TOEFL® Vocabulary Flashcard

Condiments are substances that are added to food to enhance its flavor or complement its taste. They can range from simple table salt and pepper to more complex mixtures like sauces and dressings. The use of condiments varies widely around the world, reflecting different culinary traditions and preferences.

• Mustard is a popular condiment for hot dogs.

• I like to add various condiments to my burger to enhance the flavor.

• Do you have any condiments for the sandwich? 

Dressing refers to a sauce or mixture of ingredients used to add flavor to salads and other dishes. It can also refer to the material used to cover a wound to protect it and help it heal. In a broader sense, dressing can involve the act of adding decorative or functional elements to something, enhancing its appearance or effectiveness.

• I always use olive oil and vinegar for my salad dressing.

• She changed the dressing on the wound every day to prevent infection.

• The chef recommended a light dressing to accompany the grilled vegetables. 

Horseradish is a root vegetable known for its pungent taste and is often grated into a condiment. It's widely used in various cuisines around the world, particularly for its ability to enhance the flavors of meat and fish. In addition to its culinary uses, horseradish has been recognized for its potential health benefits, including antibacterial properties and its role in boosting digestion and immunity.

• I added some horseradish to my roast beef sandwich for extra flavor.

• Horseradish sauce is commonly served with prime rib in many Western restaurants.

• The pungent taste of horseradish can clear your sinuses.

Lemon butter sauce is a popular condiment made primarily from butter and lemon juice, often seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes herbs. It is commonly used in culinary applications to enhance the flavors of seafood, poultry, and vegetables, offering a creamy texture and a bright, citrusy taste that complements a variety of dishes.

• Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the grilled salmon for enhanced flavor.

• I love how the lemon butter sauce adds a rich and tangy finish to the dish.

• You can make a simple lemon butter sauce by melting butter and adding fresh lemon juice and herbs. 

The term "nonfat" refers to foods or products that contain no fat or have had all fat removed during processing. This label is commonly found on dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, indicating that these items have been skimmed of all milk fats. Nonfat products are often chosen by individuals who are looking to reduce their dietary fat intake, either for health reasons or to manage weight. 

• I always buy nonfat yogurt to maintain a healthy diet.

• She prefers nonfat milk in her coffee.

• The recipe calls for nonfat cheese to reduce the calorie count.

"Packet" refers to a small package or bundle, often containing a quantity of something. It can also refer to a collection of data transmitted over a network, such as the internet. In everyday use, a packet might contain items like seeds, sugar, or condiments.

• He bought a packet of gum at the convenience store.

• I received a packet of documents from the office.

• Data packets are transmitted over the internet. 

Peppercorn sauce is a popular condiment in many Western cuisines, particularly with grilled or fried meats. Its primary ingredients include crushed peppercorns, which give the sauce its characteristic spicy flavor, as well as cream or butter for a smooth texture. Often, chefs will also add stock or wine during the cooking process to deepen the flavor profile of the sauce. It's a versatile sauce that can be adapted to suit different levels of spiciness and consistency depending on personal preference.

• The steak was served with a creamy peppercorn sauce.

• I love how the spicy bite of the peppercorn sauce enhances the flavor of the dish.

• Can you pass the peppercorn sauce? It goes perfectly with these mashed potatoes.

• I prefer my peppercorn sauce with a bit of brandy for an extra kick.

A punnet is a small container, often made of plastic or cardboard, used primarily for holding small quantities of fresh produce like berries or cherry tomatoes. These containers are convenient for both sellers and buyers as they facilitate easy handling, display, and transport of the produce.

• I bought a punnet of strawberries at the market.

• The farmer filled several punnets with fresh blueberries.

• Make sure each punnet is weighed correctly before sale.

Salt is an essential mineral that is used not only as a flavor enhancer in foods but also has various applications in industrial and chemical processes. It is vital for human health as it helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure. However, excessive intake of salt can lead to cardiovascular diseases.

• Please pass the salt; this soup needs a bit more flavor.

• Too much salt can lead to health problems.

• They used salt to preserve the meat during the winter. 

Sauce is a versatile culinary component used in various cuisines around the world. It can be derived from fruits, vegetables, herbs, or meats, and is used to enhance the flavor, moisture, and visual appeal of a dish. Sauces can be sweet, savory, spicy, or creamy, and they play an essential role in defining the character of many dishes.

• Tomato sauce is often used as a base in Italian cooking.

• I like to add soy sauce to my rice for extra flavor.

• Can you pass the barbecue sauce, please? 

Seasoning refers to substances added to food to enhance its flavor or to preserve it. Common seasonings include herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. Seasonings can transform a simple dish into a culinary delight by adding depth and complexity to the taste. The use of seasoning varies widely across different cultures and cuisines, reflecting local tastes and traditions.

• The chef used a variety of seasonings to enhance the flavor of the dish.

• Make sure to add the right amount of seasoning to the soup.

• Seasoning can transform a simple meal into a culinary delight.

Soy sauce is a traditional East Asian condiment, made primarily from soybeans, wheat, salt, and fermenting agents like molds or yeasts. This dark, brown liquid is widely used in cooking, particularly in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisine, to enhance flavor with its salty, umami-rich taste. 

• I always add a bit of soy sauce to my stir-fry for extra flavor.

• Soy sauce can be used as a marinade for meats.

• Please pass the soy sauce; this sushi needs a little more.

Spices are integral to culinary arts, providing flavors, colors, and aromas that enhance dishes. They come from various parts of plants such as seeds, fruits, roots, and barks. Historically, spices have played a crucial role in trade and were considered valuable commodities.

• Adding a little spice can transform a bland meal into something delicious.

• This recipe calls for a variety of spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg.

• I love experimenting with new spices in my cooking. 

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant, native to South America. It is well-known for being a zero-calorie alternative to sugar, making it popular among those looking to reduce sugar intake or manage diabetes. Stevia is significantly sweeter than sugar, sometimes up to 200 times more, and is often used in a variety of foods and beverages, including teas, sodas, and desserts. 

• Stevia is often used in beverages as a natural sweetener.

• Many people choose stevia over artificial sweeteners because it is derived from a plant.

• Stevia does not contribute to tooth decay, making it a healthier option for sweetening coffee and tea.

A sweetener is a substance, typically edible, that is used to add a sweet flavor to foods and beverages. Sweeteners can be derived from natural sources or synthesized artificially. Sweeteners are widely used in the food industry and by consumers to enhance flavor, and they vary in terms of sweetness intensity, caloric content, and impact on blood sugar levels. They play a crucial role in dietary choices, especially for individuals managing diabetes or those seeking to reduce caloric intake. 

• Many people use artificial sweeteners to reduce their sugar intake.

• This recipe calls for a natural sweetener instead of sugar.

• Some sweeteners can have a bitter aftertaste.

Syrup is a thick liquid consisting primarily of a solution of sugar in water. It is commonly used in beverages, cooking, or as a component in medical remedies. Syrups can be made from a variety of sources, such as fruits, plants, or artificially using flavoring agents. They are used to sweeten, flavor, or preserve foods and drinks. Examples include maple syrup, which is derived from the sap of maple trees, and corn syrup, which is made from cornstarch.

• I like to add maple syrup to my pancakes.

• The cough syrup tastes bitter but it really helps soothe my throat.

• We used a syrup made from berries and sugar to flavor the dessert.

Vinegar is a versatile liquid that is commonly used in cooking and cleaning, characterized by its acidic taste and pungent smell. It is produced through the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria, which results in its main active component, acetic acid. Vinegar's culinary uses are diverse; it is used as a key ingredient in salad dressings, marinades, and pickling solutions, and can also enhance the flavors of various dishes. 

• I use apple cider vinegar in my salad dressing.

• He cleaned the windows with a mixture of vinegar and water.

• Marinating the meat in vinegar helps tenderize it.