FYI, you’re probably pronouncing these 25 health foods wrong

There’s nothing fun about mis-pronouncing the latest health food fads. To spare you the embarrassment, here’s 25 healthy foods you’re definitely pronouncing wrong, and how to say them correctly. You’ve got this, girl.

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Acai

What is it? A deep-purple Amazonian berry that’s brimming with disease-fighting antioxidants. It’s sold as a powder and used in smoothies and breakfast bowls.

How do you say it? Ah-sah-ee

Amaranth

What is it? A gluten free wholegrain that is particularly high healthy fats. You’ll usually find it in a ‘puffed’ form in breakfast cereals and mueslis.

How do you say it? A-muh-ranth

Arugula

What is it? Arugula is the American word for rocket (AKA the delicious, peppery leaf vegetable that’s best use as a base for salad or stirred through pasta).

How do you say it? Uh-rooh-gu-lah

Cacao

What is it? The fresh seed of the cacao bean. It is rich in a group of antioxidants that support heart health. The best part? It gives a delicious chocolate flavour, without all of the added sugar.

How do you say it? Kah-kow

Caprese

What is it? An Italian salad made of tomato, basil and mozzarella dressed in olive oil. Yum, yum, yum.

How do you say it? Kah-pree-zee

Celeriac

What is it? A root vegetable similar to potato, with a subtle celery flavour. Use it raw in salads or cooked in mash or soup.

How do you say it? Se-lair-ee-ack

Chia

What is it? A nutrient-dense seed that’s packed with healthy fats, including omega-3s to support heart and brain health.

How do you say it? Chee-ah

Crudites

What is it? Mixed raw vegetables that have been chopped and served with a dipping sauce for an appetiser. Think: carrot, radish and capsicum.

How do you say it? Kru-dee-tay

Edamame

What is it? Baby soybeans. They are soft and edible, often served in the pod as a starter or side dish, or mixed through salads and stir fries. They provide muscle-building protein and gut-loving fibre.

How do you say it? Eh-duh-maa-mei

Farro

What is it? A type of wheat, also known as ‘emmer’. It is particularly high in antioxidants and offers vitamin E for a healthy heart.

How do you say it? Fahr-ro

Freekah

What is it? A nutrient-dense ancient grain that contains impressive levels of protein, fibre, iron and zinc. It works well either hot or cold in salads.

How do you say it? Free-kuh

Goji

What is it? An antioxidant-rich berry that is sold either dried or as juice. Goji berries can be added to salads and baked goods, and can even be used to make tea.

How do you say it? Go-gee

Hummus

What is it? A dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic and oil. Homemade varieties can be a very healthy snack, but some store-bought brands contain excessive levels of sodium.

How do you say it? Hu-muhs

Jalapeno

What is it? A type of chilli that is relatively hot in comparison to other chillis.

How do you say it? Haa-luh-peen-yo

Kefir

What is it? A fermented milk drink that offers gut-loving probiotics, as well as protein for muscle maintenance and calcium for strong bones and teeth. It has a thin yoghurt consistency.

How do you say it? Keh-feer

Kimchi

What is it? A Korean side dish made of fermented vegetables, usually cabbage. Due to the fermentation process, it offers probiotics to support gut health.

How do you say it? Kim-chee

Kombucha

What is it? A fermented drink made of tea, a SCOBY (AKA symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) and sugar. It offers probiotics to support a healthy gut.

How do you say it? Kom-boo-cha

Mache

What is it? A leafy green that’s perfect in a salad or used as a garnish.

How do you say it? Mosh

Nicoise

What is it? A classic nicoise salad includes tuna or anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, tomato, olives, lettuce and cooked potatoes. Delish!

How do you say it? Nee-swaz

Poke

What is it? A tasty, Hawaiian-style tropical dish made of sliced raw fish with an Asian-style dressing. You’ll often find poke served in a bowl with a mixture of vegetables.

How do you say it? Poh-kay

Quinoa

What is it? A gluten free wholegrain that offers gut-loving fibre and energising b-group vitamins. It’s often used cooked and cooled in salads, or as flakes in cereal and muesli.

How do you say it? Keen-wah

Rooibos

What is it? A type of herbal tea that is caffeine-free. Also known as ‘red’ or ‘red bush’ tea.

How do you say it? Roy-boss

Skyr

What is it? An Icelandic-style yoghurt with a mild flavour. Most varieties are very high in muscle-building protein and bone-strengthening calcium.

How do you say it? Skee-er

Turmeric

What is it? A bright-yellow spice that has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. Turmeric is often used in curries and as a food colouring.

How do you say it? Ter-mer-ick

Wakame

What is it? A variety of edible seaweed. It’s very nutritious, offering iodine to support your metabolism. It comes dried, so you need to rehydrate it in water before using it.

How do you say it? Wah-kah-may

Melissa Meier is a Sydney-based Accredited Practising Dietitian. You can connect with her at www.honestnutrition.com.au or on Instagram @honest_nutrition.