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McCormick® Reveals the Flavor of the Year for 2026: Black Currant

The culinary world is buzzing with excitement as McCormick® announces its 2026 Flavor of the Year: Black Currant. Known for its rich, balanced flavor profile that combines sweet, tart, and earthy notes, this berry promises to elevate dishes and inspire chefs globally. McCormick's recognition of Black Currant comes with a year-long celebration, complete with a series of events and product launches aimed at showcasing this bold flavor.

A Flavor with History

Black Currant berries, native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia, have a deep-rooted presence in culinary traditions. For centuries, they’ve been cherished in various forms, from jams and syrups to drinks and liqueurs. As culinary trends evolve, this fruit is rapidly gaining attention, indicating that it will be a staple in kitchens and on menus worldwide.

In addition to proclaiming Black Currant as the Flavor of the Year, McCormick is also releasing its annual Flavor Forecast. This report identifies emerging culinary trends that are shaping how people cook and enjoy food, allowing chefs and home cooks alike to experiment with new flavors.

Culinary Trends to Watch

McCormick’s 2026 Flavor Forecast highlights three major trends:

1. Attainable Opulence: Consumers are gravitating towards extravagant flavors and experiences in their everyday meals, transforming modest dishes into memorable culinary adventures. Recipes such as Blood Orange Cardamom Sour and Sweet and Tangy Stuffed Chicken Tenders exemplify this trend, inviting indulgence into daily life.

2. Simple to Spectacular: In an age dominated by social media, home cooks are finding beauty in simplicity. With carefully sourced ingredients and time-honored techniques, ordinary meals become extraordinary. Examples from this category include Pickled Veggie Toast on Homemade Sourdough Bread and an Easy Focaccia Halloumi BLT.

3. Sauce from Somewhere: With the rise of ‘flavor fluency,’ cooks are exploring global tastes, infusing their meals with regional flavors through innovative sauces, dips, and spreads. Exciting recipes like Roasted Chicken with Toum and Sambal Crusted Lamb Chomps highlight this quest for culinary exploration.

Celebrating Black Currant

Tabata Gomez, Chief Marketing Officer at McCormick, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of Black Currant, stating, "This year we're doing more than predicting a flavor; we're having a year-long celebration of Black Currant, a bold, sophisticated flavor that combines sweet with savory." This berry’s versatility shines through its application in both sweet pastries and savory reductions, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks.

Hadar Cohen Aviram, Executive Chef at McCormick, emphasized Black Currant’s vibrant intensity, noting, "Black Currant is gaining attention in kitchens, prized for its vibrant intensity, infusing everything from savory reductions and sweet pastries to modern mixology with bold, sophisticated flavor."

Join the Flavor Journey

To explore more about the 2026 Flavor Forecast and stay updated on product launches, visit FlavorForecast.com. For recipe ideas and culinary inspiration, follow McCormick on Instagram @McCormickSpice and TikTok @McCormickSpices.

In conclusion, McCormick’s recognition of Black Currant as the Flavor of the Year not only marks a culinary milestone but also invites everyone to discover and celebrate flavor in its many forms. As this trend unfolds, prepare for a year filled with gastronomic creativity and delightful tastes that will transform everyday cooking and dining experiences.