Condiments are used to add flavor to food. It's a supplement, meant to enhance the food, and is typically served on the side or added on top, rather than being a core part of the dish's construction. A condiment is meant to be an accompaniment, rather than eaten alone. They can be wet or dry, sauces, spreads, pastes, powders, or even herbs.
This is just an alphabetical list of examples. How many have you experienced?
- A is for — Achaar is a popular condiment made from fruits or vegetables fermented in oil and spices, with regional variations in ingredients and spices. (As seen in Deli Boys.)
- B is for — Barbecue sauce (If you want to spark a debate among grill masters, just mention this stuff!)
- C is for — Los Calientes (as seen on Hot Ones from - Heatonist)
- D is for — Dijon (mustard made with brown or black mustard seeds and white wine or verjuice)
- E is for — Encurtido (used as a condiment for tacos and pupusas)
- F is for — Furu or fermented bean curd ( A traditional condiment made from soybeans. "Chinese cheese," is fermented tofu.)
- G is for — Gravy (Gravy is a savoury sauce traditionally made from the juices left in the pan after roasting, usually thickened with flour, butter, and/or cornstarch. It is typically high in saturated fat, sodium, and refined carbohydrates -- yet it has an informal definition of "something pleasing, especially money or success, that is unearned or unexpected." )
- H is for — Honey (A debate rages on as to whether honey 🍯 is ethical, if beekeepers help bees or steal from them. 🐝)
- I is for — Ishiri (Traditional fish sauce originating from Noto in Ishikawa Prefecure, Japan. On the western part of Noto, the sauce is made with Japanese sardines (iwashi), and on the eastern part it’s made with squid liver. )
- J is for — Jam (A condiment because it is a sweet, spreadable fruit product, typically made from cooked fruit and sugar, that is added to other foods to enhance their flavor and texture, such as on toast, biscuits, or sandwiches.)
- K is for — Ketchup (In 1834, it was sold as a cure for indigestion by an Ohio physician named John Cook.)
- L is for — Leskovački domaći ajvar (A traditional condiment originating from the Leskovac area of Serbia.)
- M is for — Mayonnaise tops the list as America's favorite condiment. (Do you prefer Miracle Whip, Duke's, Kraft, Hellman's, or other?)
- N is for — Nutmeg
- O is for — Orgeat (French-style almond syrup that is best known for its use in tropical cocktails. It is made with ground blanched almonds, water, and sugar, and various flavorings.)
- P is for — Pickapeppa Sauce (Also known as Jamaican ketchup, is a brand-name Jamaican condiment.)
- Q is for — Quince paste (Originated in Spain and is widely used in Spanish and Portuguese cuisines. A French Imported confit for cheeses.)
- R is for — Relish (a pickle-based condiment)
- S is for — Salt (Used since ancient times, both as a preservative and to enhance the flavour of food. It is considered the first condiment.)
- T is for — Tahini (Middle Eastern condiment made from sesame)
- U is for — Ume plum vinegar (Beneficial organic acids from pickling ume plums infused with red shiso leaves Perilla frutescens. Made in Japan.)
- V is for — Vinegar (a sour liquid used as a condiment or a preservative that is obtained by acetic fermentation of dilute alcoholic liquids or of dilute distilled alcohol)
- W is for — Worcestershire sauce (A pungent, savory sauce made from anchovies that have been fermented in vinegar, with the addition of flavorings such as garlic, chili, salt, sugar, and onions. The sauce was invented in Worcester by chemists John Wheeley Lea and William Perrins.)
- X is for — XO sauce (An all purpose gourmet condiment made from the finest ingredients such as dried scallops, dried shrimp, red chill pepper and spices.)
- Y is for — Yellow mustard (A popular, mild, American-style condiment made from finely ground yellow mustard seeds, water, vinegar, salt, and spices, most notably turmeric, which gives it its signature bright yellow color and tang.)
- Z is for — Zacuscă (Vegetable spread with eggplants )
Hopefully you've enjoyed this list. Consider making one of your own! Perhaps it will inspire your April A to Z 2026.
May all of your dishes be flavorful.
@a.to.z.challenge
@atozchallenge
@atozchallenge.bsky.social
@AprilA2Z
