Top food trends of 2012

2012 was the year of foodies, with a clear cut emphasis on health factors that maneuvered the demand and supply graph of this sector. So what climbed the yummy index and what tumbled down? Have a look!

Tea for health
Tea got a makeover form a mere comfort drink to a rejuvenating, healing drink. Its variants- green, chamomile, jasmine found admirers in health lovers and fitness freaks.

Spices, not oil
The worth of spices have finally been realized and they have suddenly taken domminance over oils and butter that formed the basis of cooking. The choice of people have also varied accordingly. Now a Spicy Roast Chicken is chosen over Deep fried Chicken.

Branded food
Suddenly there is a surge in the damenad of branded food. Despite the high cost of labels, there seemed to be an awakened awareness about good quality foods, thus enhancing the demand for branded products.

Craze for super-foods
Desire for longevity and everlasting youth, led to the quest for super foods. Scientists and food pundits, hailed the benefits of certain super foods that could magically transform human life. Blueberries, almonds, walnuts, beans, olive oil, grapes, berries suddenly got this prestigious status.

White Meat
Red meat has caused quite a health scare amomg weight and cholestrol watchers. Hence, white meat is what was in great demad throughout 2012.

Cold compressed oils
The craze over Olive and Canola oil settled down a bit in 2012 and it was replaced by a demand for cold compressed oils. The refined oils that ruled the 1990s have lost their status for being devoid of essential nutrients.

Herb it all
In 2012, herbs took the baton from spices in leading the march to healthy eating. Basil, dilli, mint, oregano, parsley, chervil, sage, rosemary and thyme were used extensively in fresh or dried form.

Gluten-Free
The year played a significant role in popularising gluten-free products, thus doing great service to gluten-intolerant people as earlier very little was available in the market that substituted wheat or wheat products.

Seafood/Fish
Omega 3 fatty acids have done wonders in enhancing the respect of the underwater community. From seaweeds to fishes, lobsters, prawns, squids and starfish-everthing under water has suddenly become "healthy" and people are crazily opting for them.

Go local
Go local has suddenly become the slogan of health police. Forget about impoted figs and almonds, the humble guava has far more nutrients than the imported fruits and dryfruits which have to undergo a series of chemical treatments to keep them fresh and even if they are preservative free, the long transportation time dries away all their nutrition.