Top 25 Foods That Start With X You Probably Don't Know About

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You may wonder why even look for foods that start with the letter X. The truth is, when you are cooking every day, things can get boring, so why not experiment? This list will surely give you plenty of ideas for new dishes and recipes.

List of Food Names that Begin With The Letter X

Here’s our list of fruits, vegetables, cooked food, and whole foods that have their names begin with letter X:

Condiments, Spices, and Additives

#1 Xanthan Gum

This has to come first, as it is a very useful ingredient in everyone’s cooking due to its many abilities. Xanthan gum comes from the fermentation of corn sugar and it is great for emulsifying, stabilizing, and thickening. Since it can help the flavor and texture in gluten-free meals, you can find xanthan gum in most organic or health stores.

#2 Xiangcaojing

Xiangcaojing is a type of vanilla extract that comes from Vietnam, China, and other Asian regions. You can see it in some recipes, but it may not be available easily. This food is often added to hot beverages, drinks, and sauces.

#3 Xylitol

Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol that is often used as a sugar substitute in various foods and recipes. You most likely have xylitol in candy, gum, and oral care products, as this sweet ingredient doesn’t have calories and doesn’t cause tooth decay. Xylitol is most likely available in health stores.

#4 XO Sauce

This is an extremely spicy sauce found in Cantonese cooking that is usually part of seafood dishes. While it can go over anything, it almost always accompanies rice. You can buy XO sauce in some Asian food markets or grocery stores, but keep in mind that it is very hot.

#5 Xocolatl

You know this food, as it simply refers to chocolate but in the Aztec language known as Nahuatl. Some brands and types of chocolate may also have the name xocolatl depending on the region they come from. You can find chocolate in any store, though if you want authentic Mexican Xocolatl you may want a Latin American store.

Fruits and Vegetables

#6 Xinomavro grapes

While these grapes have been around for centuries and are often part of winemaking, not many know of them. Xinomavro grapes are often part of winemaking in Macedonia and Greece, thanks to their strong tannins. You can find these grapes in some organic supermarkets or world food stores.

#7 Xoconostle

This food is a species of pear from Central Mexico, which grows from the end of summertime until the fall. This fruit is very acidic and often added to both sweet and savory dishes. While it may be hard to find, some organic markets may have it when they are in season.

#8 Ximenia

While technically Ximena is the tree from Africa, the fruit is often referred to by this name. It looks and tastes like plum, but has a yellow and lemon color or red in warmer climates. You can sometimes find this fruit in markets, but it may be harder to get as it grows primarily in Africa.

#9 Xigua

This is a melon from Africa that looks like a watermelon but tastes different. The flavor is slightly sweet and this fruit can be eaten raw or used in desserts and salads. Xigua may be hard to find outside of Africa, but you may happen to find it elsewhere in a farmer’s market.

#10 Xiangjiao

Xiangjiao is banana in Chinese, and while it looks and tastes the same, this ingredient is part of a variety of traditional Chinese dishes. You can find bananas everywhere, from grocery to convenience stores. Use xiangjiao to make banana bread, snacks, or desserts.

Prepared Dishes

#11 Xavier Steak

Don’t confuse this with a cut of meat, Xavier steak refers more to the recipe. This food consists of asparagus, steak, and Swiss cheese. Usually, the meat goes first, then the cooked asparagus, and then melted Swiss on top.

#12 Xiaolongbao

This is a type of Chinese steamed bun, often found in the Wuxi and Shanghai regions of the country. Many people know Xiaolongbao as “soup dumplings” and have them regularly when they eat Chinese food. Some traditional restaurants will have these dumplings, or you can try to make them at home.

#13 Xôi

This Vietnamese dish is very popular and easy to make. Xôi is a type of sticky rice that is often used as a base for other dishes, most of which include soy sauce, sesame, or meat. This rice tends to be used to absorb leftover liquids and can be found in any Vietnamese restaurant or made at home.

#14 Xacuti

This is a curry dish from Goa, India that is only slightly spicy. Usually, it is a product of mixing coconut paste, cinnamon, bay leaf, onion, salt, cloves, peppercorn, cumin, coriander, Kashmiri chilies, chicken, potatoes, and more. You can order this dish in some Indian restaurants or try making it yourself.

#15 Xingren Donfu

This is a famous Chinese dessert, particularly the Beijing region. It has become more popular elsewhere, so you can find it in many restaurants, or make it at home. Xingren Donfu is made from almond milk, agar, gelatin, and sugar

#16 Xidoufen

Xidoufen is a boiled soup that consists of garlic, spring onions, coriander, ginger, chili flakes, and pepper oil. You may have seen this soup in a Chinese restaurant and it is often served with some sort of flatbread. Xidoufen is not too hard to make, so you could try to make it at home.

#17 Xavier Soup

Also known as Xavier supper, this meal is an Italian dumpling soup made by slowly roasting chicken stock. The name comes because it is traditionally served during the feast day of St. Francis Xavier in December. You may be able to get this soup in some Italian restaurants or make it at home.

#18 Xnipec

This food is a Mexican salsa that involves fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro, orange juice, lime juice, and salt. Xnipec means “dog’s nose” and it has this name because of its ability to make your nose sweat like a dog’s due to the high level of spice. Some Mexican restaurants offer this sauce, but you can also try making it yourself.

#19 Xi Gua Lao

Xi Gua Lao is a sweet dish from Beijing that is common in the summer heat. This food involves watermelon, cherries, agar, sugar, and vanilla. Since it is becoming more popular, you may be able to find it in some Asian restaurants, or you can try to prepare this at home.

#20 Xampinyons En Salsa Mushrooms

The word xampinyons means mushrooms in Catalan, the regional dialect in Spain. While you may find this food in Spain, this tapas dish has become more popular in Latin America. The dish consists of stir-fried wild mushrooms with onions and garlic, which are usually served with tomato puree, cloves, salt, and pepper.

Fish, Poultry, Meat, and Others

#21 Xouba

This is a small fish that resembles a sardine and is originally from Spain. Most times, these fish are caught at the same time as sardines and packaged along with them. You may have tried them fried or stewed and can buy them in European food stores.

#22 Xiphias

The word xiphias means swordfish in Greek, so this fish may seem unfamiliar. However, it is sometimes part of some dishes across the Mediterranean. Once cooked, though, the flavor is tender and very mild.

#23 Xia

Xia is a type of shrimp that you find in China, but it is a bit milder in flavor. This food is popular in China and some other Asian regions, as this kind of shrimp absorbs sauces and flavors very well. While it may be hard to get, you could try looking for it at a food market or Asian food store.

Cocktails and Beverages

#24 Xanthia

Xanthia is a cocktail that involves ¾ ounce yellow Chartreuse, ¾ ounce cherry brandy, ¾ ounce gin, and a few ice cubes. You should make sure to mix the liquors well and always serve it cold. This is a strong drink that you may find in some bars or can imitate at home.

#25 Xalapa

This Latin American cocktail is a punch made with rum, red wine, brandy, black tea, and orange rinds. It is traditionally part of special occasions and holidays, as it is very strong and takes time to make. You can find it in some restaurants or bars, or you can try to make it at home yourself.

FAQs

What is a fruit that starts with X?

Xigua is an African fruit that resembles a watermelon but tastes sweeter. Another fruit with X is ximenia, which is a tree that produces a fruit that resembles a plum but can be yellow, green, or red. Both these fruits are often found in Africa and nearby regions.

What starts with X at the grocery store?

All of the foods on this list are often in grocery stores, though, some can be a bit rarer. You can go through this list next time you are a grocery store and want to experiment with new foods.

Drink that starts with x?

As mentioned in this list, one drink with the letter X is Xanthia a cocktail made with chartreuse, cherry brandy, gin, and ice. Another cocktail with the letter X is Xalapa, a punch made with rum, red wine, brandy, black tea, and orange.

Conclusion

If you are ready to begin exploring new foods and recipes, why not try some of these foods that start with X? This is a comprehensive list of common and rare foods that will make for great additions to your cooking. Still, some of these are delicious and easy to find and prepare.

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