Foods that Start with the Letter S

Every Friday, my daughter has show and tell and school where each student brings in something that starts with a particular letter. She always likes to bring something from her play kitchen and we often find ourselves completely stumped on what she should take that starts with that weeks letter. 

I figured that I would put together a list of the foods that we’ve come up with. Hopefully this is helpful for you :)

Below is a compiled list of 28 foods that start with the letter S, along with a short description of them. Have you tried them all?

Is there anything missing from the list that I should add? Leave a comment with what I missed and I’ll be sure to give you credit in the blog post for coming up with it!

1. Saffron
   Saffron is a spice that comes from the flower of Crocus sativus. The threads are collected, dried, and used to flavor and color foods. This spice has a sweet, floral taste. It is the world’s most expensive spice by weight.
2. Sage
   Sage is an herb native to the Mediterranean region, although it is now grown around the world. This herb has an earthy, slightly peppery taste with hints of mint, eucalyptus, and lemon flavor. It is often used to flavor poultry, infuse butter, and add flavor to dishes like potatoes. This herb is often used to add flavor to Thanksgiving turkeys.

3. Sake
   Sake, also called Japanese rice wine, is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. The fermented rice is polished to remove the bran, then distilled into sake. Different flavors of sake are available and it is best served cold.

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4. Salad
   Salad is a dish that mixes several different ingredients, often with at least one raw ingredient. Salads using leafy greens are commonly served as an appetizer or side with a meal. These room-temperature dishes are often served with some type of dressing such as Italian, vinaigrette, bleu cheese, or ranch.
5. Salami
   Salami is a type of cured Italian sausage. Compared to other sausage types, salami is dry and hard. It usually contains fermented and dried meat such as pork and spices. Salami can be used as a topping for sandwiches and pizza or mixed into other recipes. 

6. Salmon
   Salmon is an oily fish rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This pink fish has a powerful, rich flavor. It does not have an intense “fishy” taste like other fish, making it ideal for curries and chowder. Salmon can be fried, roasted, grilled, or baked and pairs well with a vegetable side dish.

7. Salsa
   Salsa is used to describe a variety of sauces used on Mexican and Mexican-American food. This dip is often served at room temperature with tortilla chips. It can be mild or spicy, smooth or chunky. Salsa usually contains tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, garlic, cilantro, and other flavors.
8. Salt
   Salt is a mineral compound found in crystallite formations and seawater. It is used to add flavor to food. Table salt, or iodized salt, is often added to dishes for extra flavor. Salt can also be used as a preservative to keep meats fresh. 

9. Sandwich
   Sandwiches typically contain two pieces of bread with other ingredients between the two slices. Meat, cheese, vegetables, and condiments are added to bread in order to create a meal. Sandwiches can be served cold or grilled. In some areas, the term “sandwich” can also be used to describe fast food cuisine like cheeseburgers.
10. Sardines
    Sardines are a variety of small, oily fish in the herring family. The name is believed to have come from the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where these fish were once abundant. These nutrient-rich fish are often preserved and canned. Preserved sardines are often salty, although not as salty as anchovies. They can be paired with crackers or prepared in a variety of dishes.
11. Sauerkraut
    Sauerkraut is finely sliced raw cabbage that is fermented by a variety of lactic acid bacteria. This dish comes from Germany and has a distinctive sour taste. It can be added to sandwiches, eaten with crackers, or served as a side. 

12. Sausage
    Sausage combines ground meat, salt, spices, and other flavorings into a meat product. Sausage often uses pork, although some sausages use beef or poultry. It can be eaten by itself or as part of a recipe. This meat product often has a smoky, salty flavor and can be sweet or spicy. The seasonings added to sausage often determine its flavor.
13. Scallops
    Scallops are a variety of clams and mollusks. They have a mild, sweet flavor and a tender, buttery texture similar to crab. Some scallops have a nutty flavor, similar to almonds or hazelnuts. They can be served alone or as part of a dinner dish. Sea scallops are often as much as three times bigger than bay scallops.
14. Scone
    A scone is a baked pastry that is slightly sweetened and sometimes glazed with egg wash. Scones can be served plain or with butter and jam. Some scones add fruit ingredients like orange, cherry, or cranberry into the baked pastry. Baked scones can also have frosting, chocolate, or other sweet toppings.

15. Sesame Seeds
    Sesame seeds are small, edible seeds grown in tropical regions around the world. They can be used to create oils and sauces or used to add flavor to cooked dishes. Sesame seeds may also be used on baked goods, such as hamburger buns, to add flavor and texture.
16. Shake
    Shakes are a sweet dessert drink that combines blended milk, ice cream, and flavoring. They can get their flavor from ingredients like chocolate, caramel sauce, butterscotch, fruit puree, and other mix-ins. Shakes are typically sipped through a straw, although thicker shakes may also be eaten with a spoon.
17. Shallots
    Shallots are a variety of onion known for their sweet flavor with a hint of sharpness. They can be used raw in salads and sandwiches. These bulbs can also be used in a wide variety of cooked dishes. To prepare shallots for consumption, cut off the ends and peel away the skin. Separate the shallot cloves and slice. Serve raw or add to a cooked recipe.

19. Shrimp
    Shrimp are decapod crustaceans with elongated bodies. When cooked, they are a popular ingredient in a variety of cuisines. Although many people devein them, shrimp do not need to be deveined in order to be edible. Their hard tails are often left on, although this portion of the shrimp is not eaten.
20. Soba
    Soba is a thin, buckwheat noodle commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It can be served chilled with a dipping sauce or hot in soup. Though similar to ramen, soba noodles often derive their flavor from buckwheat flower instead of wheat flower. Soba noodles can be served in both fast food and fine dining establishments.
21. Soda
    Soda is a carbonated soft drink that mixes water, sweetener, and flavors. These sweet drinks can contain caffeine, coloring, preservatives, and other ingredients to make a variety of flavors. Cola drinks are one of the most popular soda beverages in the United States.

22. Soup
    Soup is a hot dish with a liquid base, often containing solid chunks of meat and vegetables. Different soup bases include meat stock, vegetable stock, and cream. Soup can contain a variety of meats and vegetables, along with seasonings and salt. 
23. Soybean
    The soybean, or soy, is a legume native to East Asia. This versatile food can be used to create soy milk and tofu. Soy is also used in condiments like soy sauce, a staple for many Asian recipes. Because many people are allergic to soy, food labels in the United States are required to disclose soy ingredients.
24. Spinach
    Spinach is a leafy green vegetable with a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. It can be eaten raw and is a common ingredient in salads. Cooked spinach can be added to a variety of dishes. Spinach dip, which combines spinach and dairy products, is usually served with pieces of bread for dipping.
25. Star Fruit
    Star fruit is a fruit commonly eaten in parts of Brazil, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, the United States, and the Caribbean. This fruit typically grows in the shape of a five-point star, thus the name star fruit. It has a sweet and sour taste and a thin, edible skin. Smaller star fruit is often sour, while larger star fruit is often sweet.
26. Steak
    Steak is cooked meat that is usually cut across muscle fibers, occasionally including a bone. It can be grilled or pan-fried and served with a variety of sauces and seasonings. This main course is a common staple in fine dining establishments across the United States.

27. Strawberries
    Strawberries are a bright, red fruit known for their juicy texture and sweetness. They can be eaten plain or as part of a dessert. Strawberries can also be turned into jams, jellies, purees, dessert toppings, and other fruit-based products. They are a common summertime treat that can be mixed into salads, baked goods, and lemonade.

28. Sushi
    Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that combines rice, salt, seafood, and vegetables. Sushi rice is vinegared with sugar and salt, giving it a distinct flavor. This dish comes in a variety of flavors that combine different ingredients. Eel, avocado, raw fish, and other ingredients are common in sushi rolls.
29. Sweet Potato
    Sweet potatoes are large, starchy, sweet, tuberous roots. Their shoots and leaves, when young, can also be eaten as greens. Sweet potatoes can be baked, roasted, or added to recipes. Baked sweet potatoes are often served with butter, cinnamon, sugar, and other sweet ingredients like honey or maple syrup.