It’s important to learn proper pronunciation when it comes to food terms, like how to pronounce focaccia or gyro, so that we can pass along these learnings to others.
Let’s break it down. There are many words in the English language that don’t follow basic English grammar rules, like how to pronounce focaccia. Unfortunately, this can cause much confusion regarding how to correctly pronounce words. Many words originate from other countries and then slowly make their way over to the states.
Many of us don’t have any problems pronouncing most food words. But thanks to an increasingly diverse world, we have been able to welcome a wide array of multi-cultural dishes into our homes (and our bellies!) For some Americans, this makes it more and more difficult to pronounce their favorite foods.
Let’s set the record straight on these 9 commonly mispronounced food terms:
How do you pronounce Focaccia?
What is Focaccia?
Focaccia is a flat bread, that is about 1/2″ to 1″ thick that has small indentations in the top from your fingers to help hold pockets of oil. It’s a mix between a bread and pizza dough consistency.
How do you pronounce Gyro?
What is a Gyro?
A gyro is a Greek dish made from meat that has been cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in a pita. It’s traditionally made with pork, however, chicken has become a popular option as well.
How do you pronounce Matcha Tea?
What is Matcha Tea?
Matcha is a type of green tea made by taking young green tea leaves and grinding them into a powder that is bright green in color. Matcha, like other green teas, contain antioxidants called catechins, like EGCG. These antioxidants may help to provide cancer-fighting health benefits.
How do you pronounce Nutella?
What is Nutella?
Nutella is a creamy, Italian, chocolate and hazelnut spread. Pure deliciousness. And it goes great on almost anything. It’s more of a dessert spread given it’s sweetness, however, it’s found alongside breakfast spreads like jellies, jams, and other nut butters like peanut butter and almond butter.
How do you pronounce Parfait?
What is a Parfait?
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word parfait takes on two meanings: 1) a flavored custard containing whipped cream and syrup frozen without stirring and 2) a cold dessert made of layers of fruit, syrup, ice cream, and whipped cream.
However, when most Americans talk about a parfait, their meaning is slightly different. They are looking for more of a light and healthy version of a parfait, like a yogurt parfait, mixed with yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola. Interesting how the meaning of a word can change in a culture if we use it incorrectly over and over again, right?
How do you pronounce Radicchio?
What is Radicchio?
Radicchio is a bitter vegetable that is part of the chicory family. It has a deep red-purplish color and resembles a small cabbage. You’ll typically find this in many Italian dishes, especially salads, but also some pasta dishes, soups, and even pizza.
How do you pronounce Tzatziki?
What is Tzatziki?
Tzatziki is a yogurt sauce made with strained yogurt, cucumber, lemon, olive oil, garlic, fresh dill and other herbs, and salt. It’s a refreshing and delicious chilled dipping sauce that can be served with crudites, crackers, pita bread, and gyros.
How do you pronounce Champagne?
What is Champagne?
Champagne is a variety of sparkling white wine, and can only be called Champagne if it is produced in the Champagne region of France. For example, Champagne wines from other countries are sold under different names – Prosecco (Italy), Cava (Spain), and Sekt (Germany or Austria).
How do you pronounce Veuve Clicquot?
What is Veuve Clicquot?
Veuve Clicquot champagne is hard to miss in the stores. It has it’s distinctive gold-yellow label wrapped around the bottle. This variety is a Brut style champagne which means it’s considered a fairy dry champagne (versus some other sweeter varieties).
Now that you know how to pronounce focaccia and other commonly mispronounced food terms, go share it with the world!
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*All food photos taken from Canva Pro subscription.
