Glossary of terms

Persimmon is a fruit originating from East Asia, characterized by its orange color and honey-sweet flavor. There are two main varieties, astringent persimmon, which must be fully ripened before eating, and non-astringent Fuyu persimmon. Persimmons are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They are consumed fresh, in salads, desserts, or dried. The fruits are harvested in autumn.

Pesto is a traditional Italian paste originating from Genoa, made from fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. Classic pesto alla genovese is prepared by crushing the ingredients in a mortar. It is used as a pasta sauce, on bruschetta, in salad dressings, or as a dip. Variations include pesto rosso made with sun-dried tomatoes and rocket pesto. Pesto is rich in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, vitamin K from basil, and calcium from Parmesan cheese.

Phở is a Vietnamese noodle soup with a rich broth, rice noodles, meat, and fresh herbs. It is the national dish of Vietnam and one of the most famous soups in the world.

Picadinho is a Brazilian dish of finely diced beef stewed with tomatoes, peppers, and spices.

Picarones are a Peruvian dessert of fried dough rings made from pumpkin and sweet potato, served with a dark chancaca syrup from cane sugar.

A picnic is a form of outdoor dining where food is enjoyed outside, typically on a blanket or bench. The tradition of picnics dates back to medieval France and has since spread across Europe and beyond. Typical picnic foods include sandwiches, salads, fruit, cheese, and cold beverages. A modern picnic can range from a simple family lunch in the park to an elaborate event with a basket full of delicacies. Picnic recipes should be easily portable and taste great even when served cold.

Zabijacka is a traditional rural custom involving the home slaughter of a pig and the subsequent processing of all the meat and offal. It is a social event during which specialties such as liver sausage, blood sausage, headcheese, boiled pork, cracklings, and slaughter soup are prepared. Pig slaughters traditionally take place in winter months when low temperatures make meat processing easier. In Bohemia and Moravia, the tradition dates back centuries and is still practiced in many villages today.

Pike-perch is a freshwater predatory fish from the perch family, highly valued for its delicate white flesh with minimal bones. It grows over a meter in length and inhabits clean rivers and reservoirs across Central Europe. The meat is lean, easily digestible, and rich in protein. It is traditionally prepared fried, baked, or pan-seared in butter.

Turkish pilaf is fragrant rice prepared with butter, broth, and spices. It may include chickpeas, noodles, or vegetables. The essential side dish of Turkish cuisine.

Pine nuts are the edible seeds of the Mediterranean stone pine. They have a delicate buttery flavour and creamy texture. They are an essential ingredient in Italian pesto alla genovese, combined with basil, garlic, and Parmesan. Pine nuts are also added to salads, pasta, desserts, and stuffed dishes. They are rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamin E, and minerals such as magnesium and zinc. They are among the most expensive nuts due to the labour-intensive hand harvesting process.

Ananas je tropické ovoce pocházející z Jižní Ameriky, nyní pěstované v tropických oblastech po celém světě. Šťavnatá žlutá dužina má osvěžující sladko-kyselou chuť. Enzym bromelain pomáhá při trávení bílkovin. Používá se v dezertech, salátech, smoothie a hlavních jídlech.

Piping is a culinary technique in which creams, whipped cream, batters, or other mixtures are shaped into decorative forms using a pastry bag with various tips. It is used for decorating cakes, pastries, filling profiteroles, or shaping cookie dough. Mastering piping requires practice and a feel for even pressure.