This "n That Thursdays: A Preview of Two Picks of the Year for 2024

Tamarind tree and pods (from Green Paradise)

McCormick and Pantone have just announced their 2024 picks of the year, and they are, to me at least, not what one would have expected, so let's take a look!  McCormick's choice for their 2024 Flavor of the Year is tamarind, which comes from the sweet and tangy pulp in the fruit pod of a tropical leguminous tree (Tamarindus indica).  While you may not be familiar with the fruit itself, if you have ever used Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce you have used tamarind, as tamarind extract is one of the flavorings in the sauce.

McCormick has created a Mexican-inspired Tamarind and Pasilla Chile Seasoning blend with a "sour, savory flavor & mild heat" which will be available for a limited time so that you can try this unique flavor in your own cooking.  I am intrigued enough to consider trying this blend myself.

For their 2024 Color of the Year, Pantone has chosen a shade they call Peach Fuzz, a color which they claim "captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others."  This warm pastel hue, "softly nestled between pink and orange" and "a clean peach tone with a vintage vibe", supposedly evokes both coziness and elegance.  Thanks to all of the current turmoil in the world, the folks at Pantone felt that we needed a warm and gentle color to soothe our anxiety yet still please our sense of style.  While I am not a big fan of pastels, even I have to admit that this peachy shade is indeed a gentle and relaxing color - not one that I personally would want to live with, but I would not mind being in surroundings that include this hue.

So what do you think of these two picks for 2024?  Will you be looking to purchase items that include either one?  If so, enjoy! 🍑🍲😊