Zaatar - An herb mixture composed of savory, thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. A prepared mixture of this herb mixture can be found at most Middle Eastern groceries. The quality of zaatar can differ greatly.

Zabaglione - An Italian dessert made from egg yolks, wine, and sugar. Zabaglione is beaten over simmering water, which cooks the egg yolks and makes a light and foamy custard.

Zest - The thin, brightly colored outer part of the rind of citrus fruits. It contains volatile oils, used as a flavoring.

Ziti - Italian for bridegrooms; used to describe large, slightly curved tubes of pasta, similar to rigatoni.

Zucchini - A moderately long cylindrical summer squash with smooth, dark green skin with a slightly bumpy surface, creamy white-green flesh and milk flavor; also known as a courgette (especially in Europe).

Zuppa - Italian word for "soup."

Zwieback - Zwieback means "twice baked" in German, and refers to cut up bread which is then cooked in the oven until thoroughly crisped and dry.

Zwyieka - A Polish sausage.