McCormick Announces Tamarind as the 2024 Flavor of the Year

If you love to cook, McCormick has some spicy news to share. Yesterday, the iconic seasoning brand announced Tamarind as its 2024 Flavor of the Year. Yep, the highly acidic, tangy-sweet fruit is predicted be the flavor dominating your dishes this upcoming year. This tasty prediction is based on the brand’s 24th Edition of the Flavor Forecast, its annual culinary trend report.

For at-home cooks, McCormick makes it easy to join in and enjoy the unique blend of citrusy spices with its new Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Seasoning, which can be found online and on grocery store shelves near you.

What’s more, the brand is also partnering with Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, a popular burger and milkshake restaurant with locations globally, to bring a tamarind-inspired menu to the masses. Starting in February, the limited-time menu will feature burgers, fries and yes, even milkshakes made with the new seasoning. Not sure how the seasoning that boasts a blend of tamarind flavors mixed with pasilla chiles and savory notes of paprika, cilantro, and onion will pair with the menu items? Well, let me tell you; it packs a spectacular burst of flavor.

How do I know?

Thanks to my friends at McCormick, I was invited to attend a lovely tasting at Black Tap earlier this week. I along with about a dozen other journalists were treated to a delicious meal featuring tamarind-infused dishes. The tasting menu included, a Tamarind Chile Jam Burger (made with ground chicken), Tamarind & Pasilla Chile Fries, and a mouthwatering Tamarind Chile Cocoa Churro milkshake.

Being a true seafood person who doesn’t typically order sandwiches, I was pleasantly surprised by the chicken burger. It was super flavorful with just the right hint of heat and tanginess. It was a delightful bite that paired well with the seasoned fries.

If you crave sweet and savory dishes with a kick, this unique seasoning will earn a coveted spot in your kitchen pantry.