Zander: A large fresh-water fish with firm flesh.

Zinfandel wine: A red wine grape that seemed to be indigenous to California for many years. It is now thought to have originated in Italy. The best Zinfandels are from Northern California and were grown for decades by Italian immigrants.

Zest: The outermost, colored, glossy film of the rind of an orange, lemon or lime.

Zucchini: The Italian and American name for courgette.

Zwieback: The word is German for “twice baked.” They are dry toasted bread slices, long popular for their digestibility and often served to young children.

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