Spanish Vocabulary for Food & Drinks

estar envasado al vacío

The phrase 'estar envasado al vacío' in Spanish translates to 'being vacuum packed' in English. It's a term frequently used in food packaging processes where air is removed from the package before it's sealed. This method is used to extend the shelf life of foods by reducing atmospheric oxygen, impeding the growth of aerobic bacteria or fungi, and preventing the evaporation of volatile components.

estar mal

The Spanish phrase 'estar mal' translates to 'being bad' in English. It is generally used to express a state of ill health, emotional trouble, or general discomfort in a person or a situation. Such as when one's well-being or circumstances are not good or have turned unfavorable. Please note that Spanish often requires a verb to be attached before 'estar mal' to form a complete and meaningful sentence. Therefore, it is significant in conveying someone's feeling or situation.

estar podrido

The Spanish phrase 'estar podrido' translates to 'be rotten' in English. This term can be used literally, for example to describe food that is rotten or spoiled. It can also be used figuratively to describe a corrupt or evil person or system. Please note, 'estar podrido' is a phrase made up of the verb 'estar' which indicates a state or condition, and the adjective 'podrido' meaning rotten or decayed.

estar sobrio

'Estar sobrio' in Spanish translates to 'being sober' in English. It is a term used to describe abstinence or restraint from drinking or taking intoxicants or substances that can alter one's normal state of mind. It has a wider usage to explain a state of seriousness, steadiness, or clear-headedness in a person's demeanor and actions. The verb 'estar' indicates a temporary state while 'sobrio' translates to sober. It does not necessarily define a habitual state of sobriety but rather a current condition or state.

estropearse

The Spanish word 'estropearse' is a verb that translates to 'spoil' in English. It is often used to refer to something that has been wrecked or ruined over time. This can apply to various contexts, such as food becoming rotten or spoiled, an object getting damaged, or a situation turning unfavorable. The verb is reflexive in Spanish, meaning the action is performed on the subject itself, hence the 'se' ending.

estropearse un alimento

The Spanish phrase 'estropearse un alimento' translates to 'spoil a food' in English. This phrase refers to the process when a food item becomes unfit for eating due to bacteria or fungus growth, change in color, odor or texture, or it has stayed long beyond its expiry date. It is usually recommended to discard such spoiled food to avoid health problems.

exprimir un limón

The Spanish phrase 'exprimir un limón' translates to 'squeeze a lemon' in English. In a more detailed sense, 'exprimir' means to exert pressure on something to force out the liquid contained within it, often referred to as 'squeeze' in English; 'un' is an indefinite article used before singular masculine nouns, equivalent to 'a' or 'an' in English; and 'limón' is a noun referring to 'lemon', a type of citrus fruit known for its tart, flavorful juice which is widely used in cooking and beverages.

exquisito

The word 'exquisito' in Spanish translates to 'exquisite' in English. It is usually used to denote something that is exceptionally fine or extremely beautiful. It can also refer to a taste or smell that is very pleasant and delicate. The word can be used in various contexts such as food, art, design, or any other item that is thought to be of superb quality or elegance. It is an adjective, so it is used to modify a noun or pronoun in a sentence.

favorecer la digestión

The Spanish phrase 'favorecer la digestión' translates to 'promote digestion' in English. This phrase can be broken down into two parts: 'favorecer' which means to promote or favor, and 'la digestión' which means digestion, referring to the process by which our body breaks down food for absorption and assimilation. Hence, when combined, 'favorecer la digestión' expresses the act of aiding or promoting better digestion.

fecha de expiración

fibra

The word 'fibra' in Spanish translates to 'fiber' in English. It is a noun used in various contexts such as diet, clothing, and technology. In diet, it refers to the material in food that aids digestion. In clothing, it refers to a thread used in making cloth. In technology, it refers to a thin, flexible strand used in transmitting data or light.

filete

The Spanish word 'filete' translates to 'fillet' in English. It is commonly used to refer to a strip or compact piece of boneless meat or fish, especially the beef tenderloin. This word finds its origins in French language, adopted by Spanish and English, and hence has the same meaning in both languages. It can also refer to a slice or piece of a boneless cut or from the smaller muscle of an animal or bird.

filete con patatas

The Spanish phrase 'filete con patatas' translates to 'steak with potatoes' in English. It is a commonly used term in Spanish cuisine to refer to a dish comprised of a cut of beef, typically cooked by grilling or frying, and served with potatoes. Potatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways, including fried or boiled. The phrase 'filete con patatas' can be used to order this meal in a restaurant, or describe it in a menu.

frambuesa

The word 'frambuesa' is a noun in Spanish language. It translates to 'raspberry' in English. A raspberry is a small soft red fruit that grows on bushes. Raspberries are often eaten fresh, used in cooking and baking, or made into jams and jellies. In Spanish, it might be seen in recipes or menus referring to desserts or fruit salads.

freír

The Spanish word 'freír' corresponds to the English word 'fry'. It is commonly used in the context of cooking where it refers to the action of cooking or browning something in hot fat or oil. Just like in English, 'freír' can be used in different grammatical situations such as 'Estoy freír' which means 'I am frying', or 'Vamos a freír' which means 'We are going to fry'.

freír huevos

The Spanish term 'freír huevos' translates into English as 'fry eggs'. This is a colloquial phrase that denotes a common food preparation method where eggs are cooked in a frying pan with a small amount of fat (like oil or butter). Depending on preference and tradition, the final result may vary from lightly cooked (with a runny yolk) to well-done (with a fully solid yolk).

freír patatas

The Spanish term 'freír patatas' translates to 'fry potatoes' in English. It is a verb phrase commonly used in cooking instructions or recipes. 'Freír' is the infinitive form of the verb which means 'to fry', and 'patatas' is a plural noun which translates to 'potatoes'. Therefore, when you're 'freír patatas', you are frying potatoes.

fresa

A strawberry is a sweet, red heart-shaped fruit, which is much loved for its delicious taste. They grow on small strawberry plants in the ground.

fruta

The term 'fruta' in Spanish is translated as 'fruit' in English. The word 'fruta' represents a significant category in the food pyramid. Fruits are plant-derived, often sweet, and are eaten in a variety of ways. They can be consumed in their fresh form, in salads, desserts or juices. In Spanish-speaking countries, fruits play a key role in daily dietary habits and are often available in a wide variety of types due to a diversity of climates. Similar to English, the term 'fruta' in Spanish is universal and can be used to collectively refer to fruits of all types and forms.

frutas

'Frutas' means 'fruits' in Spanish. This term is broadly used in shopping markets or at home to discuss various fruits available in the region.

frutos del bosque

The Spanish phrase 'frutos del bosque' directly translates to 'fruits of the forest' in English. It is often used to refer to a mix of various small berries like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc. which are typically found in forested areas. It is a phrase frequently used in culinary contexts, especially in the description of flavors for foods such as desserts, jams, yogurts, or ice creams.

frutos secos

The Spanish phrase 'frutos secos' translates to 'dry fruits' in English. This is a term used to describe a range of fruits which have had their water content removed, either naturally or through methods such as sun drying or use of a dehydrator. This process concentrates the fruit's flavor and increases its shelf-life. Common examples of dry fruits include raisins, apricots, prunes, and dates.

gajo

The Spanish term 'gajo' can be translated into English as 'segment'. It's commonly used to refer to the divisions or parts into which something is split, especially when used in the context of fruits, like an orange. For example, an orange could be split into several 'gajos', each referring to a portion or wedge of the whole fruit.

galletas

The Spanish word 'galletas' translates to 'cookies' in English. It is a noun and it can be used in sentences to refer to the English snack, 'cookies'. Just like in English, 'galletas' can encompass a wide variety of sweet, baked goods. However, it's important to note that in Spain, 'galletas' generally refers to sweet biscuits, while 'cookies' is specifically used for what Americans call cookies.

gambas

The term 'gambas' in Spanish refers to shrimp. Shrimp is a type of seafood that is very popular and it's common in a variety of dishes in Spanish cuisine. Such as 'gambas al ajillo' which means garlic shrimp. In English speaking countries, shrimp is often used in seafood dishes, salads, and is also cooked as shrimp cocktail. Note also, the term could refer to both the groceries, as well as the dish made out of it.

garbanzos

The Spanish term 'garbanzos' refers to a type of legume popular in cuisines around the world, known in English as 'chickpeas'. These small, beige, round beans are packed with protein and are a key ingredient in dishes like hummus and falafel. They can be cooked and added to salads, soups and stews, or roasted and eaten as a healthy snack. In Spain, they are commonly used in traditional dishes such as 'cocido madrileño'.

gazpacho

Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish soup, served cold. It is made from a base mix of ripe tomatoes, bread, cucumber, bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and salt. Though primarily consumed in Spain and Portugal, it has gained popularity worldwide as a refreshing and healthy dish. The name 'gazpacho' is also used in English, as it is specific to this particular recipe and there is no single-word equivalent in the English language.

ginebra

The word 'ginebra' is a noun in Spanish, which translates to 'gin' in English. Gin is a spirit which derives its predominant flavor from juniper berries. It is common in a variety of cocktails, including the well-known gin and tonic. The Spanish word 'ginebra' is pronounced as [hee-ne-vra].

glotón

The Spanish word 'glotón' translates to 'glutton' in English. It is mainly used to describe a person who is excessively fond of eating and consumes food in large quantities. The term can also metaphorically describe someone with an insatiable desire or a person greedy for some activities or things.

golosinas

The Spanish word 'golosinas' translates to 'candies' in English. This noun is often used to describe various kinds of sweet food items which are typically enjoyed as a treat or a snack. The candies could include items like chocolates, gummies, hard candies, and other similar items. It is worth mentioning that 'golosinas' is plural in Spanish language, hence, its singular form is 'golosina' in Spanish.