Andalucia has a superb choice of fresh fruits and Veggies © Michelle Chaplow |
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Glossary of Spanish Fruit & Vegetable Market Terms
A glossary is a collection of key terms with clear definitions. It helps readers understand specialized language, providing quick reference and clarity.
| Spanish | English | Glossary |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Manzana | Often sold by kilo: “Una manzana, por favor” or “Medio kilo de manzanas” |
| Banana | Plátano | “Plátano de Canarias” is common; banana means imported ones |
| Orange | Naranja | “Zumo de naranja natural” = fresh orange juice |
| Lemon | Limón | Used for cooking, drinks |
| Lime | Lima | Less common; mainly for cocktails |
| Pear | Pera | “Pera conferencia” is a common variety |
| Peach | Melocotón | “Nectarina” is also used for nectarines |
| Apricot | Albaricoque | Seasonal summer fruit |
| Plum | Ciruela | Purple or yellow types |
| Grapes | Uvas | “Uvas sin semillas” = seedless grapes |
| Strawberry | Fresa | “Fresón” = larger strawberry variety |
| Watermelon | Sandía | Sold by slice or kilo: “Un trozo de sandía” |
| Melon | Melón | “Melón piel de sapo” is a common variety |
| Pineapple | Piña | “Piña natural” (fresh), “piña en almíbar” (in syrup) |
| Cherry | Cereza | In season early summer |
| Fig | Higo / Breva | “Higo” (late summer), “breva” (early) |
| Pomegranate | Granada | Also the name of a Spanish city |
| Kiwi | Kiwi | Same word, pronounced “kee-wee” |
| Mango | Mango | Common in southern Spain |
| Avocado | Aguacate | Often used for salads and toast |
| Tomato | Tomate | Key ingredient in “gazpacho” |
| Cucumber | Pepino | Used in salads, gazpacho |
| Lettuce | Lechuga | Common types: romana, iceberg |
| Spinach | Espinacas | Fresh or cooked |
| Cabbage | Col / Repollo | Used for stews or salads |
| Broccoli | Brócoli | Also called “brécol” |
| Cauliflower | Coliflor | Often roasted or boiled |
| Carrot | Zanahoria | Sold by weight or bunch |
| Onion | Cebolla | “Cebolla dulce” (sweet onion), “cebolla roja” (red) |
| Garlic | Ajo | “Cabeza de ajo” = a bulb |
| Potato | Patata | “Patatas fritas” = fries, “patatas cocidas” = boiled |
| Sweet Potato | Boniato / Batata | Popular in autumn |
| Green Pepper | Pimiento verde | Red/yellow = pimiento rojo / amarillo |
| Chili Pepper | Guindilla / Chile picante | Use guindilla in Spain |
| Eggplant / Aubergine | Berenjena | Used in “berenjenas fritas” |
| Zucchini / Courgette | Calabacín | Used in soups, sautéed |
| Pumpkin | Calabaza | Used in soups, desserts |
| Mushroom | Champiñón / Seta | Setas are wild mushrooms |
| Corn | Maíz | “Mazorca de maíz” = corn on the cob |
| Peas | Guisantes | Fresh or frozen |
| Beans (Green) | Judías verdes | String beans |
| Beans (Dried) | Alubias / Judías / Habichuelas | Depends on region |
| Lentils | Lentejas | Basis for “lentejas estofadas” |
| Chickpeas | Garbanzos | Used in “cocido madrileño” |
