Glossary of terms

Topping is any sauce, sprinkle, or decoration placed on top of a dish, most commonly a dessert. It can include whipped cream, fruit, chocolate sauce, caramel, nuts, grated cheese, or herb oils. Toppings serve not only to enhance flavor but also for visual presentation. In modern gastronomy, toppings are a key element of food styling.

Tortas are Mexican sandwiches made from a crusty telera roll filled with meat, avocado, beans, cheese, tomatoes and chilli peppers.

Tortellini are small Italian stuffed pasta in a distinctive ring shape from Bologna and Modena, traditionally filled with meat and served in broth.

A tortilla is a thin, flat unleavened bread made from corn or wheat flour that forms the foundation of Mexican cuisine. Corn tortillas have been made in Mexico from nixtamalized corn for thousands of years. Wheat tortillas originate from northern Mexico and are softer and more pliable. Tortillas serve as wrappers for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and many other Mexican dishes.

Traminer is an aromatic white grape variety originating from the South Tyrolean town of Tramin in present-day Italy. There are two main variants, red Traminer with a subtler aroma and spicy Traminer (Gewürztraminer) with an intense fragrance of roses, lychee, and spices. Traminer is among the oldest cultivated grape varieties and produces full-bodied wines with golden to amber color.

Trdelník is a traditional Central European sweet pastry made by wrapping yeast dough around a wooden or metal spit and baking it over an open fire. The finished trdelník is coated in sugar, cinnamon, and optionally nuts. It originates from Skalica in Slovakia where it has a long tradition. Today it is a popular street food in Prague and other Central European cities.

The truffle is a rare underground fungus from the family Tuberaceae that grows in symbiosis with tree roots, especially oaks and beeches. It is one of the most expensive foods in the world due to the difficulty of harvesting and limited availability. Two main types are distinguished: the black truffle from France and the white truffle from Italy. Truffles have an intense, earthy aroma and distinctive flavour. They are used in small amounts as a luxury addition to pasta, risotto, egg dishes, and sauces.

Trussing is a cooking technique of tying poultry or meat with kitchen twine before roasting. The purpose is to maintain a compact shape, ensure even cooking, and prevent thin parts like wings or legs from drying out. Trussing ensures even cooking and prevents the meat from drying out. It is most commonly used when roasting whole chicken or turkey.

Tteokbokki are Korean rice cakes in a spicy gochujang sauce. They rank among the most popular street food dishes in Korea and are an icon of street cuisine.

Tuna is a large predatory ocean fish from the mackerel family, highly prized for its firm red flesh rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is among the most popular fish worldwide and is caught in warm oceans. It is consumed fresh as sashimi and sushi, grilled as steaks, or canned in oil or brine. Some tuna species, particularly bluefin tuna, are endangered due to overfishing.

Turmeric is a spice obtained from the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa, a relative of ginger. It is distinguished by its intense yellow-orange colour and mildly bitter, slightly peppery flavour with a warm aroma. Turmeric is a fundamental ingredient in curry blends and plays a key role in Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is used in rice dishes, soups, sauces, and smoothies. It contains curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Turrón is a traditional Spanish confection made from honey, sugar, egg whites, and toasted almonds. It originates from the Jijona and Alicante regions of Spain and is an essential part of Christmas celebrations. Two basic varieties exist: hard turrón de Alicante with whole almonds and soft turrón de Jijona with finely ground almonds. Turrón has a centuries-old tradition dating back to Moorish rule of the Iberian Peninsula and is now produced in many other countries as well.