By George Anderson
America is broadening its culinary horizons as the influence of television cooking shows, web sites and an increase in ethnic restaurants has many consumers commonly eating dishes once viewed as exotic by most of the population.
One of the trends that has grown out of this globalization of the American palate is that many consumers are using spicier ingredients in the foods they prepare and eat. The well-documented growing popularity of Latin American dishes has been joined by increased demand for those from Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.
According to a Forbes.com report, "Strong meats like goat and buffalo are more popular, along with Cajun and barbecue. So are specialty spices and condiments in a wider variety of bolder flavors, such as paprika, saffron and cumin."
Moderator's Comment: How is the broadening of the American palate affecting the food industry in America? Will the food landscape from restaurants to the products stocked on supermarket shelves be decidedly different 10 years from now than it is today? - George Anderson - Moderator