flambeed tableside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These cheeses can also be used in main dishes; labneh is perfect as a substitute for mayonnaise in sandwiches or dips and can also add interest to wraps such as falafel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mexican and Cal-Mex options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Another ethnic cuisine, Mexican, is even more popular, with 43% of consumers telling Technomic that they would order it at least occasionally if vegetarian dishes were offered. California is the top producer of Hispanic-style cheeses in the nation, producing many varieties and styles. California Hispanic-style cheeses are a low-cost way for operators to add authentic flavor to Latin-inspired dishes. Some cheeses to consider adding to plant-forward Mexican or Cal-Mex dishes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n