Figs and ginger flavors trend at gourmet food show

It's a trend that's particularly evident among finalists in the category of Outstanding New Products at the sofi awards, which names the best specialty foods across different categories. The awards are given at the Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington DC.

Figs, for example, are appearing in both sweet and savory foods. A fig breakfast cheese by Belle Chevre, a sofi silver finalist, sweetens tangy, spreadable goat cheese with fig preserves and can be used on bagels and toast.

Smoky figs are also used to counterbalance the pungent notes of roasted garlic and onion in a spread by Robert Rothschild Farm.

Other products shortlisted as sofi silver finalists include fig-based balsamic vinaigrettes and dressings and a line of pickled figs by Boat Street Pickles jarred in a sweet syrup of organic red wine, cane sugar, balsamic vinegar, rosemary and sea salt. The condiment can be paired with blue cheeses and rich triple cream cheeses, as well as vanilla ice cream and panna cotta.

Ginger is likewise being used to spice up pear sorbets, peach black tea, and as the principal ingredient in a ready-to-drink tonic called Ginger Soother, made with fresh ginger juice, lemon, and honey.

For the complete list of sofi silver finalists, visit http://foodspring.com/sofiawards/silver/.