In 2023, a captivating trend has emerged, fusing the earthy and whimsical style of the apothecary aesthetic with the world of baked goods. These trends will be of particular interest to farmgate operations who sell baked goods – and perhaps to other farmgate operations as well.
Pinterest predicts this trend as a top food and beverage trend, showcasing a significant rise in searches for nature-inspired cupcakes. Searches for "sage green cupcakes," "wildflower cupcakes," and "daisy cupcakes" have seen substantial increases.
However, the most surprising surge was in searches for the "herbal apothecary aesthetic," soaring over 1,025% between September 2020 and September 2022.
This enchanting trend encourages farmgate bakers and other farmgate producers to incorporate botanicals into their cake designs and use them as flavor enhancers.
By embracing this nature-inspired approach, farmgate producers can appeal to the growing interest in this unique and earthy style.
Infusing the herbal apothecary aesthetic into baking can add a nostalgic touch to your creations. Here are some delightful ways to achieve this:
- Edible Dried Flowers: Enhance cakes and pastries with edible dried flowers like lavender, rose petals, or chamomile, adding both visual appeal and subtle floral flavors.
- Medicinal Herbs: Add aromatic and herbal twists to your scones, cupcakes, or cookies by using medicinal herbs like rosemary, mint, or basil.
- Herbal Infused Syrups and Glazes: Brush herbal-infused syrups or glazes over cakes or pastries to give them a glossy and enchanting finish. Of course, offering herbal infused syrups and glazes could also be a great product offering that would seize on this trend for home bakers.
- Botanical Extracts: Experiment with natural botanical extracts such as elderflower, hibiscus, or violet to introduce intriguing flavors.
- Vintage Decorations and Packaging: Elevate the apothecary theme by using old-fashioned glass bottles or vintage-style jars to store and display your treats, complete with handwritten herb and flower labels.
To accentuate the herbal apothecary theme, get creative with nature-inspired shapes for your cookies or pastries and incorporate floral patterns or botanical imprints.
Remember, the key to success lies in experimentation and having fun with flavours and presentation. This trend invites you to offer unique and memorable desserts and products to customers.