New Ingredient of the Month
August 2026 - Burrata
Burrata, a fresh Italian cheese originating in Puglia, is defined by its delicate outer shell of mozzarella encasing a soft, creamy filling of stracciatella and cream. Made from cow’s milk, it is produced by stretching curd into a pouch, then filling and sealing it while still warm, resulting in a product that is highly perishable and best served at peak freshness. Its appeal lies in contrast between the tender exterior and the rich, flowing interior, offering subtle dairy sweetness and a luxurious texture. In professional kitchens, burrata functions as both a focal point and a finishing element, pairing naturally with seasonal produce, cured meats and acidic components that balance its richness, while requiring minimal intervention to preserve its integrity. Read the National Culinary Review article on kimchi and complete the quiz by logging on to the ACF Online Learning Center to earn one hour of continuing-education credits toward ACF certification.
July 2026 - Offal
Offal, the culinary term for an animal’s internal organs and lesser-used cuts, has long been central to traditional cuisines around the world, where whole-animal butchery reflects both necessity and respect for the product. Encompassing everything from liver and kidneys to heart, tripe, tongue and sweetbreads, offal offers a wide range of textures and deeply concentrated flavors that differ markedly from more familiar cuts. Its successful use depends on precise handling, including careful cleaning, soaking, trimming and controlled cooking methods to manage intensity and achieve balance. In professional kitchens, offal brings both economy and versatility, lending itself to charcuterie, braised and quick sautés, where technique ultimately defines the result. Read the National Culinary Review article on kimchi and complete the quiz by logging on to the ACF Online Learning Center to earn one hour of continuing-education credits toward ACF certification.
June 2026 - Kimchi
Kimchi, a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, is a fermented preparation most commonly made with napa cabbage, though countless regional and seasonal variations exist. Built on a foundation of salting and seasoning, it relies on fermentation, traditionally ambient and now often temperature-controlled, to develop acidity, depth and complexity over time. The seasoning paste, often composed of gochugaru, garlic, ginger and other aromatics, creates a balanced interplay of heat, umami and brightness. In professional kitchens, kimchi functions as both ingredient and accent, adding contrast to rich dishes, energizing grains and broths and contributing a dynamic, living quality that evolves with age. Read the National Culinary Review article on kimchi and complete the quiz by logging on to the ACF Online Learning Center to earn one hour of continuing-education credits toward ACF certification.
May 2026 - Oolong Tea
Oolong tea occupies a distinctive space between green and black teas, defined by its partial oxidation and wide spectrum of styles from light and floral to dark and roasted. Produced primarily in regions of China and Taiwan, its character is shaped as much by terroir as by the skill of the tea maker, with processes that include withering, rolling and controlled oxidation. In the kitchen, oolong offers both aromatic complexity and gentle tannin, lending itself to infusions, smoking, poaching liquids and desserts. Whether used to perfume broths, cure proteins or steep creams, it brings a layered, evolving flavor that rewards precision and restraint. Read the National Culinary Review article on oolong tea and complete the quiz by logging on to the ACF Online Learning Center to earn one hour of continuing-education credits toward ACF certification.
April 2026 - Saffron
Saffron, one of the world’s most prized spices, comes from the hand-harvested stigmas of Crocus sativus and is valued for its distinctive aroma, vivid color and unmistakable flavor. Intensely labor-intensive and produced under precise growing conditions, saffron rewards restraint in the kitchen, where a small amount delivers depth and complexity rather than overt spice. From rice dishes and broths tos seafood, pastry and beverages, it performs best when carefully bloomed and thoughtfully balanced, making it as much about technique as tradition. Read the National Culinary Review article on Sprouts and complete the quiz by logging on to the ACF Online Learning Center to earn one hour of continuing-education credits toward ACF certification.
March 2026 - Sprouts
Sprouts are fast-growing, germinated seeds with a long culinary history, valued today for the freshness, texture and concentrated flavor they bring to the plate. Used blanched, roasted, shaved raw or as a finishing element, they add contrast and vitality to richer dishes, with varieties such as Brussels sprouts, mung bean sprouts and radish sprouts offering layers of bitterness, sweetness and crunch. Now produced through carefully controlled indoor germination that blends traditional practice with modern food-safety standards, sprouts remain a versatile, year-round ingredient for contemporary, vegetable-forward menus. Read the National Culinary Review article on Sprouts and complete the quiz by logging on to the ACF Online Learning Center to earn one hour of continuing-education credits toward ACF certification.
February 2026 - Napa Cabbage
With over 1,400 years of history, napa cabbage has evolved from its origins in northern China into a global culinary staple known for its tender texture, mild flavor, and versatility in dishes from Japanese dumplings to Korean kimchi, all while continuing to embody nourishment, community, and the connections between culture and the land. Download the PowerPoint presentation and complete the quiz by logging on to the ACF Online Learning Center to earn one hour of continuing-education credits toward ACF certification.
January 2026 - Tuna
From ancient Mediterranean trap-fishing traditions to Japan’s revered maguro culture, tuna’s story has long connected people, oceans, and culinary arts across the globe, reflecting a legacy of cultural traditions, global connection, and evolving sustainability. Download the PowerPoint presentation and complete the quiz by logging on to the ACF Online Learning Center to earn one hour of continuing-education credits toward ACF certification.