Fiesta of Flavors - University of Illinois Extension
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/diabetesrecipes_spGlossary
Annatto
Derivative of achiote and is used to produce a red food coloring.
Cassava
Also called yucca or mandioca. Long and tapered root with a firm homogeneous flesh encased in a detachable rind, about 1 mm thick, rough and brown on the outside.
Chayote
Also known as christophine; roughly pear-shaped squash, somewhat flattened and with coarse wrinkles, ranging from 10 to 20 cm in length.
Chihuahua Cheese
Soft white cow's-milk cheese of Mexican origin available in braids, balls or rounds; has favorable melting properties and becomes softly stringy when heated--very similar to unaged Monterey jack cheese.
Chile Ají
Yellow South American hot pepper (not to be mistaken for the sweeter type: Ají dulce.)
Chile Piquin
Very small red hot pepper that has a bullet shape.
Chile Poblano
Larger mild pepper; flat in shape. Darkens in color as it matures. Can be stuffed or used as a spice when dried.
Chorizo
Type of sausage made from coarsely chopped fatty pork and usually is seasoned with chili or paprika.
Christophine
Also known as chayote; roughly pear-shaped squash, somewhat flattened and with coarse wrinkles, ranging from 10 to 20 cm in length.
Cilantro
A green leafy herb. The fresh leaves are an essential ingredient in Mexican salsas and guacamole.
Cumin Seeds
A spice known for its distinctive aroma; similar to fennel seeds, but smaller and darker in color.
Green Chile
Hot pepper similar to a jalapeño but smaller in size.
Hominy
Or nixtamal is dried white corn (maize) kernels. Commercially available canned hominy often has a strong and unique odor.
Jalapeño Peppers
Small to medium sized oval shaped hot pepper (usually green).
Jamaica Flower
Also called hibiscus; dried red flowers are 8–10 cm in diameter; adds a flavor that is sour and fruity.
Jicama
A tuber with a flavor that is sweet and starchy; the inside is creamy white with a crisp texture that resembles that of a raw potato or pear.
Nopales
Vegetable made from young stem segments of prickly pear cactus, carefully peeled to remove the spines. Also commercially available canned and in jars.
Pink Beans
Small oval-shaped beans, pale pink in color, also known by the Spanish name habichuelas rosadas.
Plantain
Starchy fruit similar to a banana; tends to be firmer and lower in sugar content than bananas and are used either when green or underripe.
Pupusa
Also known as a Gordita; thick hand-made corn tortilla.
Red Dried Chile (Chile Pods)
Whole dried red hot peppers.
Serrano Peppers
1-2" long hot pepper.
Tamarind
Long podded fruit with a distinct sweet yet sour taste; often used to flavor candies and drinks.
Tecojote (Crabapples)
Orange colored fruit with three or more hard brown seeds. It is also a main ingredient used in Ponche, the traditional Mexican hot fruit punch that is served at Christmas time and on New Year's Eve.
Tomatillo
Green fruit similar in shape and taste to a green tomato; has dry leaf-like covering that must be peeled off; often used as the base of green sauces.
Yerbabuena
Is a sprawling aromatic herb. Refers to the particular local species of mint in Latin America.
|
|
|
