We’ll admit to not backing trends in general, and food trends in particular. Just because some style of cooking or ingredient or diet happens to be en vogue, does not make it tasty. We’re especially wary of trends involving Latin American foods, because some gringo chef or restaurant owner is inevitably going to serve up something burnt covered in sauce that comes with a heaping side of Ignorant Fool. And arugula. Always with the arugula.

So when we heard that “Epicurious.com” had come up with a list of food trends to look out for, we immediately stopped gnawing on our Medianoche and grew suspicious.

Hey, Peru? Dudes, you guys don’t have to keep doing all that weaving and flute-playing shit anymore. We like your food now! It’s so exotic, yet quaint and non-threatening when served on a rectangular plate with some guayaba chutney:

Peruvian is the new Thai: You thought Peruvian cuisine was all about seviche, maybe? Guess again: Peru boasts culinary influences from Spanish, Basque, African, Cantonese, Japanese, Italian, French, and British immigrants. Pisco Sour, anyone?

Color us surprised that an entire nation with a long and complicated history should have more than one dish. And, now, for some more sacrilege:

Ginger is the new Mint: Move over, mojitos. Ginger beers and ginger cocktails (like the Ginger Rogers, Gin-Mule, and Ginger Smash) are bubbling up at places like the Violet Hour in Chicago, the Clock Bar in San Francisco, and Matsugen in New York.

Mojitos will not be moved over, sir! Or lady-sir!

Rustic Food is the new Molecular Gastronomy: Wacky weird-science cuisine that requires fancy-schmancy equipment doesn’t necessarily make food taste better, and more often than not it adds needless complexity (there are exceptions). Most importantly, no one really wants to do this at home. Expect to see comfort food stage a comeback again.

God, and we were so loving peeking into our fridge in search of a late-night snack and discovering a carton full of reconstituted organic squash froth garnished with glazed mango-bacon cubes. Curses! Back to peanut butter, we guess.

What You’ll Eat in 2009: Epicurious.com Predicts New Food Trends [PR Newswire]