The Food Channel has released their much-anticipated Top Ten Food Trends for 2011, identifying the most significant food trends that are supposed to drive how we will all eat throughout the new year. From buying to cooking to consuming, this is the NostraFOODmus for the next twelve months… so gather round food-lovers to hear your future!Top_10_Trends_2011

Kay Logsdon, editor of The Food Channel, says that “the new economy has created a boldness and willingness to change how we work, how we cook and how we eat. All of our 2011 trends reflect that in some way”. Well, it’s all been done before some say, but let’s see if these particular prognostications come to fruition.

Here are the Food Channel’s Top 10 Trends for 2011

1.       The Canning Comeback – “Putting Up” is gaining popularity for both economy and health.
2.       Men in Aprons – Layoffs have led to more men cooking.
3.       Local Somewhere – We care about hand-tended no matter where it’s grown.
4.       Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – We’re tired of being told what we can eat.
5.       Appetite for Food Apps – Social media is our guide and our coupon source.
6.       Small is the New Big Business – Corporations are thinking like small businesses.
7.       Fresh Every Day – Rooftop gardens are just part of this trend.
8.       Chefs in Schools – Better flavor is possible in an institutional setting.
9.       Discomfort Foods – Change makes us comfortable with more change.
10.    Eating for Sex and Other Things – We are working longer, and want all the gusto.
You can also look for the Top Ten Foods to Watch in 2011, including sausage, moonshine, grits, fin fish and the latest in antioxidant-heavy fruit…. all at FoodChannel.com.

-bryan