27 Foods That Start With A

If you love the English language and you also love to cook, this is the article for you. Some of these foods will be relatively well-known to you, but other dishes could be quite exotic. You might use this list as a chance to branch out and explore culinary food options that you had not considered before. Food always brings families and friends closer together, and it is one of the truly joyful experiences in life. Without further ado, read our list of 17 foods that start with A.

Foods That Start With The Letter A

1. Apples

Apples of all kinds are available for your enjoyment. They can be found fresh in supermarkets and grocery stores during all seasons of the year, and you can pick the variety you like.

Sweet apples are most often used to snack on, but many people enjoy Granny Smith apples, which have a distinctive tart taste. Always wash your apples carefully to make sure they’re clean before you take a bite.

Cut apples into large chunks for use in pies and crumb cakes. Our apple butter recipe is one you should definitely try for yourself.

2. Almonds

Almonds are considered by many nutritionists to be a super food. They are very high in protein and unsaturated fat while being low in unhealthy carbs.

For a bit of spice, try buying the little snack-packs of Wasabi almonds. They are perfect to pack for long hikes or backpacking trips, as they provide plenty of energy for the whole day.

They can also be used to make trail mix. Almonds, when crushed, can be added to salads for extra crunch.

3. Anchovies

Though disliked by some people, anchovies are actually quite tasty. They form the basis of Caesar salad dressing, where they offer up a little extra salty pizzazz.

Cut anchovy strips into small pieces and then mash them into the salad dressing. Alternatively, for people who love savory foods, you can them right out of the tin. They are quite salty, so be prepared to have a glass of water nearby.

4. Asparagus

Asparagus is one of those summer foods that goes well with a grilled-out meal. Grilled chicken or fish combined with asparagus that has been steamed lightly and then mixed with a little butter and garlic is the way to go.

Cook the asparagus until it becomes a bright green but still retains its characteristic crunch. Asparagus can also be grown as a garden food but will take a few years to yield the tender stalks that can then be harvested and cooked.

5. Avocados

Avocados, which originate in South America, are great for making a number of dishes. If you’ve ever eaten at a Mexican restaurant, you’ve likely been privy to trying a bowl of spicy guacamole.

Avocados can be easily peeled by slicing the fruit in half vertically and then turning the knife around the edge of the skin. If you like science experiments, you might even save the pit and then try to germinate it, which could give you a nice little tree to grow.

This is one of those foods that start with A that many people are familiar with.

6. Apricots

Apricots are one of tastiest fruits known. They can be eaten or directly or combined into delicious jams and jellies.

There are a number of sites that are dedicated to jelly-making, and an apricot one would be a good starting point for people who are just beginning to get into the activity.

If you are trying to cut down on the processed sugar that is so often found in soda pop and other junk food, you can eat fruit instead, which will also give you important vitamins and minerals at the same time.

See Also: Foods that start with T

7. Artichokes

If you love to make dip, you’ll want to try a spinach and artichoke dip at some point. Artichokes and spinach make an excellent combination when mixed with cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and perhaps some garlic.

Follow the recipe to make sure you cook the dip enough in order to get a nice crispy. Most dips can be mixed together beforehand and then cooked in the oven right before the party.

Paired with some crunch tortilla chips, this particular dip is a can’t-miss in most households.

8. Aubergines

Aubergines, also known as eggplants, are a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a number of different ways. They are excellent when roasted in olive oil and then mixed into your favorite pasta sauce.

Aubergines are relatively easy to grow, as long as you give them plenty of water and sun and also add some fertilizer now and then. Always peel the skin if you want to use this vegetable in a casserole or sauce.

9. Adzuki Beans

Adzuki beans, which are also known as mung beans, are a small bean grown in the hills of East Asia. Like most other beans, they can be simmered in water and used to make soups and stews.

Alternatively, they can be combined with other ingredients and into a spicy chili, which may or may not be vegetarian.

Dried beans are inexpensive and give you many more meals than a simple tin can will. Soak the beans overnight before simmering them to gradually soften them up and help with texture.

10. Arugula

Arugula is a lovely green that is all the rage these days. It is most often used on salads to widen the taste of the dish.

When added to lettuce, kale, and even spinach, you’ll have a nutritious meal that is also very tasty. Add an Italian dressing or an oil and vinegar dressing to the salad for a smooth taste but less calories. Arugula can be grown in the garden in containers with a little bit of preparation.

11. Asian Greens

Asian greens can mean a number of things to a number of different people. Chinese cabbage and mustard greens are both generally considered true Asian greens, and they make great fundamental ingredients in any stir-fry.

They can be whipped up in no time in a little oil or steamed for a fresh taste. Always choose greens that look as ripe as possible. Once they start to turn a bit brown and moist around the edges, they’ll no longer have that crisp taste that we all know and love.

12. Alfalfa Sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts are a pure representation of nature’s bounty, and they can be placed on top of the salad after all of the other ingredients have been added to the plate.

They have a light, airy feel and are usually eaten raw. These sprouts also have a slightly crunchiness to them, which can give salads a nice texture. They are especially good when combined with thinly sliced carrots, celery, and beets.

You can usually buy alfalfa sprouts in a small plastic container in most specialty grocery stores and markets.

13. Almond Joys

For a change of pace, we now consider the classic Almond Joy as the next item on the list. Filled with crunchy nuts, this particular candy bar has been a Halloween staple for many decades.

Even if it’s not late October, you can still buy a small pack for yourself. On rainy days when you’re curled up with a good book, breaking out an Almond Joy might just hit the spot. They also work as gifts for birthday parties and anniversaries.

14. Alfredo Sauce

Nothing is more heart-warming than a home-cooked spaghetti meal, but instead of going with a traditional tomato sauce, you might think outside the box a bit and go with an Alfredo sauce.

White sauces are usually creamy and filled with garlic and spices.

They go perfect with broccoli, mushrooms, and a wide variety of other vegetables. You can make such a sauce yourself as long as you have access to a bit of heavy cream for the base.

15. American cheese

One of the absolute staples of summer is American cheese, mostly because of its association with hamburgers and cook-outs. If you want to make the perfect classic burger, you’ll need a few slices of American cheese to get the taste right.

Everything after that is up to you, but lettuce and tomatoes are good secondary staples for any burger. Slap on some mustard and ketchup and you’ll be ready to serve up a classic meal to guests.

16. Amaranth

If you’re looking for a healthy grain, amaranth is the way to go. Though less well known than cracked wheat and quinoa, it nevertheless packs a punch.

It has a range of vitamins and nutrients and can help lower blood pressure, which is key to preventing heart disease.

17. Acorn Squash

Of all the fall squashes, the acorn squash is the most versatile. It can be sliced in half and then baked for forty minutes or so until the flesh turns a light golden brown. You can eat these squashes with cinnamon or honey or with butter and garlic, depending on your palate. Be sure it is soft enough before you serve it as a dish to visitors.

18. Anise

Anise is a flowering plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. Known for its star-shaped seed pods, it offers a sweet, aromatic flavor that resembles licorice. It’s commonly used in baking, cooking, and in producing liquors like Sambuca and Ouzo.

19. Allspice

Allspice is a spice that has the flavor and aroma of several spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon combined. It’s derived from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant, native to Central and South America. It is frequently used in Caribbean cuisine.

20. Amarula

Amarula is a sweet and creamy liqueur from South Africa. It is made from the exotic fruit of the African Marula tree, also known as the “Elephant Tree”. The Marula fruit is fermented, distilled, and then matured for two years in French Oak before being blended with cream.

21. Anchovy Paste

Anchovy paste is a type of seasoning made from ground anchovy fillets. It has a pungent, intensely savory flavor and is often used in small amounts to add depth to sauces, spreads, dressings, and marinades.

22. Anjou Pear

Anjou pears are short, squat, and come with a pale green to yellow skin. They have a mild flavor and a firm texture that holds up well when cooked, making them versatile for both eating fresh and using in recipes.

23. Aji Peppers

Aji peppers are a type of chili pepper that is common to Peruvian and Bolivian cuisine. They come in several varieties, each offering a different level of heat and flavor. They are often used in sauces, stews, and ceviche.

24. Acai Bowl

An acai bowl is a popular breakfast dish made from acai berries. The berries are blended until they have a texture similar to that of a smoothie and are then topped with a variety of toppings such as granola, banana, coconut flakes, and honey.

25. Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is a type of cake that is light and fluffy, made with egg whites and without butter. It has a sweet flavor and a sponge-like texture, often served with whipped cream and fruit.

26. Agedashi Tofu

Agedashi tofu is a popular Japanese dish. It consists of lightly breaded tofu that is deep-fried until golden and served in a soy-based broth. It is often garnished with radish, green onion, and bonito flakes.

27. Andouille Sausage

Andouille sausage is a smoked sausage made using pork. It is heavily associated with Louisiana Creole cuisine. It’s a key ingredient in dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, known for its rich, smoky flavor.

Conclusion

As you’ve seen above, the world of food is almost never-ending. If you want to be adventurous, you might choose a new food or two to try each month. You may be surprised by how many wonderful things there are to eat out there! Now you know a list of foods that begin with a.

Want to see our other list challenges then we’ve completed this same list for foods beginning with the letter U, X, Q, J and D. Don’t forget our other popular post – foods that start with N.