Glossary

Agar-agar: A thickening agent made from seaweed. Used instead of gelatin in vegetarian foods.

Animal rights: The belief that animals have the right not to be exploited or killed for human use.

Blackstrap molasses: A by-product of sugar refining. A good source of iron, calcium, and other minerals.

Buckwheat: Not a grain and not related to wheat, but grain-like. Good for people who are allergic to wheat. Kasha is a cracked pre-cooked form of buckwheat.

Calcium: A mineral needed to build strong bones and teeth.

Carbohydrates: Nutrients that provide the body with energy.

Egg replacer: A substitute for eggs in cooking and baking. Commercial varieties are usually in powdered form.

Fat: A nutrient that the body needs to store energy and to help in the formation and function of healthy cells. Unhealthy when eaten in excess.

Fiber: A type of complex carbohydrate found in plant foods, needed for healthy digestion and other functions.

Fruitarian: A person who eats only fruits, nuts, and seeds.

Gelatin: A thickening agent made from animal bones. Kosher gelatin is usually vegetarian.

Genetic engineering: The practice of inserting genetic material from one organism into the genes of another organism.

Grain: The seed or fruit of a cereal plant. Includes amaranth, bulgur, corn, couscous, kamut, millet, oats, quinoa, rice, rye, spelt, teff, triticale, and wheat.

Herbivore: An organism that eats plants.

Iron: A mineral needed for healthy blood.

Lacto-ovo vegetarian: A person who eats eggs (ovo) and dairy products (lacto) but no meat, poultry, or fish.

Legume: Plants whose seeds grow in pods. Includes beans, lentils, split peas, and peanuts.

Macrobiotic diet: A diet, usually vegetarian, that follows a Japanese philosophy based on principles of eating.

Miso: A salty paste made from fermented soybeans, used to flavor soups, stews, spreads, and other dishes.

Nutritional yeast: A dietary supplement that is rich in B vitamins and has a nutty or cheese-like flavor. Not the type of yeast used to bake bread. Red Star Vegetarian Support Formula is a good source of vitamin B₁₂.

Organic: Food that has been grown or raised without the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides.

Protein: A nutrient needed for growth and repair of body tissues.

Pulse: The seeds of legumes.

Rennet: A substance taken from the lining of calves’ stomachs, used to thicken milk to make cheese.

Semi-vegetarian: Not a true vegetarian; a person who eats some types of meat or who eats meat occasionally.

Soy cheese: A cheese-like food made from soy milk. Can be substituted for dairy cheese.

Soy milk: A non-dairy beverage made from soybeans. Fortified soy milk can be substituted for dairy milk in a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Tahini: A spread made from ground sesame seeds.

Tamari: Naturally brewed soy sauce.

Tempeh: A high-protein food made from cultured soybeans. Can be used in sandwiches or main dishes.

Textured vegetable protein (TVP): Dried granules, flakes, or chunks made from soy flour. Reconstitutes in boiling water.

Tofu: A versatile high-protein food made from the “milk” of soybeans. Varieties thickened with calcium salts are a good source of calcium.

Vegan: A person who does not use any animal products for food or clothing.

Vegetarian: A person who eats no meat of any kind (beef, pork, lamb, poultry, or fish) but who may eat other animal products such as eggs, dairy products, and honey.

Vitamin B₁₂: A vitamin needed for a healthy nervous system.