Embarking on a culinary alphabet challenge or searching for a unique theme for your next dinner party? You might hit a snag when you get to the letters “ag.” While it’s not the most prolific starting sound in the food dictionary, there is a fascinating handful of foods that start with ‘ag’ waiting to be discovered. This article is your definitive guide, cataloging every edible item—from pantry staples to global delicacies—that begins with this specific duo of letters.
A Complete List of Foods That Start With Ag
This section provides a detailed, scannable list of all the identified foods that start with ag. Each entry is broken down to explain what it is and how it’s commonly used.
Agave
Agave is a spiky succulent plant, central to Mexican culture and cuisine. Its sap is processed into agave nectar, a popular liquid sweetener with a lower glycemic index than sugar. More famously, the fermented and distilled heart of the blue agave plant is what gives us tequila, while other varieties are used for mezcal.
Arugula
Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a leafy green celebrated for its sharp, peppery kick. It’s a cornerstone of Mediterranean salads, a favorite pizza topping after baking, and a vibrant garnish for soups and proteins. This is likely the most common and accessible of all the foods that start with ‘ag’ in Western supermarkets.
Agnolotti
Agnolotti is a prized type of Italian pasta from the Piedmont region. These are small, stuffed pockets, typically rectangular or semi-circular, similar to ravioli but often folded differently. Traditional fillings include roasted meat, vegetables, and cheese, served with a butter and sage or a rich meat sauce.
Agemono
Agemono is not a single food but a crucial Japanese cooking technique. It refers to foods that are deep-fried, most famously seen in dishes like Tempura (battered and fried seafood/vegetables) and Karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken). Recognizing it highlights how culinary techniques can also be key foods that start with ‘ag’ in category lists.
Agutuk
Agutuk, also known as “Eskimo Ice Cream,” is a traditional Alaskan Native dish. It’s a far cry from conventional ice cream, typically made from whipped animal fat (like seal oil or reindeer tallow), berries, and sometimes snow or fish. It’s a calorie-dense food crucial for survival in Arctic climates.
Agedashi Tofu
Agedashi Tofu is a classic Japanese appetizer. It features soft or silken tofu that is lightly dusted with potato starch and deep-fried until it has a delicate, crispy exterior. It’s served hot in a flavorful tentsuyu broth (made with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin) and garnished with grated daikon, green onions, and bonito flakes.
Aglio
Aglio is the Italian word for garlic. While it’s the base for countless dishes, it earns its own spot on this list in preparations like Aglio e Olio (spaghetti with garlic and oil), where it is the unequivocal star. Garlic’s transformative flavor makes it one of the most fundamental foods that start with ‘ag’ in cooking.
Agrião
Agrião is the Portuguese word for watercress. This pungent, peppery aquatic green leaf is used in salads, soups (like the traditional Portuguese “Sopa de Agrião”), and as a garnish. It’s nutritionally dense, packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Agraz
Agraz is a term used in parts of Latin America and Spain for unripe grapes or a tart, sour beverage made from them. In Colombia, for example, it can refer to a refreshing, sour drink made from these grapes, similar to a verjuice.
Agwi
Agwi is the Korean word for cucumber. It would appear in a comprehensive global list of foods that start with ‘ag’, especially in dishes like Korean cucumber side dishes (Oi Muchim) or in refreshing cold soups (Oi Naengguk).
Tips for Using These ‘Ag’ Foods in Your Cooking
- Balance Flavors: The foods that start with ‘ag’ on this list run the gamut from spicy (arugula) to sweet (agave). Use agave nectar to balance a peppery arugula salad dressing.
- Explore Techniques: Try the Agemono (frying) technique with vegetables or tofu to create a crispy texture.
- Start Simple: Master a classic like Spaghetti Aglio e Olio to appreciate how one core “ag” ingredient (aglio/garlic) can create an incredible dish.
Where to Find Foods That Start With Ag
- Common Items (Arugula, Agave, Garlic/Aglio): Found in any major supermarket.
- Specialty Items (Agnolotti, Agedashi Tofu ingredients): Look in Italian grocery stores, Asian markets, or well-stocked supermarket international aisles.
- Authentic Experiences (Agutuk, Agraz beverages): May require seeking out traditional Alaskan Native or specific Latin American communities and restaurants.
FAQs About Foods That Start With Ag
What is the most common food that starts with ag?
In everyday cooking across many regions, arugula and garlic (aglio) are the most frequently encountered foods that start with ‘ag’.
Is there a fruit that starts with ag?
Yes, agave is technically a succulent plant, and its core (piña) is used to make sweetener. Agraz (unripe grapes) also qualifies as a fruit-based item.
What is a famous dish that starts with ag?
Two very famous dishes are Agedashi Tofu (Japanese) and Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Italian). Both highlight ingredients from this list.