Glossary and Pronunciation of Tropical Fruits and Vegetables
Definitions, explanations, and a pronunciations for tropical fruits and vegetables used in Latin Caribbean cooking.
Ackee
Ackee is native to tropical West Africa in Cameroon. It was introduced to the Caribbean through the slave trade.
Ackee is native to tropical West Africa in Cameroon. It was introduced to the Caribbean through the slave trade.
Calabaza
Calabaza, also called West Indian pumpkin, is a type of winter squash popular throughout the Caribbean as well as Central and South America.
Calabaza, also called West Indian pumpkin, is a type of winter squash popular throughout the Caribbean as well as Central and South America.
Chayote
Chayote is an edible plant, which belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, as do melons, cucumbers and squash.
Chayote is an edible plant, which belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, as do melons, cucumbers and squash.
Gandules
Pigeon peas are grain legumes grown in the semi-arid tropics. They are a popular source of protein in the Caribbean.
Pigeon peas are grain legumes grown in the semi-arid tropics. They are a popular source of protein in the Caribbean.
Guava
Guava is a yellow or pink, round or pear shaped fruit with a thin delicate rind that is grown in the tropics.
Guava is a yellow or pink, round or pear shaped fruit with a thin delicate rind that is grown in the tropics.
Mango
Mango is a tropical fruit of the Mango tree. No one knows for sure what the exact origins of the mango are, but it is widely thought that it is native to the Asian continent.
Mango is a tropical fruit of the Mango tree. No one knows for sure what the exact origins of the mango are, but it is widely thought that it is native to the Asian continent.
Naranja Agria
Naranja agria means bitter (or sour) orange. This bitter citrus fruit is used in Latin Cuisine as a marinade to break down tough meat and add a unique flavor.
Naranja agria means bitter (or sour) orange. This bitter citrus fruit is used in Latin Cuisine as a marinade to break down tough meat and add a unique flavor.
Papaya
Papaya is native to Mexico, Central America and South America. It is now cultivated in most countries with a tropical climate, thanks to early explorers.
Papaya is native to Mexico, Central America and South America. It is now cultivated in most countries with a tropical climate, thanks to early explorers.
Piquillo Peppers
Piquillo peppers are grown in Northern Spain and are hand picked, roasted over an open fire, peeled and packed in their own juices in jars or tins. Roasting the piquillo peppers gives them a rich, spicy-sweet flavor.
Piquillo peppers are grown in Northern Spain and are hand picked, roasted over an open fire, peeled and packed in their own juices in jars or tins. Roasting the piquillo peppers gives them a rich, spicy-sweet flavor.
Plantain
Plantains are a close cousin of bananas. Plantains are bigger and be firmer than bananas lower in sugar content.
Plantains are a close cousin of bananas. Plantains are bigger and be firmer than bananas lower in sugar content.