Crudités facts for kids
Various crudités served at a cocktail party
|
|
| Course | Hors d'oeuvre |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | France |
| Main ingredients | Raw vegetables, vinaigrette or dipping sauce |
Crudités (say "kroo-dee-TAY") are a popular and healthy appetizer from France. They are simply a mix of raw, fresh vegetables that are cut into easy-to-eat pieces. People usually enjoy them with a tasty vinaigrette or a special dipping sauce.
Crudités are a great way to eat more vegetables, and they are often served at parties or as a light snack before a meal. They are colorful and crunchy, making them a fun food for everyone!
Contents
What Are Crudités?
Crudités are all about fresh, raw vegetables. The word "crudités" itself means "raw things" in French. These vegetables are usually cut into sticks, slices, or florets, making them perfect for dipping.
Common Crudités Vegetables
Many different vegetables can be used for crudités. Some of the most popular choices include:
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Cucumber sticks
- Bell pepper strips (like red, yellow, or green peppers)
- Small pieces of broccoli
- Small pieces of cauliflower
- Slices of fennel
- Tiny baby corn
- Asparagus spears
These vegetables are chosen because they are delicious when eaten raw and have a nice crunch.
Dipping Sauces for Crudités
The dipping sauce is an important part of crudités! It adds flavor and makes the vegetables even more enjoyable. Common sauces include:
- Vinaigrette: This is a classic French dressing made with oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
- Hummus: A creamy dip made from chickpeas.
- Ranch dressing: A popular creamy, savory dressing.
- Yogurt-based dips: Lighter dips often mixed with herbs and spices.
The sauce you choose can really change the taste of your crudités!
Where Does the Name Come From?
The word "crudités" comes from the French language. It means "raw things." The term first started being used in English around the 1960s. It comes from an older French word, crudité, which appeared in the 14th century. This word, in turn, came from the Latin word cruditas, meaning "rough" or "not cooked." So, the name perfectly describes what crudités are: raw, uncooked vegetables!
