ABSTRACT
Americans are beginning to demand the flavor and consistency of freshly prepared foods. Many enjoy preparing their meals or being part of the preparation and cooking process. As explained in detail in Chapter 2, with growing frequency, Americans are seeking well-seasoned and balanced meals that provide variety and flavors from faroff lands. Many Americans want to experience spices and seasonings from their travels. The acculturated ethnic groups in the United States, whether Asian Americans or Latino Americans, desire the foods of their homelands, but with a difference-combining them with flavors that they have been exposed to at school, and at local supermarkets, restaurants, and friend’s homes. As a consequence, both authentic spices and ingredients and “cross-over ethnic” or fusion foods, with their multidimensional flavor and texture profiles, continue to be the trend.
