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McCormick® ushers in the 2025 Flavor of the Year

In an exciting announcement, McCormick® has selected Aji Amarillo as the 2025 Flavor of the Year, marking a significant moment in the culinary world. Aji Amarillo is a vibrant yellow pepper that shines in the realm of South American flavors, particularly within Peruvian cuisine, loved for its fruity, tropical taste and moderate heat. With this year's unveiling, McCormick is not just highlighting a flavor but also setting the stage for a series of celebrations surrounding it, including a unique Flavor Night Market in Miami, Florida.

A Closer Look at Aji Amarillo

Aji Amarillo translates to 'yellow chile pepper' and is a staple ingredient in various traditional dishes across Peru. Upon reaching full maturity, this pepper takes on a bright orange hue. The flavor profile—characterized by fruity, tropical notes reminiscent of passion fruit and mango paired with a heat level ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units—positions Aji Amarillo as an adaptable ingredient in a variety of culinary settings. In fact, it’s projected that this pepper will see a menu growth of 59% over the next four years, reaching beyond Peruvian restaurants and making its way into appetizers, drinks, and main courses globally.

The Flavor Forecast 25th Edition

Since its inception in 2000, the McCormick Flavor Forecast has persistently shaped culinary trends, showcasing predictions like pumpkin pie spice and chipotle. This year marks the 25th edition, which compiles extensive research—both qualitative and quantitative—to explore shifting trends across households and restaurants worldwide.

Among the intriguing culinary trends predicted for the upcoming year are:

• - Tropical Vibes: A journey through warm-weather flavors featuring an array of tropical fruits, seafood, and beachside cuisines.
• - Charred & Smoked: Enhancement of natural flavors through unique cooking techniques that emphasize smoky, charred notes in diverse applications.
• - Deliciously Unexpected: A focus on innovative combinations of familiar ingredients sparking curiosity, highlighted by the rising popularity of chili cucumber salad on social media platforms.

Mark Your Calendars for the Flavor Night Market

To celebrate this exciting milestone, McCormick plans to host its first-ever Flavor Night Market in Miami on February 21 and 22, 2025. Partnering with Smorgasburg, this event will allow attendees to experience Aji Amarillo and the accompanying culinary trends in person. This open-air market will feature over 30 food vendors crafting Aji Amarillo-inspired dishes and beverages. Along with delightful culinary offerings, guests will enjoy games, music, and the opportunity to purchase McCormick merchandise, including the new Aji Amarillo seasoning blend.

Tabata Gomez, McCormick’s CMO, expressed enthusiasm about the selection, stating, “This year's Flavor of the Year, Aji Amarillo, provides the perfect gateway for consumers to explore and expand their palate.” The seasoned chef Hadar Cohen Aviram echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the unique abilities of Aji Amarillo to enhance deliciousness across various dishes, from seafood to salsas.

Looking Ahead

As McCormick embraces its legacy of defining flavor for nearly 135 years, the more aggressive projection of the Flavor Night Market exemplifies its commitment to innovation and adaptation in a vibrant culinary landscape. Attendees and culinary enthusiasts looking for new inspirations or delightful flavors should not miss this opportunity to explore Aji Amarillo in depth.

For more information about the 2025 Flavor of the Year, upcoming events, and exciting products, visit FlavorForecast.com and follow McCormick on social media platforms.

Conclusion

The announcement of Aji Amarillo as the 2025 Flavor of the Year is an invitation for all food lovers to build culinary curiosity and experiment with new tastes. Adding this bold flavor to your table may very well spice up your cooking adventures in the upcoming year!