Our latest seasonwatching report is now live over on the tfp TrendHub, delving to the heart of all things Autumn - analysing thousands of touch points to identify the big trends and future foresight.
As a crossover season we've seen plenty of root veg, squashes and stone fruits as sunshine gives way to cooler climes… but as seasonal boundaries continue to blur, extending the life of summer staples and delaying the emergence of more hardy crops, there are quite a few surprises to be found here, too!
From pumpkin seeds to pulses, ferments to fig leaves, the season ushers in an altogether cosier cuisine. So, smoothies make way for soups, strawberries are replaced by stone fruits, and game season gets into full swing. Alongside the expected riffs on squashes and pumpkin-spice-everything, we uncover a few surprises popping up on menus. Some come by way of a changing climate, which lengthens the season of some ingredients and delays the appearance of others; others are products of the global village that is social media and its formidable influence.
We've collated three key takeouts from the full Autumn 2024 report below, in no particular order.
1. Brekkie Comfort – Brekkie faves receive an autumnal makeover as oats, eggs, pastries and toast – not to mention breakfast beverages – come laced with warming spices and make the most of seasonal ingredients. But these delights aren't just for the morning, as all-day brekkie options featuring pumpkin, chestnut, persimmon and more claim their place on autumn menus.
2. Brat Autumn – This summer's inescapable aesthetic (and soundtrack to a thousand-and-one Insta posts!) runs on into a new season, fuelling a boom in green palette plates and vivaciously verdant cocktails. In the case of the latter, virid hues come courtesy of melon-tastic liqueur Midori, paired with lip-puckeringly tart citrus for the season's must-have sour.
3. Slide Into The Season – a delicacy that's traditionally prominent in the late-spring-into-summer period, hedgerow hero the snail is enjoying a moment in the culinary spotlight. Farming techniques mean that it's now a year-round ingredient – a fact that is being celebrated by the trendiest of eateries who are using the diminutive delicacy in everything from classic bistro dishes to lasagne filling to escargot pizza topping. Mon dieu!
--
trendhub subscribers can access the full 106-page Autumn 2024 seasonwatching report on the hub, here. If you're not yet subscribed, but are interested to find out more, please get in touch.