When it comes to recreating an authentic dish or giving a traditional recipe an added kick, spices are the essential tools of the trade. HN asked three industry leaders for their take on what they expect to see livening up our food, going forward
Hratch Maroutian
Executive chairman of the Board
Sevan AB
Europe is currently witnessing a return to authentic, natural flavors, such as hibiscus flowers, juniper berries and pure orange extract. Which flavors are trending in the Middle East today?
Traditional and authentic flavors remain popular in the Middle East, such as tahina, sumac, harissa, Aleppo pepper, parsley and dates.
Which continental or exotic spices do you think are gaining a foothold on the Middle East’s culinary landscape?
Definitely sumac; while not new, it’s extremely trendy right now.
With chefs today exploring spice fusion, which blends are trending in the Middle East?
Seven spices, ras al hanout, shawarma and za’atar are all popular.
How are suppliers adapting to consumers’ evolving tastes?
Demand for new blends and spices is mostly distributor and consumer driven. Marketing and influencers have a significant impact on what’s being requested and suppliers seem able to adapt fairly quickly.
What factors should be considered when buying spices?
From our side, we’re looking for suppliers that can offer safe and certified products and production. It’s also important that packaging reflects the latest innovations, meaning it should be climate smart and in keeping with the latest trends.
Which varieties are the ones to watch?
Sumac, Aleppo pepper and harissa.
Which pre-mixed spices are proving popular?
Seven spices, ras al hanout, shawarma and za’atar.
Nicolas Abou Fayssal
CEO
Gardenia Companies
Europe is currently witnessing a return to authentic, natural flavors, such as hibiscus flowers, juniper berries and pure orange extract. Which flavors are trending in the Middle East today?
Several flavors currently trending in the Middle East fall into the authentic and natural category. Cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, black pepper, coriander, mahleb and nutmeg are among those that spring to mind.
Which continental or exotic spices do you think are gaining a foothold on the Middle East’s culinary landscape?
Popular European and world spice mixes, such as fajita and Philadelphia spices, and crispy and escalope mixes, have now become an established part of Middle Eastern cuisine.
With chefs today exploring spice fusion, which blends are trending in the Middle East?
The region’s favorite spice combinations, including shawarma, shish tawoook, kebbe, remain as popular as ever, with many now also being incorporated into European cuisines.
How are suppliers adapting to consumers’ evolving taste?
Along with our usual supplies, we also produce spice mixes by special request at our factory for several international clients and restaurants.
What factors should be considered when buying spices?
When buying raw materials to make our blends, we would be looking to ensure they’re completely free of moisture and toxins such as aflatoxin and bacteria like E. coli.
Wissam Jammoul
CEO
Rafic Marrouche Restaurants Company
Europe is currently witnessing a return to authentic, natural flavors, such as hibiscus flowers, juniper berries and pure orange extract. Which flavors are trending in the Middle East today?
We’ve noticed that cardamom, nutmeg and bay leaves are generating newfound interest.
Which continental or exotic spices do you think are gaining a foothold on the Middle East’s culinary landscape?
Blends of ground spices from the Indian subcontinent, such as garam masala and curry, together with chili, are among those finding their way into dishes on mainstream
menus.
With chefs today exploring spice fusion, which blends are trending in the Middle East?
Chefs have begun reinventing traditional local dishes by infusing them with until-now unfamiliar spices and ingredients. Examples of these include: kunafa with coconut, za’atar-spiced meatballs; and za’atar egg salad.
Which varieties are the ones to watch?
We expect to see an increase in use of turmeric, cinnamon and Greek fennel.
What factors should be considered when buying spices?
The flavor they will bring to a dish is the most important consideration.
Which pre-mixed spices are proving popular?
Favorites from our 25 varieties of pre-mixed spices, which are all halal-certified and include, are:
1. Foul Mix
2. Falafel Mix
3. Shawarma Mix (Meat)
4. Shawarma Mix (Chicken)
5. Chicken Tawook Mix
6. Chicken Tawook Mix (Spicy)
7. Fish Mix
8. Whole Chicken Mix
9. Hamburger Mix
10. Kabseh Chicken Mix
11. Mloukhiye Mix
12. Potato Mix
ON THE MARKET
DUKKAH
A delicious mixture of 10 spices, sesame seeds and nuts. Use it as a dip with bread and olive oil or as a seasoning in or on your favorite dishes. A simple sprinkle will be sufficient to enhance the flavor of your food.
JIGSAW
kaaju.co
CHICKEN STOCK POWDER
An appetizing blend of spices with a special Umami and chicken flavor, ideal for use in both Eastern and Western cuisine.
DIRANI GROUP
dirani-group.com
ARGENTINE SPICE MIX
This tasty combination of spices will add plenty of flavor and color to grilled and barbecued meatdishes.
DIRANI GROUP
dirani-group.com
MARINADE SPICE
A mildly spicy marinade that will give both red and white meat a gentle but unmistakable kick.
DIRANI GROUP
dirani-group.com
FUNKY OUMA AFRICAN RUB
Made with natural ingredients, this flavorful all-rounder rub can be applied to all types of meat before cooking.
FUNKY OUMA
funky-ouma.co.za
FUNKY OUMA SEAFOOD SPICE
Enhance the delicate taste of fish or seafood with this appetizing spice combination, before, during or after cooking. Simply follow your senses!
FUNKY OUMA
funky-ouma.co.za
CHILI SEA SALT
Say goodbye to plain salt and hello to your new seasoning favorite! Spicy is given an unexpected twist with delicious Zaatar and specially seasoned coarse salt. Enhance any dish with just a drizzle .
THE GOOD THYMES
thegoodthymes.com
SPICY MORNING MAGIC FOR BREAKFAST LOVERS
In this box you’ll find everything you need for a spicy start to the day, from sweet cocoa kiss, scrambled egg spice and avocado topping with a kick to the perfect ingredient for livening up oatmeal.
JUST SPICES
justspices.de
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
