appetizer

The etymology from appetizer takes us to late latin aperitīvus, which refers to that which shows a tendency to open. This word, in turn, derives from aperīre (translatable, precisely, as "to open").

What adjective, aperitif qualifies the product that is used for the appetite opening (the desire or desire to eat). In any case, its use as a noun is more common, alluding to the food and drink that are ingested before the main course.

Snacks are foods that are eaten before the main meal.

The aperitif as a snack

The aperitif can be considered as a snack or a refreshment that is consumed before lunch or dinner. Its characteristics depend on each region since they are associated with traditions and cultural issues.

Although in some countries the snacks are usually consumed daily, in others they are only eaten on holidays or on certain dates. It is usually about small portions of food that are enjoyed while preparing or waiting for the main meal.

The tapas, the skewers, the montaditos, the Canapes, the sandwiches and the snacks or snack are some of the most common appetizers. Sausages, cheeses Y cold cuts they are also part of this set.

Options by region

In SpainFor example, the appetizers are a classic. The tapas or potato omelette skewers (potato omelette), the spicy potatoes (Spicy potatos), the anchovies in vinegar and the fried squid they are very popular appetizers.

Mexican food, meanwhile, usually includes snacks known as nachos as an aperitif. These tortilla chips from corn they are fried and served with melted cheese. Another possibility is to accompany the nachos with guacamole.

If we focus on Argentina, the most famous aperitif is the chopped. It consists of numerous small-sized containers or plates with salami (salami), Jamon, mortadella, olives, cheese Y peanuts (peanuts), to name a few possibilities.

Aperitivo is also the name given to the drink that accompanies this type of food.

Drinks considered appetizers

As we already indicated at the beginning of this article, the concept of aperitif can name the drink that accompanies this kind of food. In general, the aperitif is an alcoholic drink that is served very cold.

The vermouth or vermouth it is among the most frequent appetizers. This wine-based liqueur is prepared with various bitter ingredients, such as wormwood (in fact, the term vermouth comes from the German Wermut, which refers to this plant).

Many vermouths are known for their Mark. We can name Cinzano, which is sold in three versions: white vermouth (Cinzano bianco), red vermouth (Cinzano rosso) and dry vermouth (Cinzano Extra Dry). Gancia Y Campari are other recognized appetizers.

The concept in medicine

It is interesting to mention that, long ago, the notion of aperitif was used in the field of medicine. That was the name of that used for the treatment of obstructions, which allowed the reopening of the conduits that flow through the fluids.

In this framework, it was also considered that certain spirits made with herbs were digestive. These beverages were believed to have gastrointestinal properties, something that is currently often debated and questioned by many doctors.