37 Foods That Start With Z

If you’re trying to expand your palate and introduce new foods into your life, why not start with the alphabet? Pick a letter and start incorporating those foods into your diet. There are dozens of foods that begin with the letter ‘Z.’ From fruits and vegetables to spices and pasta, foods that start with Z are the perfect way to spice up your meals. Read on to feel inspired in your kitchen.

#1. Zucchini

When discussing foods that start with Z, there is no better place to begin than with zucchini. Zucchini, also called green squash or summer squash, grows during summer. It is a highly nutritious fruit that lends itself to many dishes, including fried zucchini fritters. It is also a common ingredient in healthy desserts like zucchini bread. If you’re working with a garden, zucchini is a great crop to grow at home. While many people think zucchini is a vegetable that starts with Z, it is actually a fruit.

#2. Ziti

Many people enjoy easy weeknight dinners, and ziti is the perfect pasta for a quick meal. Ziti are tube-shaped pasta noodles that are generally two inches long. The most popular dish with ziti noodles is Baked Ziti, a meal baked in the oven with ground beef, marinara sauce, and Italian cheese.

#3. Za’atar

Spice up your dinner with za’atar. Originating in the Middle East, za’atar is a culinary herb popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It is also available as a spice blend, including a mixture of za’atar, dried sumac, sesame seeds, salt, and more. This popular spice adds flavor to meat, vegetables, breads, and dips.

#4. Zest

Zest is a commonly used ingredient by chefs and mixologists. It is the colorful outer part of citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit. The zest is peeled from the fruit and used to flavor sweet and savory dishes. Also, zest creates a flavorful and aesthetically pleasing garnish for beverages.

#5. Zebra Tomatoes

Originating in the United States, the heirloom “green zebra” tomato is a popular fruit that starts with Z to enjoy during the summer. It has a vibrant, sweet flavor and is perfect for snacking on a hot day. Also, instead of turning red when ripe, the zebra tomato turns bright green to a yellowish color. The name comes from the striped exterior that resembles a zebra.

#6. Zeppole

A popular dessert in Italy, zeppole is a fried pastry that is the Italian version of the American doughnut. Generally, this dessert includes powdered sugar, fruit, and custard as a topping. Sometimes, zeppole consists of a filling such as custard, jelly, or a pastry cream. 

#7. Zoodles

Are you looking for a healthy alternative to pasta? A quick way to say “zucchini noodles,” zoodles are the perfect replacement if you’re trying to avoid carbohydrates and sugar. To make zoodles, rotate the zucchini through a spiralizer and create a noodle-like consistency as the ideal pasta replacement. Because of the mild taste, zoodles easily absorb sauces and oils traditionally used in pasta dishes.

#8. Zander Fish

Zander is a whitefish found in freshwater and brackish water in Europe. Generally, people enjoy zander baked, but it is also commonly served as a grilled or fried fish. Zander is a delicate fish with a mild flavor and is also one of the top fishes to eat in Europe and Asia.

#9. Zinfandel Grapes

Originating in Croatia, Zinfandel grapes are notably grown in California today. Zinfandel grapes thrive in warm climates with mild weather. These delicate grapes create crisp, refreshing Zinfandel wine. Today, many people enjoy sipping this wine in Napa Valley, CA, a world-renowned wine region.

#10. Zerde

If you’re interested in learning about Turkish cuisine, zerde is another one of the top foods that start with Z. This Turkish rice pudding is a popular dish flavored with saffron. Also, the saffron creates an appealing color. Zerde is a light dessert, and it can also be made gluten-free. Many people like to top zerde with currants, nuts, or pomegranate seeds.

#11. Zebra Cake

The name for zebra cake comes from the obvious stripes throughout a chocolate and vanilla marbled cake. While zebra cake is an easy dessert to make at home, many people enjoy the Little Debbie Zebra Cake snack cakes. This popular snack consists of white cake, white icing, and chocolate fudge decorations to resemble zebra stripes.

#12. Zuppa Toscana

Translating to “Tuscan soup,” Zuppa Toscana is a globally popular soup from Tuscany. Typically, Zuppa Toscana contains zucchini, tomatoes, kale, Italian sausage, and other vegetables. Zuppa Toscana is particularly delicious when served with crusty bread.

Some Other Foods That Start With Z:

• Zucchini Bread
• Zongchak/Zwangtah
• Zinnia
• Zabergau Reinette Apples
• Zâlzâlak
• Zante Currant
• Zapote
• Zarzamora
• Zawngtah
• Zill Mango
• Zopf
• Zarzuela
• Zoni
• Zhoug Sauce
• Zima
• Zingers
• Zuccotto
• Zampone
• Zarzuela
• Zimtsterne
• Zwieback
• Zabaglione
• Zrazy
• Zimtsterne
• Zwiebelkuchen

The photo featured at the top of this post is © from my point of view/Shutterstock.com