It seems that in recent years, countless blogs proliferated across the web, basking us in a vast network of recipes, many of which incorporate ingredients that were previously considered “exotic” or “ethnic”, among them mangos, tomatillos and certain leafy greens. Add to that pile the increased popularity of Food Network personalities, celebrity chefs and nutrition advocates and terms like foodie and food porn were popularly coined.
The residual effect of such food-centric coverage can be seen on social sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. Ciruli Brothers has been actively engaged in these sites for the past few years. We’ve seen an increasing number of recipes using Ciruli Brothers products gracing the web, from salad dressings to fancy desserts to morning smoothies.
There seems to be a growing trend to incorporate more fresh foods in meals, and to fuse traditional recipes with more exotic ingredients. Scott Mowbray, Editor of Cooking Light, refers to the increased consumption of traditionally ethnic commodities in fusion-style dishes as part of a new, trans-demographic food culture, which combines “immigrant knowledge and older, regional American traditions with the mashup tastes of the Internet-nurtured young.”
Could this “emerging food culture” that Mowbray describes help drive awareness to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables? We can only hope. As tastes evolve and Americans become more cultured about their food, people are also likely to become more vocal about their food-related wants and experiences using social media channels.
One thing is certain: culture doesn’t change overnight and America has been struggling to get people to eat more fresh produce for years. If you’re out there reading this, we hope you’re doing your part. Meanwhile, we’d love to hear more about what you’re looking for – whether you are a self-proclaimed food fanatic, retailer or restaurateur; feedback on the products we bring to the table goes a long way.
