PCA Food & Beverage Encyclopedia     A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A   ... la King - A dish of diced food, usually chicken or turkey, in a cream sauce containing mushrooms, pimentos, green peppers, and sometimes sherry.   a la Bourgeoise: (French) The style of the family (family style). a la Broche: (French) Cooked on a skewer over a flame. See Brochette.   a la Carte: (French) Each menu item is priced separately: Foods prepared to order.   a la Mode: (French) Refers to ice cream on top of pie.   a la Provencale: (French) Dishes prepared with garlic and olive oil. See Provencale. a la Russe: (French) The Russian way. a la: (French) The style of, such as: a la Francaise (The style of the French). A.P.:As Purchased. Abalone - This gastropod can be found along the coasts of California, Mexico and Japan. The edible portion is the "adductor muscle" (false foot) by which it clings to rocks. Its iridescent ear-shaped shell is the source of mother-of-pearl. Abbaye de Belloc is a French, traditional farmhouse, hard cheese from the Pays Basque region, made from unpasturized sheep's milk. The cheese was first made by the Benedictine monks of the Abbaye de Notre-Dame de Belloc from milk from the local flocks of sheep. Abbaye de Belloc is made in a 5 kg fat wheel with a natural, crusty, brownish coloured rind with patches of red, orange and yellow. Abbey Beers are strong fruity beers brewed in Belgium under licence from religious communities. They are based upon the style of beers brewed by the monasteries.   Abbots Invalid Stout is an Autralian strong stout brewed by CUB. It is a rare reminder of Australia' s early brewing links with England. Although now bottom-fermented, it still has a creamy, coffee character. Only found in Victoria, it is named after the co-operative Abbotsford brewery of Melbourne, which was taken over by CUB in 1925. The site now houses one of CUB's largest and most modern plants. Acerola - A cherry-like fruit from a small tree in the West Indies and adjacent areas. This fruit contains a high concentration of vitamin C. Also called "Barbados cherry" and "Puerto Rican cherry." Acesulfame-K is an artificial sweetener, manufactured by Hoechst, a giant German chemical company, and widely used around the world. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and is marketed under the name Sunett. In the United States, for several years acesulfame-K was permitted only in such foods as sugar-free baked goods, chewing gum, and gelatin desserts. In July 1998, the FDA allowed this chemical to be used in soft drinks, thereby greatly increasing consumer exposure. Studies on rats indicate that it may cause cancer. Acidophilus Milk - Milk that has had lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria added to it. Many experts believe that this addition of bacteria helps restore or maintain "nature's balance" in the digestive tract. Ackee - A bright red tropical fruit ("blighia sapida") that features a soft, creamy white flesh. Captain Bligh brought the fruit from West Africa to Jamaica in 1793. Certain parts of the fruit are toxic when under-ripe. Acorn - Fruit of the oak tree. This nut may be eaten raw, roasted, or baked. It can be chopped to the size of coffee beans, roasted until brown, ground, mixed with a small amount of butter, and prepared as a coffee substitute. Acorn Squash - An oval winter squash with a ribbed, dark green skin and slightly sweet orange flesh. May be eaten baked or directly from the shell. The word squash comes from the Massachusetts Indian word "asquash," meaning "eaten green." Acorn Squash - An oval winter squash with a ribbed, dark green skin and slightly sweet orange flesh. May be eaten baked or directly from the shell. The word squash comes from the Massachusetts Indian word "asquash," meaning "eaten green." Adnams is an English beer brewing company of Suffolk. They were established in 1890. Adnams Regatta is an English summer ale brewed with English pale ale malts and Goldings hops. Adzuki Bean - A small, dried, russet-colored bean with a sweet flavor. Available whole or powdered at Asian markets. Popular in Japanese confections such as "Yokan," which is made from adzuki-bean paste and agar. Aerated water (soda water) is a solution of carbonic acid in water. It was discovered by Priestly and suggested as a prevention of scurvy, a paper being presented to the Admiralty in 1773. Certainly sailors drank aerated water on board ship as a bottle was found from the Royal George which sank in 1780. Affenthaler is a red wine which takes its name from the Village of Affenthaler in Baden. Agar - A tasteless dried seaweed that is used as a thickening agent. Sold in blocks, powder, or stands. Agar can be used in place of gelatin, but less is required. Also called "kanten" and "Japanese Gelatin." Aging: A term used to describe the holding of meats at a temperature of 34 to 36 degrees F. for a period of time to break down the tough connective tissues through the action of enzymes thus increasing tenderness. Agneau: (French) Lamb. Agnolotti - The name for a dish of small half moon-shaped pasta shells filled (usually) with tortellini stuffing. It is boiled and served in a broth or in a sauce. Aguardiente is a coarse Spanish brandy. In Spanish speaking areas of the Americas the term is used to describe a distilled liquor similar to brandy made from cane sugar. Ahi - These tuna reach about 300 pounds in weight. They feature a pale pink flesh that is relatively mild. Also called "Yellowfin tuna." Aisy Cendre is a French, traditional, farmhouse semi-soft cheese from the Burgundy region made from unpasturized cow's milk. The cheese is made by immersing a local cheese (usually a young Epoisses) in a bed of ashes for a month or so, after which time the ashes are brushed off. Aisy Cendre is made as a 200 to 250 gramme round with a natural rind covered with a thick coating of ash. It is slow to ripen and has a white, salty, chalky centre surrounded by a softer, earthy-tasting outer layer. More information at http://www.france-gourmet.com/cheese/Cheese/AisyCendre.html Aku - This small tuna (6 to 8 pounds) has a light-colored meat similar to yellowfin. The Japanese call this fish "Katsuo." Akule - This marine fish, found near Hawaii, is normally served salted and dried. Also known as "Bigeye Scad." Alaskan Cod - This saltwater fish, which is not a true cod, has a soft textured flesh and a mild flavor. Its high fat content makes it a good fish for smoking. Also called "Sablefish." Albacore - A highly prized, mild-flavored tuna that weighs between 10 and 60 pounds. This high-fat fish is the only tuna that can honestly be called "white." It is the most expensive variety of canned tuna. Ale - An alcoholic beverage that is brewed from malts and hops. It is generally stronger than beer and varies in color from light to dark amber. Because of the hops, ale is normally more bitter in taste than beer. Alewife - One of the most popular members of the herring family, the alewife is anadromous (it spawns in fresh water). This fish provides high-fat flesh with a fine, soft, texture. Alfalfa - One of the world's most important forage plants. It is widely cultivated and is increasing in popularity for human consumption due to its promotion as a dietary supplement. The seeds are often sprouted much like mung beans. Alfredo Sauce - A thick, creamy white sauce composed of butter, cream, and eggs used in Italian cuisine. Alginate is an apparently safe derivative of kelp, it is used as a food additive to maintain the desired texture in dairy products, canned frosting, and other factory-made foods. Propylene glycol alginate, a chemically- modified algin, thickens acidic foods (soda pop, salad dressing) and stabilises the head in beer. Alligator - A large aquatic reptile that grows up to 19 feet in length. The meat is generally only available in its native regions--Louisiana and the Gulf States. Alligators feature meat ranging from white to dark--mild to strongly flavored. Allspice is a spice prepared from the dried berries of the evergreen pimento tree or West Indian pepper tree Pimenta dioica of the myrtle family, cultivated chiefly in Jamaica. It has an aroma similar to that of a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Allumette Potatoes: (French) Potatoes cut like large match sticks. Almond - The kernel of the fruit of the almond tree. Comes in sweet and bitter varieties. Bitter almonds contain traces of lethal "prussic acid" when raw. Processed bitter almonds are used to flavor extracts, liqueurs, and orgeat syrup. Altbier is a style of bitter German beer produced in the ancient style of brewing using top-fermentation. It produces copper-coloured aromatic ales. Amandine: (French) Prepared with or garnished with almonds. Amaranth - This weed is a nourishing, high-protein food. Amaranth greens have a slightly sweet flavor. The seeds are used as cereal or can be ground into flour for bread. Found in health food stores. Amaretto - A liqueur with the flavor of almonds (although it is often made from the kernels of apricot pits). The original amaretto liqueur came from Italy. Amberjack - A lean, mild fish found along the South Atlantic coast. Difficult to find in markets; usually sold whole. Ambrosia - "Ambrosia" means "immortality" and was the food of the gods on Mount Olympus. Today, it refers to a dessert of chilled fruit mixed with coconut. The fruits used are normally oranges and bananas. American Buffalo - American Buffalos are presently raised on game farms. The meat is very tender and tastes quite a bit like lean beef. It has no pronounced gamey flavor. Also called "bison." Anchovy - There are many species of small, silvery fish known as "anchovies," but the true anchovy comes from the Mediterranean and southern European coastlines. Often filleted, salt-cured, and canned in oil. Used sparingly to flavor foods. Anglaise: (French) The English way. Angler Fish - This large low-fat, firm-textured salt-water fish has a mild, sweet flavor that compares with lobster. Sometimes referred to as "poor man's lobster." Also called "Monkfish," and "goose-fish." Angostura is a flavouring prepared from oil distilled from the bitter, aromatic bark of either of two South American trees, Galipea officinalis or Cusparia trifoliata, of the rue family. It is blended with herbs and other flavourings to give angostura bitters, which was first used as a stomach remedy and is now used to season food, fruit, and alcoholic drinks. It takes its name from the port of Angostura in Venezuela. Anise - A small annual plant from the parsley family was used as far back as 1500 B.C. The leaves and the seeds have a distinctive sweet licorice flavor. Used to flavor a number of confections and savory dishes. Anisette - A very sweet clear liqueur made with anise seeds. The taste is that of licorice. Antelope - A large, deer-like animal that inhabits Asia, Africa, and Europe. Their meat is called "venison" and may be cooked by roasting. Plenty of fat is recommended to prevent the meat from becoming too dry. Appalachian Tea (Carolina Tea, Black Drink) is a north American substitute for traditional tea. Apple - Cultivated in temperate zones throughout the world for at least 3,000 years, there are now thousands of varieties of this popular member of the rose family. Apricot - A relative of the peach, this fruit has been grown in China since 2,000 B.C. 90% of the American crop comes from California. Select plump, relatively firm fruit with a uniform color. Apricot Kernel Oil - Oil produced from the kernels of the apricot pit. Like bitter almonds, apricot kernels are poisonous until roasted. Arborio Rice - An Italian rice used to make "risottos," a specialty of hot stock, rice, and butter-sautéed chopped onions. Archers Ales is an English beer brewing company of Wiltshire. They were established in 1979. Arctic Bonito - This small tuna (6 to 8 pounds) has a light-colored meat similar to yellowfin. The Japanese call this fish "katsuo" and the Hawaiians call it "aku." Ardi-Gasna is a French, traditional, farmhouse hard cheese from the Pays Basque region made from unpasturized sheep's milk in three to five kilogram rounds. The cheese has a natural, crusty, yellow rind with greyish moulds. The cheeses are generally made by local shepherds in the high mountain pastures, in late spring and early summer. Armagnac is a deep-coloured brandy named after the district of Armagnac in Gascony, South-West France, where it is produced. Aromes au Gene de Marc is a French, traditional farmhouse, cow and goat's milk cheese from the Lyonnais region. The cheese is made from a small, immature cheese such as Rigotte or St Marcellin being macerated or cured in vats of fermenting grape skins and pips (known as marc) and then rolled in the marc before being sold. The resulting cheese is a small, 80 to 120 g round with a strong, bittersweet, yeasty taste and aroma and after maturing become hard and flaky with a powerful pungent taste. Arrack is a coarse liquor manufactured in the East Indies from a large variety of substances, for example by distilling saki, or fermented rice or coconut juice. Arrack is transparent and the colour of straw and has a peculiar but agreeable taste and contains bewteen 52 and 54% alcohol. Arrowhead - A Chinese water plant with arrowhead-shaped leaves. The starchy roots can be thin sliced, lightly fried, and used in various Chinese dishes. The roots can also be powdered like arrowroot. Arrowroot - The root of the tropical arrowroot plant. This tuber is dried, ground, and used as a thickening agent for puddings, sauces, and other foods. It has about twice the thickening power of wheat flour. Also called arrowroot flour. Arrowroot is a starchy substance derived from the roots and tubers of various tropical plants with thick, clumpy roots. The true arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) was used by the Indians of South America as an antidote against the effects of poisoned arrows. The West Indian island of St Vincent is the main source of supply today. The roots and tubers are dried, finely powdered, and filtered. Because of the small size of the starch particles, the powder becomes translucent when cooked. Hence, it is often used as a glaze. The edible starch is easily digested and is often prescribed in the diet of invalids and young children. Artichoke - This name is shared by three unrelated plants: the globe, Jerusalem, and Chinese artichokes. The globe artichoke is considered the true artichoke and is cultivated in California. Buy deep green artichokes with a tight leaf formation. Artichoke Heart - The tender center of the globe artichoke. Arugula - This slightly bitter, aromatic salad green (also called "rocket," "Rugula," and "Rucolo") has a peppery mustard flavor. Look for bright green, fresh-looking leaves. Makes a lively addition to salads, soups, and sautéed vegetables. Arundel Footslogger is a pale, straw-coloured beer from the Arundel Brewery. Ash Vine is an English beer brewing company of Somerset. They were established in 1987. Ashmore Farmhouse is a handmade British cheese made from unpasteurised friesian cows milk to a cheddar type recipe at Ashmore farm in Dorset. The recipe was invented in 1985 by Patricia and David Doble. The cheese is produced in 10lb wheels, 4lb truckles and 1.5lb truckles. Asiago Cheese - This semi-firm cheese has a rich, nutty flavor. Made from whole or part-skim cow's milk. Young Asiago cheese is used as a table cheese. After it has aged for over a year, it is suitable for grating. Asparagus - This vegetable is a member of the lily family. Normally green with purple-tinged tips. Europeans prefer white asparagus which is grown underground to prevent greening. Choose bright green or pale ivory stalks with tight tips. Asparagus Bean - A pencil-thin legume from the black-eye pea family that looks like a very long green bean. These beans can grow a yard long, but are usually picked at 18" or less. These beans are slightly less sweet and crispy as the green bean. Aspartame - A sugar substitute that is said to be 180 times sweeter than sugar. Aspartame, which is synthesized from tow amino acids, breaks down and loses its sweetness when it is heated. Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), is an artifical sweetner made up primarily of two amino acids. Some people have reported adverse behavioral effects (dizziness, hallucinations, headache) after drinking diet soda, but such reports have not been confirmed in controlled studies. Aspic - A savory jelly made of clarified meat, fish, or vegetable stock and gelatin. Most aspic is clear, but tomato aspic (made from tomato juice and gelatin) is opaque. Clear aspics form the base for molded dishes or as a glaze for cold dishes. Aspic: (English) Clear meat, poultry, or fish jelly. Au Gratin - A French phrase that refers to food that is topped with grated cheese or breadcrumbs mixed with bits of butter. This food is then broiled until brown and crisp. Au Jus - The French phrase that refers to meat served in its own natural juices. au Lait: (French) With milk. au Naturel: (French) Food that are plainly cooked. Avocado - A rich fruit known for its lush, buttery texture and mild, nutty flavor. Comes from the Nahuatl word for "testicle," perhaps for its shape. 80% of the U.S. crop comes from California. Avocados are the chief ingredient in "guacamole." Awa - An important food fish of the Indo-Pacific region that offers a tender, white flesh. Hawaiians use Awa for making fish cakes and sashimi. Also called "Milkfish."