FOOD TRIVIA: Origin of Food Names

Food Name               Language of Origin                    Meaning in Original Language

tapioca                              Brazilian                                      "to squeeze out the dregs"

vermicelli                          Italian                                           "little worms"

phyllo                                Greek                                             leaf

porcini                                Italian                                          "little pigs"

avocado                              Aztec                                             testicle
                                         (abucatl)

lasagna                              ancient Greek                               "chamber pot"
                                             (lasanon)
                                          adapted by Romans                       "large cooking pot"
                                                (lasanum)

succatash                            Narraganset Indian                 "boiled whole kernels of  corn"
                                              (msickquatash)