Glossary of terms

Žahour is a traditional Czech yeast pastry originating from southern Bohemia and the Vysočina region, prepared from yeast dough with curd cheese, poppy seeds, or plum jam filling. It is an old Bohemian dish that was baked mainly in autumn and winter during pig slaughters and celebrations. The dough is soft and moist, filled with sweet or savoury fillings. Žahour is one of those dishes preserved only in regional cuisine, now experiencing a revival thanks to renewed interest in traditional recipes.

Zhajiangmian are popular Beijing noodles served with a thick sauce made from fermented bean paste, ground meat, and fresh vegetables.

Žinčica is a traditional fermented dairy drink made from sheep whey, a byproduct of sheep cheese production. It originates from the pastoral traditions of Slovakia and the Carpathian region. It has a white color, thin consistency, and a mildly sour, refreshing taste. Žinčica contains valuable proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is traditionally consumed fresh and is a typical drink at Slovak mountain shepherd huts. It is one of the oldest dairy beverages in Central Europe.

Zrazy are Polish roulades made from thin slices of beef stuffed with bacon, pickled cucumber and onion, slowly braised in a rich sauce.

Żubrówka is a traditional Polish vodka flavoured with bison grass (Hierochloe odorata), which gives it a characteristic subtle herbal taste and a slight greenish tint. The name comes from the word żubr, meaning European bison, which feeds on this grass in the Białowieża Forest. Each bottle contains a blade of bison grass. Żubrówka has been produced in Poland since the 16th century and is one of the most recognised Polish spirits worldwide. It is served chilled or mixed with apple juice in a popular cocktail called Szarlotka.

Zucchini is a popular summer squash from the cucurbit family with a mild flavor and soft center. It originates from the Americas and arrived in Europe in the 16th century. Zucchini is incredibly versatile, it can be grilled, fried, baked, stuffed, or spiralized into zucchini noodles.

Zurek is a Polish soup made from fermented rye sourdough with white sausage, hard-boiled egg and potatoes, known for its distinctive sour taste.