Grey foods come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and are present in many cuisines. Weather you are looking for grey foods to impress friends at a dinner party or you are hosting a grey themed event and need some culinary inspiration this article will show you the top 25 grey foods that people are actually eating in 2023.
1. Mushroom Risotto
Risotto is a type of Italian rice dish that is made with short-grain rice, such as Arborio rice. It is cooked in a broth made from chicken, beef, fish, or vegetables, and is often flavored with wine, onions, garlic, and herbs. The rice is cooked slowly, stirring constantly, until it reaches a creamy consistency.
The white rice combined with the dark mushroom color gave this risotto that I got at Ai Fiori in NYC a gorgeous dark grey appearance.
2. Anchovies
Anchovies are small, saltwater fish that are often used as a flavoring in cooking. They are typically cured in salt and packed in oil, which helps to preserve their flavor and give them a distinctive, salty taste. Anchovies are known for their greyish color and are often used to add depth and complexity to a variety of dishes, from pizza and pasta to salads and sandwiches. In addition to their flavor, anchovies are also a good source of protein and essential nutrients, making them a healthy and versatile ingredient in many different cuisines.
3. Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with bright pink or red skin and spiky green scales. The fruit has a sweet and slightly sour flavor, and its grey flesh that is filled with small, edible seeds qualifies dragon fruit as a grey food.
4. Flathead Grey Mullet
The Flathead grey mullet is a species of fish found in the waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Grey in color, the Flathead grey mullet has a distinctive flat head and elongated body. They are commonly found in shallow, coastal waters and are known to swim in schools. They are a popular food source for humans, particularly in Mediterranean countries, where they are caught using a traditional fishing technique known as “mullet fishing.” Due to overfishing, the Flathead grey mullet population has declined in recent years. Efforts are being made to manage the species and ensure its sustainability.
5. Earl Grey Cake
Earl Grey cake is a type of sponge cake flavored with Earl Grey tea. To make this grey food, the tea is steeped in milk and butter to infuse its distinctive flavor into the cake batter. The cake is typically light grey in color and has a delicate, floral aroma. It is often served with a citrus glaze or frosting and may be garnished with fresh lemon zest. The flavor of Earl Grey tea pairs well with the sweetness of the cake, creating a unique and delicious dessert.
6. Truffles
Truffles are a type of edible mushroom that grow underground near the roots of certain trees. They are highly prized for their unique and intense flavor. Truffles are typically small and round in shape, and can range in color from black to grey to white. The grey truffles, in particular, are known for their distinctive flavor and are a grey food that is often used in high-end cuisine.
7. Octopus
An octopus is a type of seafood that may not look appealing due to its grey color and tentacles. It is a delicacy in many parts of the world, and is often prepared by boiling or grilling the octopus until it is tender. It can be served in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and sushi. Some people also enjoy octopus grilled or fried, which gives it a crispy texture. Octopus has a slightly sweet and salty flavor, and is often enjoyed with a dipping sauce or other condiments.
8. Granadilla
Granadilla is a tropical fruit that belongs to the passion fruit family. It is native to South America, and is often called passionfruit or maracuya in Spanish. The fruit has a yellow, orange, or greyish-brown outer skin, and a sweet and juicy pulp on the inside. The pulp is filled with small, edible seeds, which are an important source of dietary fiber. Granadilla is often used to make juice, smoothies, and desserts, and is known for its refreshing and slightly tart flavor.
9. Caviar
Caviar is a delicacy made from the eggs of sturgeon fish, often served as a garnish or spread. It is typically grey in color and has a distinct, salty flavor. Caviar is another high-end grey food item and is often considered a luxury due to its expense and rarity.
10. Oysters
Oysters are a type of mollusk that are typically found in the ocean. They are often grey in color and have a slightly salty and fishy taste. Oysters are typically eaten raw, often with a squeeze of lemon juice, and are known for their unique texture. Some people also enjoy them cooked, such as when they are baked or fried.
11. Grey Salt
Some types of salt are grey in color, such as sea salt. Grey sea salt is often prized for its unique color, which comes from the clay that it is harvested from. This type of salt is known for its distinct flavor and is often used in cooking and as a finishing salt. Grey sea salt can be used in a variety of dishes as seasoning, from roasted vegetables to grilled meats, to add a unique flavor and visual appeal.
12. Saladitos/Salted Plums
Saladitos, also known as salted plums or umeboshi, are a type of Japanese condiment made from plums or apricots that have been dried, salted, and sometimes sweetened with sugar and anise or coated in chili and lime. They are small and round, with a dark red, purple or grey color, and have a salty and sour flavor. A common misconception is that saladitos and chamoy are the same thing, but in fact, saladitos are the dried salted fruit, whereas chamoy is made from the leftover brine that is used to preserve the fruit.
13. Cuttlefish
Cuttlefish is a type of marine mollusk that is closely related to octopuses and squids. It is often harvested for food, and is a popular ingredient in many dishes in Mediterranean, East Asian, and Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a tender, slightly sweet flesh that is often compared to that of calamari, and is often cooked in a similar way, such as by grilling, frying, or sautéing. Some people also enjoy eating cuttlefish raw, as in a sushi dish. Overall, cuttlefish is a tasty and versatile grey food that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.
14. Grey Hubbard Squash
Grey Hubbard squash is a type of winter squash that is characterized by its grey-blue, thick skin and large size. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as roasted, baked, or mashed. Grey Hubbard squash is often used in soups and stews, or it can be sliced and used as a substitute for pumpkin in pies and other desserts. This grey food is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and potassium.
15. Mushroom Soup
Mushroom soup is a type of soup that is made from mushroomsi. It can be made with a variety of mushrooms, such as button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or wild mushrooms. Mushroom soup is often made by sautéing the mushrooms in butter or oil, then adding broth or stock and simmering the soup until the mushrooms are tender. It can be served as a starter or a main course, and it is often garnished with herbs or cream. Mushroom soup is a popular dish because of its rich, savory flavor and its versatility. This grey food can be made in many different ways, and it can be served hot or cold.
16. Milk Chocolate Gems/Smarties
Milk chocolate gems are small, round candies that are made from milk chocolate. They are often brightly colored, but the color can be cleaned off with a small paintbrush and water to reveal a grey shell underneath. These gems are typically used as decorations on cakes, cookies, and other desserts, and they are often packaged in small bags or containers.
17. Grey Owl Cheese
Grey Owl is a surface-ripened goat’s milk cheese made by Fromagerie Le Detour in Notre-Dame-du-Lac, Quebec. The cheese is named after Archibald Belaney, a conservationist who was known for his interest in Native American culture. Belaney was often referred to as Grey Owl, and this cheese pays tribute to his legacy. The cheese itself is known for its delicious flavor, and is a favorite among cheese lovers.
18. Baobab Fruit
Baobab fruit, also known as “monkey bread fruit” or “cream of tartar fruit,” is native to Africa and is grown on the baobab tree. The tree is often referred to as the “tree of life” because it can withstand harsh conditions and has a long lifespan.
The baobab fruit has a hard, woody shell that contains several seeds and a powdery grey substance. The powdery substance is edible and has a tart, citrus-like flavor, similar to a combination of lemon and pear. It is often used to add flavor to drinks and food, as well as to make cosmetics and medicinal products.
Baobab fruit is a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients, and it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. It is also becoming increasingly popular as a natural food ingredient and supplement due to its health benefits.
Baobab fruit is typically harvested from the ground, as the tree does not produce fruit until it is several years old. The fruit is typically dried before it is consumed or used in products.
19. Elephant Apple
Dillenia indica, also known as the elephant apple or Chinese holly, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Dilleniaceae family and is known for its large, round fruits that resemble apples, hence its common name. The tree can grow up to 30 meters in height and has large, glossy green leaves and fragrant, yellow flowers. The fruits are green when they are young and turn yellow or red when they are ripe. They have a juicy, pulpy grey flesh and contain several seeds. The fruit is edible and is often used to make jams, jellies, and chutneys. The tree is also prized for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
20. Yubari King
Yubari King is a type of melon that is grown in the town of Yubari in Hokkaido, Japan. It is a hybrid melon that is known for its high quality, sweet taste, and attractive appearance. The melons are typically round or oblong in shape and have a smooth, thin skin covered in a grey mesh. They have a juicy, orange flesh that is rich in flavor and aroma. Yubari King melons are considered to be a luxury item in Japan and are often given as gifts. They are known for their high price, which can reach several hundred dollars or more for a single melon. Despite their high price, Yubari King melons are very popular and are considered a delicacy by many people.
21. Mackrel
Mackerel is a type of grey saltwater fish with a slender, elongated body and sharp teeth. It is highly valued for its flavorful flesh and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. This grey food can be cooked in various ways and is often served as a fillet or steak.
22. Sage
Sage is an herb that is native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its greyish-green leaves and woody stem. It is often used in cooking to add flavor to savory dishes, and it has a strong, slightly bitter taste. in addition to being a grey food, Sage is also commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including sore throat, inflammation, and anxiety.
23. Grey Snapper
Grey snapper (Lutjanus griseus) is a species of snapper that is native to the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It is a popular game fish and is valued for its flavorful white flesh. Grey snapper have a distinctive appearance, with a long, slender body and a pointed snout. They are typically grey in color, but can also be brown or reddish-brown. They can grow to a length of about 3 feet (91 cm) and weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kg).
24. Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom that belongs to the Pleurotus genus. They are named after their oyster-like shape and have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. They are native to temperate and subtropical regions around the world and are commonly found in wooded areas, growing on dead or dying trees.
Oyster mushrooms are a good source of nutrients, including protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. This grey food is often used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stir-fries, and pasta. They can also be grilled or sautéed and served as a side dish or as an ingredient in a salad.
25. Snails
Snails are a grey food and type of mollusk that are often eaten as a food in many parts of the world. They are typically small in size, with a soft, slimy body and a hard, coiled shell. Snails are often served as a delicacy in French cuisine, where they are known as escargot.
Snails can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling, roasting, grilling, or frying. They are often served with a variety of sauces, such as garlic butter or a white wine and herb sauce. Snails are typically served as a appetizer or first course, and are usually served in their shells.
Snails are considered to be a good source of protein and are low in fat and calories. They are also a good source of iron, calcium, and other minerals. However, they may also contain contaminants, such as heavy metals, if they are collected from polluted areas. As a result, it is important to properly clean and cook snails before consuming them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the list of 25 grey foods showcases the diverse range of options that exist within this color category. From savory dishes like risoto and snails, to sweet treats like Earl Grey cake and milk chocolate gems, there is something for every palate on this list. While some of these foods may be more commonly known, others, like baobab fruit and grey hubbard squash, may come as a surprise. Regardless, all of these foods have one thing in common: they bring a unique and interesting twist to the table with their grey hue. Whether you’re looking to add some visual interest to your plate or simply want to try something new, these 25 grey foods are definitely worth a taste.
