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2016’s Top 10 Food and Beverage Trends From exotic grains and spices to the humble beet, here’s a look at what’s hot to eat and drink THE YEAR 2016 may have been rough politically — some would even say toxic — but there were some bright spots in Florida. Home cooks and diners celebrated fun and healthy trends in the world of food and spirits. We were more concerned about eating food that is truly locally sourced. We embraced more global flavors. We experimented with flours and grains. And we sipped tea and tequila with a degree of sophistication. Here’s a look at 10 food and beverage trends that emerged during the past year. WINTER 2016 INFLUENCE | 43 BY ROCHELLE KOFF 1. CAN’T BEET IT Hot or cold, beets are a culinary powerhouse packed with nutrients. They’re so healthy we’re now sipping beet juice and beet-infused sports drinks. The University of Southern California basketball team, for instance, was chugging beet juice before workouts, practices, and games, according to the Los Angeles Times. Beets are touted for their high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, plus they’re rich in potassium, magnesium, folate, and betaine, an amino acid important to heart health. 2. CHICKPEA FLOUR RISES It’s naturally gluten-free, versatile, and flavorful enough that some restaurants are featuring fries made with chickpea flour instead of potatoes. More cooks and chefs turned to whole grains like amaranth, farro, quinoa, and teff in 2016 and replaced white rice and pasta with whole wheat versions. 3. SOME LIKE IT COLD Cold brew isn’t just iced coffee. It’s a way of brewing coffee without heat over a 12- to 24-hour period. The cold brew market is giving the industry a jolt, with big brands like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts as well as smaller coffee companies like Tallahassee based Lucky Goat Coffee expanding the market. 4. EXOTIC FLAVORS Moroccan, Middle Eastern, and African spices are joining Indian, Chinese, Latin, and European herbs in American kitchens. Turmeric, the spice that gives curry its yellow hue, is now recognized for myriad health benefits. The superstar of the spice


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