Finding new foods can sometimes feel challenging, especially if you want to spice up your diet with uncommon choices.
This blog promises to explore a comprehensive list of tempting foods that begin with the letter ‘H,’ ensuring you discover some hidden gems.
The list features an in-depth description of the 15 most common foods that start with H and a list of 95 additional foods that begin with H.
From everyday favorites like hamburgers and hotdogs to exotic delights like huitlacoche and halva, prepare to take on a culinary journey to expand your palate and impress your taste buds.
15 Most Common Foods Starting with H
1. Ham
Ham, a popular type of cured pork, is enjoyed in various forms worldwide. It ranges from smoked varieties to prosciutto. Known for its rich and salty flavor, ham is a staple in many holiday meals and everyday dishes.
- Origin: Believed to have originated in ancient China, where pork leg was salted for preservation.
- Culinary Pairings: Pairings with flavors like pineapple, cloves, and mustard.
- Nutritional Information: Rich in protein, contains high levels of sodium and fat.
- Cultural Significance: A traditional element in holiday feasts across Western cultures.
- Interesting Facts: “Smithfield Ham” is a well-known type from Virginia, USA, noted for its distinctive preparation and taste.
2. Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees using nectar from flowers. Depending on the types of flowers used, honey varies in color and flavor, offering more than just sweetness to various dishes.
- Origin: Humans have collected honey since ancient times, as depicted in cave paintings dating back to 8000 B.C.
- Culinary Pairings: Excellent with cheeses, yogurt, and fruits; also used to balance savory dishes like glazes for meats.
- Nutritional Information: Contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; primarily composed of sugar.
- Cultural Significance: Used in many cultural rituals and medicines, symbolizing purity and health.
- Interesting Facts: Manuka honey from New Zealand is renowned for its unique health benefits.
3. Hamburger
The hamburger, a ground beef patty in a bun, is a quintessential American fast food item that has gained popularity worldwide. It’s customizable with various toppings to cater to different tastes.
- Origin: While minced meat is ancient, the modern hamburger was likely developed in the United States in the late 19th century.
- Culinary Pairings: Typically served with fries, onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and pickles.
- Nutritional Information: High in protein and iron; calorie count varies with additions.
- Cultural Significance: Emblematic of American fast food culture; central to many BBQs and casual dining experiences.
- Interesting Facts: The world’s largest hamburger was created in Minnesota in 2012, weighing 2014 pounds.
4. Hot dog
A hot dog is a grilled or steamed sausage served in a slit bun. It’s an iconic American street food commonly associated with sports events and casual gatherings.
- Origin: Traces back to German immigrants in the 19th century who popularized sausages in buns.
- Culinary Pairings: Often topped with mustard, ketchup, onions, cheese, and relish.
- Nutritional Information: High in sodium and fats; varies in protein depending on the meat used.
- Cultural Significance: A staple at American sporting events and often enjoyed during Fourth of July celebrations.
- Interesting Facts: Hot dogs are a part of the famous eating contest held annually on Coney Island.
5. Halibut
Halibut, a flatfish found in the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, is prized for its delicate, sweet-tasting white flesh, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.
- Origin: Fished by Native Americans for thousands of years, halibut has been a significant food source in the North Atlantic and Pacific cultures.
- Culinary Pairings: Complements mild flavors like lemon butter and fresh herbs.
- Nutritional Information: Low in fat, high in protein, and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Cultural Significance: Vital resource in Native American tribes along the Pacific coast.
- Interesting Facts: Halibut is among the largest flatfish, capable of reaching over 300 pounds.
6. Hummus
Hummus is a creamy spread made from mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic. It is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.
- Origin: Likely originated in ancient Egypt, hummus is a traditional dish spread across Middle Eastern nations.
- Culinary Pairings: Served with pita bread, vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches.
- Nutritional Information: Rich in fiber and protein; contains heart-healthy fats from olive oil and tahini.
- Cultural Significance: A common part of meze in Middle Eastern cuisines and increasingly popular globally.
- Interesting Facts: Hummus’s dedicated day, International Hummus Day, is celebrated on May 13th.
7. Hash browns
Hash browns are a breakfast staple from finely chopped or shredded pan-fried potatoes. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside are a beloved part of American breakfast menus.
- Origin: The name comes from the French word “hacker, ” which means to chop. It became popular in New York City hotels in the 1890s.
- Culinary Pairings: Often served with ketchup, eggs, bacon, or alongside a full breakfast plate.
- Nutritional Information: High in carbohydrates and fats, especially if fried.
- Cultural Significance: A standard breakfast item in diners across the United States.
- Interesting Facts: In the 1990s, hash browns were famously packaged and sold in fast-food restaurants, boosting their popularity.
8. Hazelnut
Hazelnuts are sweet nuts that can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or ground into a paste. They are often used in confections, coffee flavoring, and baking.
- Origin: Cultivated in China over 5000 years ago, the Chinese historically revered hazelnuts as a nourishing food.
- Culinary Pairings: Complements chocolate and coffee flavors; used in pralines, spreads, and baking pastries.
- Nutritional Information: High in healthy fats, vitamins E and B, and minerals such as manganese and copper.
- Cultural Significance: In ancient Rome, hazelnuts were often used in wedding ceremonies as a symbol of fertility.
- Interesting Facts: Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts, contributing approximately 75% of the global supply.
9. Horseradish
Horseradish is a pungent root vegetable known for its sharp, spicy flavor. It is commonly used as a condiment or in sauces.
- Origin: Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, horseradish has been cultivated since antiquity for its medicinal and culinary properties.
- Culinary Pairings: Often served with roast beef, seafood, and cocktail sauces.
- Nutritional Information: Low in calories, contains vitamin C and dietary fiber and has antibacterial properties.
- Cultural Significance: Traditionally used during Passover Seder as one of the bitter herbs.
- Interesting Facts: The town of Collinsville, Illinois, claims to be the “Horseradish Capital of the World” and hosts an annual festival dedicated to the root.
10. Haddock
Haddock is a saltwater fish found in the North Atlantic Ocean, closely related to cod. It’s highly valued for its lean white meat and mild flavor, making it a preferred fish for many seafood dishes.
- Origin: Historically significant in Northern European diets, particularly in Scotland and Scandinavia.
- Culinary Pairings: Best paired with mild seasoning or creamy sauces to highlight its delicate flavor.
- Nutritional Information: Low in fat, high in protein, and a good vitamin B12 and selenium source.
- Cultural Significance: Essential in British cuisine, commonly used in fish and chips.
- Interesting Facts: Smoked haddock is known as “Finnan haddie,” it was named after the fishing village of Findon in Scotland, where it was originally smoked.
11. Hoisin sauce
Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It’s typically made from soybeans, fennel, red chilies, and garlic and offers a sweet and salty taste.
- Origin: It comes from Chinese cuisine and is used as a glaze for meat and an addition to stir-fries and marinades.
- Culinary Pairings: Pairs well with pork, duck and as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
- Nutritional Information: High in sodium; contains sugar and vinegar.
- Cultural Significance: Frequently used in Cantonese cooking, especially in Peking duck.
- Interesting Facts: Hoisin means “seafood” in Cantonese, though the sauce contains no seafood ingredients.
12. Hushpuppies
Hushpuppies are small, savory, deep-fried balls made from cornmeal batter. They are a traditional side dish in Southern United States cuisine.
- Origin: Southern fishermen believe it was first made to quiet their barking dogs with the fried treats.
- Culinary Pairings: Typically served with fried fish and tartar sauce or as a side to barbecue dishes.
- Nutritional Information: High in carbohydrates and fats due to deep-frying.
- Cultural Significance: An integral part of Southern U.S. cuisine and fish fry.
- Interesting Facts: The name ‘hushpuppy’ is said to have come from tossing these fried treats to dogs to “hush the puppies” during cookouts.
13. Hoagie
The hoagie is a sandwich from a long Italian roll filled with meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments. It is a staple in Philadelphia but is enjoyed nationwide in the United States.
- Origin: The hoagie originated in the Italian immigrant community in Philadelphia in the early 20th century.
- Culinary Pairings: These commonly include a variety of Italian meats like salami and capicola paired with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and oregano.
- Nutritional Information: Varies widely based on ingredients; typically high in calories and nutrients depending on fillings.
- Cultural Significance: Considered Pennsylvania’s official sandwich and a symbol of Philadelphia’s rich immigrant history.
- Interesting Facts: Hoagie was declared the “Official Sandwich of Philadelphia” in 1992.
14. Havarti cheese
Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is a versatile cheese popular in sandwiches and as a table cheese.
- Origin: It was created in the mid-19th century by a Danish dairy farmer named Hanne Nielsen, who traveled around Europe to learn cheesemaking techniques.
- Culinary Pairings: It melts well, making it good for grilled cheese sandwiches and cooking.
- Nutritional Information: High in fat and calcium, it provides a good source of protein.
- Cultural Significance: A staple in Danish cuisine and widely enjoyed in various European dishes.
- Interesting Facts: The name “Havarti” is taken from the farm where it was first made, Havarthigaard.
15. Hot sauce
Hot sauce is a spicy condiment made from chili peppers mixed with other ingredients such as vinegar and salt. It is used worldwide to add heat and flavor to dishes.
- Origin: While chili peppers have been used in the Americas since ancient times, modern hot sauces began emerging in the 19th century.
- Culinary Pairings: Used to enhance a wide range of dishes, from eggs and meats to cocktails and sweets.
- Nutritional Information: Low in calories; the capsaicin in chili peppers can boost metabolism.
- Cultural Significance: Integral to many cuisines worldwide, particularly in Mexican, Caribbean, and Southern U.S. cooking.
- Interesting Facts: Pharmacist Wilbur Scoville created the Scoville scale, which measures the heat of peppers and hot sauces, in 1912.
95 Additional Foods Starting with H
- Hake
- Halloumi
- Haricot beans
- Harissa
- Hearts of palm
- Hemp seeds
- Hibiscus
- Hickory nuts
- Hog plum
- Hollandaise sauce
- Hominy
- Honeydew melon
- Hops
- Horchata
- Horehound
- Hot pepper
- Huckleberry
- Huevos rancheros
- Hungarian pepper
- Hyacinth bean
- Hyssop
- Hardtack
- Har Gow (shrimp dumplings)
- Huitlacoche
- Haupia
- Haw flakes
- Heirloom tomatoes
- Hen
- Herbal tea
- Herring
- Ho fun noodles
- Hokey pokey ice cream
- Honeybush tea
- Honeycomb
- Hoppin’ John
- Hor fun
- Horse gram
- Hot chocolate
- Hot pot
- Huevos divorciados
- Hungarian sausage
- Hunter’s chicken
- Halva
- Hard cheese
- Haribo
- Hash
- Hawaiian pizza
- Hawthorn berry
- Head cheese
- Heart cherries
- Heavy cream
- Helva
- Hen of the Woods (mushroom)
- Herbes de Provence
- Highball (beverage)
- Himalayan salt
- Hoisin
- Honey fungus
- Honey mustard
- Hor Mok (Thai curry custard)
- Hot mustard
- Hot cross buns
- Hot milk cake
- Hot Toddy
- Huckleback
- Hydroponic vegetables
- Hyuganatsu (Japanese citrus fruit)
- Hallaca
- Harira
- Hasty pudding
- Haute cuisine
- Hemp milk
- High fructose corn syrup
- Hilopites
- Hinava
- Hoki
- Honey garlic sauce
- Horiatiki
- Hot Link sausage
- Huachinango (red snapper)
- Huauzontle
- Hubbard squash
- Huevos motuleños
- Humita
- Hungarian goulash
- Hakusai
- Hardangerlefse
- Hasselback Potatoes
- Havreflarn
- Heartnut
- Heeng (Asafoetida)
- Hemp Hearts
- Herring Roe
- Hibiscus Tea
- Hotaruika (Firefly Squid)
Summing Up
As we conclude our exploration of foods, starting with ‘H,’ we’ve touched on familiar favorites and unique discoveries.
From the classic hamburger to the exotic hotaruika, this list offers a wide array of flavors waiting to be explored.
What should you do next? Try incorporating some of these ingredients into your next meal, share your culinary experiences, or perhaps suggest other intriguing foods that start with ‘H’.
Let’s continue our culinary exploration together and enjoy the diverse tastes these foods bring to our tables.
