There are so many ways and systems with which we can categorize all the ingredients that we use for meals or snacks. An interesting way to group food is by the letter that it starts with.
This gives you a list of various ingredients that might not exactly have anything in common but could inspire you to make something from ingredients that you already have in your kitchen.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what foods start with the letter A, look no further! We have 17 different foods to talk about that all start with the letter A.
This list includes everything from seeds, fruits, and vegetables to cheeses and fish.
Apples
Apples are most likely the first word to appear in your head when you challenge yourself to think of foods that start with the letter A.
There are many different types of apples from tart granny smith to sweet Honeycrisp. They can be eaten as a fresh snack or used as a comforting ingredient in desserts or savory dishes.
Avocado
Avocados are the fruit of a tree originating in Central America. They are botanically considered a berry with a large seed at the core of a soft center.
While technically a fruit, avocados are most often seen in savory recipes like guacamole or avocado toast, but they also make a great creamy base for vegan desserts.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a perennial flowering plant species whose young shoots are used as spring vegetables. It can be used in a variety of ways, but my personal favorite is asparagus roasted with some olive oil, garlic, and spices. It’s also great on the grill in the summer.
Almonds
Almonds are the seeds of a tree that is native to Iran. They can be eaten raw or roasted and with seasonings. Almonds also make a great addition to salads or chocolatey desserts.
Anchovies
An anchovy is a tiny, forage fish found in Marine waters. The traditional method for preserving anchovies is to gut them, salt them then allow them to cure, and then pack them in oil and salt or salt.
This causes the anchovies to have a really strong flavor, so they are typically used in small quantities to flavor dishes.
Amaranth
Amaranth, while widely considered a grain, is more of a seed. It was a staple crop of the Aztecs and its cultivation was banned by Spanish conquistadors.
These days it isn’t that commonly used and is mostly available in Health Food stores, but it is a good gluten-free option that is high in fiber.
Arugula
Arugula, also known as Rocket, is a leafy green with a tart, crisp, and bitter flavor. It is a plant native to the Mediterranean region. It’s the perfect addition to a fresh salad or a sandwich.
Artichoke
Artichoke is a species of thistle that is cultivated for food. A popular way to prepare artichokes is a creamy dip that tastes great with pita chips. Artichoke hearts also taste great roasted.
Apricots
Apricots are a largely domesticated fruit and their trees now grow in many places. Unripe apricots are quite sour and ripe ones retain a bit of that tang but are also sweet like a peach. They are great eaten fresh or baked into a light summer dessert.
Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is an easily cultivated winter squash. It is native to Central and North America and was introduced to Europe by early European settlers.
Squash is It can be baked, roasted, or made into a delicious creamy soup. It’s the perfect ingredient for winter meals if you live in a cold place.
Azuki Beans
Also known as red mung beans, adzuki beans are widely cultivated in East Asia. They can be eaten sprouted or boiled as tea.
In Japan and China, they are most commonly used to make a sweetened red bean paste that is then used to flavor or fill various desserts, such as mooncakes and dorayaki.
Acai Berry
Acai berries grow on palm trees in the rainforests of Central and South America. They have purple skin and a seed in the center. Fresh acai berries don’t have a very long shelf life so they are most often found in a puree or powder form when bought outside of the regions they grow in.
They are widely known as a “superfood” because they contain a lot of nutrients and antioxidants, which can result in a lot of health benefits.
Anejo Cheese
Anejo cheese is a Mexican cheese traditionally made from goat’s milk but more widely available made from cow’s milk. It is a frim, aged cheese that is rolled in paprika to add to the sharp flavor. Anejo is used as a filling or a garnish in many Mexican dishes.
Asiago Cheese
Asiago is an Italian cow’s milk cheese that can have different textures according to how long it is aged. Aged Asiago is dried and often grated into salads, sauces, pasta, and soups. Fresh asiago has a soft texture and can be used as cheese to melt onto a nice panini.
Alfalfa Sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts are the early sprouts of an Alfalfa plant. The mature leaves of this plant are not used as food due to their bitter taste.
They can be used to add some crunch to a salad or sandwich. Alfalfa sprouts are easily prone to bacteria such as salmonella or e.coli so it’s best to grow your own and avoid those sold at the supermarket.
Arrowroot
Arrowroot is often found in powder form because it is the starch derived from several different plants. Arrowroot powder is most often used as a thickening agent in sauces and jellies. It is also sometimes used as a gluten-free substitute for flour.