Glossary of terms

The soybean is one of the most important crops in the world. Originating from East Asia, it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Soybeans are rich in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. A wide range of products are made from soybeans, including tofu, tempeh, soy sauce, soy milk, and soybean oil.

Spaghetti are the most famous Italian pasta, long, thin, and round. They are served with countless sauces from carbonara through bolognese to aglio e olio.

Spanish tortilla is a thick potato omelette made from potatoes, eggs, and onion. It is one of the most typical Spanish dishes, served warm or cold as tapas.

Spare ribs are bone-in cuts of meat from the chest section of the pig and are among the most popular grilled and roasted dishes. The meat on ribs is marbled with fat, making it juicy and full of flavor. They are prepared by oven roasting, grilling, or smoking. In American cuisine, they are marinated in barbecue sauce, while in Central European tradition they are served with horseradish and mustard. Spare ribs are a centerpiece of barbecue festivals worldwide.

Špek is the traditional Central European name for fatback or bacon, a firm layer of fat from pork belly that can be salted, smoked, or dried. In Czech and Slovak cuisine, it is used to flavor dishes, render into lard, wrap meat, or as an ingredient in dumplings and sauerkraut. Smoked špek has a distinctive flavor and aroma that adds depth to dishes. It is an important component of Central European culinary tradition across many classic recipes.

Spelt je starobylá odrůda pšenice, která se pěstuje v Evropě po tisíce let. Ve srovnání s běžnou pšenicí má spelt tvrdší slupku a vyšší obsah bílkovin, vitamínů a minerálů. Mouka ze speltu se používá na pečení chleba, pečiva, těstovin a sladkých pokrmů. Spelt je oblíbený v organické kuchyni díky své výživové hodnotě a lepší stravitelnosti. Produkty ze speltu mají mírně ořechovou chuť a jsou vhodnou alternativou k běžným pšeničným výrobkům.

The spiny lobster is a large marine crustacean from the family Palinuridae, distinguished from the true lobster by the absence of large claws. It has an elongated body covered with a hard shell and long antennae. Spiny lobster meat is prized for its delicate, sweet flavour and firm texture. Most meat is obtained from the tail section. It is prepared by boiling, grilling, or baking and served with melted butter, herbs, or lemon dressing. It is considered a luxury seafood.

Spring rolls are thin rolls made from rice or wheat dough filled with vegetables, meat, or shrimp. They are served fried or fresh.

Star anise, also known as badyan, is a spice originating from Southeast Asia, specifically southern China and Vietnam. It has a distinctive star shape with eight points and a pronounced sweet, licorice-like flavor and aroma. It is used in Asian cuisine as part of Chinese five-spice powder, in preparing phở soup, and in baking. Star anise is also the source of shikimic acid, a key ingredient in flu medication.

Star fruit, also known as carambola, is a tropical fruit of the tree Averrhoa carambola native to Southeast Asia. When sliced crosswise, it has a distinctive five-pointed star shape, making it a popular garnish for dishes and cocktails. The flavor of star fruit is refreshing, ranging from slightly tart to sweet depending on the variety and ripeness. The entire fruit is edible, including the skin, and requires no peeling. Star fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and is low in calories.

American steak is a premium cut of beef grilled or pan-seared, served at various levels of doneness.

Stevia is a plant native to South America whose leaves contain steviol glycosides that are up to 300 times sweeter than sugar but contain zero calories. Indigenous people of Paraguay and Brazil have used it for centuries to sweeten beverages and foods. Today, stevia extracts are used as a sugar substitute in drinks, yogurts, confectionery, and other foods.