Glossary of terms

German Schnitzel is a thin veal or pork cutlet coated in flour, egg and breadcrumbs, pan-fried to a golden crispy finish.

Sea buckthorn is a thorny shrub producing small orange berries with a distinctly tart flavour and an exceptionally high vitamin C content. It grows wild across Europe and Asia and tolerates extreme conditions including dry and sandy soils. The berries contain vitamins C, E, K, and beta-carotene, as well as valuable sea buckthorn oil. In cooking, sea buckthorn is processed into juices, syrups, jams, teas, and dietary supplements. Sea buckthorn oil is also used in cosmetics for its skin-regenerating properties.

Seafood is a collective term for edible marine animals other than fish, including shrimp, langoustines, lobsters, octopus, cuttlefish, squid, mussels, oysters, scallops, and more. Seafood holds an important place in cuisines worldwide, particularly in the Mediterranean, Asia, and coastal regions. It is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and zinc. Seafood is prepared by grilling, boiling, frying, or served raw. Frutti di mare is a classic Italian seafood medley served with pasta.

Seaweed consists of aquatic organisms growing in seas and oceans that have been used as food in many cultures for thousands of years. The best-known edible species include nori, wakame, kombu, and hijiki. Nori is used for wrapping sushi, wakame is added to miso soup, and kombu serves as the base for Japanese dashi broth. Seaweed is extraordinarily rich in minerals, particularly iodine, calcium, and iron, as well as vitamins and fibre.

Seitan is a plant-based protein made from wheat gluten, used as a meat substitute in Asian and modern vegetarian cuisine. It has a firmer texture than tofu and absorbs marinades and seasonings exceptionally well. With its high protein content and low fat, it is a popular choice among vegans. It can be prepared by boiling, frying, grilling, or stewing and works well in stir-fries, stews, and sandwiches.

Sekt is a sparkling wine produced using traditional or tank methods, popular especially in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria. It features delicate bubbles and a fresh fruity flavor. It is made from varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, or Müller Thurgau. Sekt is served as an aperitif, at celebrations, and as a cocktail base, offering a more affordable alternative to French Champagne.

Semolina je hrubě mletá pšeničná mouka, která se v české kuchyni používá k přípravě kaše, knedlíků, pečených pudinků a dalších pokrmů. Kaše ze semoliny patří mezi oblíbené snídaně a podává se se cukrem, máslem nebo ovocem. Tato mouka se také používá k výrobě malých knedlíků do polévek a sladkých knedlíků plněných ovocem. Semolina má jemnou neutrální chuť, která se snadno kombinuje jak se sladkými, tak se slanými ingrediencemi. Je zdrojem sacharidů a bílkovin a snadno se připravuje vařením v mléce nebo vodě.

Sernik is a traditional Polish cheesecake made from fresh curd cheese, eggs and butter, with a delicate creamy texture.

Sesame is an annual plant cultivated for its small oily seeds with a distinctive nutty flavor. It is one of the oldest oilseed crops in the world and forms the basis of tahini paste, halva, and many Asian dishes. The seeds are rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and unsaturated fatty acids. In cooking, they are used whole or ground, and toasting brings out their characteristic aroma.

Sesame oil is a vegetable oil pressed from sesame seeds, available in light and dark varieties. Light oil is used for cooking and frying due to its high smoke point. Dark oil from toasted seeds has an intense nutty aroma and is added to finish dishes. It is indispensable in Asian cuisine and rich in antioxidants and vitamin E.

Shallot is a type of onion characterized by its smaller size, elongated shape, and milder, sweeter flavor than regular onion. It grows in clusters similar to garlic and has a copper to brownish-purple skin. In French cuisine, it is considered an indispensable ingredient for sauces, dressings, and delicate dishes. Shallots are used raw and cooked and form the base of classic vinaigrette and béarnaise sauce. They are rich in antioxidants and contain less water than regular onions.

Shashlik consists of chunks of marinated meat on skewers grilled over hot coals, served with onion, vegetables, and lavash.