Rise of Ultra-Urban Farming<\/h3>\n
On October 18, 2021, The Produce News reported that one of Whole Foods Market\u2019s major predictions for 2022 is an increase in ultra-urban farming. (2<\/a>) This involves indoor farming practices, oftentimes with the use of hydroponics and aquaponics. This provides consumers access to more locally grown crops, maximizing production efficiency.<\/p>\n Plus, fresh produce is more nutrient-dense. (3<\/a>) This means that it packs the best vitamin and mineral punch.<\/p>\n Hibiscus are beautiful flowers known for their large, colorful blooms. While they are odorless and they don\u2019t put off a fragrant smell, many people enjoy looking at them outside their windows.<\/p>\n Yet, in 2022, we are expected to see hibiscus included in more food options.<\/p>\n Tea is probably one of its current biggest uses.<\/p>\n However, yogurt, soda, and fruit spreads may all contain a bit of hibiscus in the year ahead, which is beneficial to health as this flower contains calcium. (4<\/a>) In tea, it\u2019s also not uncommon to also provide vitamin C.<\/p>\n For a while, skipping breakfast was considered best for health and wellness, thanks largely to the benefits associated with intermittent fasting. Yet, Specialty Food Magazine reports that, now that more people are working from home, this first meal of the day is making a comeback. (5<\/a>)<\/p>\n How does breakfast relate to health?<\/p>\n A 2020 review reports that eating this meal is associated with:<\/p>\n The Specialty Food Association reports that, while snacking became more prevalent during the pandemic, people began to also look for food items that were healthy but also felt a bit indulgent, which one retailer termed \u201csensible indulgences.\u201d (7<\/a>)<\/p>\n This trend is expected to continue in the year ahead.<\/p>\n What types of foods may fit into this category? Sugar-free chocolates are one option that comes to mind. Homemade air-fried potato chips are another. (Soak the potato slices in white vinegar and sprinkle on some sea salt and you have a healthier version of salt and vinegar chips!)<\/p>\n Another trend we\u2019ll likely see in the new year is the use of herbs and spices to not only give our foods more flavor, but also to raise their nutritional value \u2013 providing function in addition to boosting the taste.<\/p>\nIncrease In Hibiscus-Containing Foods<\/h3>\n
![\"Hibiscus-containing](\"https:\/\/www.naturalwellness.com\/nwupdate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/hibiscus-tea.jpg\")
<\/p>\nReturn of the Breakfast<\/h3>\n
\n
Sensible Indulgences<\/h3>\n
Greater Functional Ingredient Demands<\/h3>\n