The Q is an interesting letter when it comes to food. For starters, there is a popular saying that you never want to eat Q’s (i.e., quiche, which is basically an egg pie). But there are plenty of other tasty foods that start with Q, from the quail eggs to the exotic quinoa.
Let’s take a look at some of the best snacks that start with Q, and don’t let the letter fool you—a lot of them are among the healthiest foods on the planet.
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1. Quahog
Quahogs are a type of hard-shelled clam native to Rhode Island, the state also known as the “Ocean State”.
They’re a staple to Rhode Island culture, which is why they’re named the state shellfish, and the clam’s shell is also used on the Rhode Island state flag.
These clams are also known as chowders, and are a traditional Rhode Island delicacy.
2.Quail
The quail is a small gamebird, originally from Europe, but today also a popular breed in the Americas. The quail is a member of the pheasant family and can be found in both large and small sizes, the large variety being the most popular for eating.
While quail are not a common bird to raise in your backyard, you can still catch a glimpse of them in your local wild, they are very good at hiding, their coloring helps with this.
Quail eggs are a popular treat and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are a favorite in Chinese recipes. The meat of the quail is a popular addition to many meals, it makes a great sandwich or wrap.
3. Quail Egg
If you’re going to a party and want to impress someone with a bite-sized hors d’oeuvre, look no further than the quail egg.
Quail eggs are smaller than chicken eggs, but just as flavorful. While they are often eaten raw or in a caviar-like form, they really shine when cooked.
Try tossing some quail eggs into a quiche or omelet, or scrambling them into an egg scramble with a little cream or milk.
4. Quaker
Even though the name “Quaker” has been associated with oatmeal for decades, the company’s origins actually trace back to 17th century England, where the religious group was known for its peaceful meetings.
In fact, the company’s first real product was arrowroot biscuits, which were sold to help finance the community’s charitable work. Sounds a lot like a modern-day food company, doesn’t it?
5. Quandong
Little known to Australians, quandong is the edible fruit of an Australian tree that belongs to the same family as mangoes. A native of Western Australia, quandong was eaten by the Aborigines for thousands of years before the Europeans arrived.
However, the fruit was never cultivated commercially, so its availability was limited to the wild harvest. The fruit is a nut in the stone fruit family, similar to a pecan. The fruit is high in protein and fiber, contains just 3 percent sugar and is a good source of vitamin C.
6. Quark
The quark is a fresh cheese product similar to cottage cheese, originating in Central Europe. It is made from skimmed milk, and is similar to fromage frais and Greek yogurt.
Quark is made from skimmed milk, similar to that used to make kefir. It is a soft cheese, slightly tangy, and similar in taste to Greek yogurt.
7. Queen Soda
Some of our favorite sodas are the more rare and obscure flavors: the Lemon-Lime Seltzer Company comes out with a new flavor every year, and their Pistachio Cream soda is a perennial favorite.
Another tasty, but hard to find, soda pop is Queen , a limited edition soda made by Dr Pepper Snapple Group and available only in specific areas. Queen is a vanilla cream soda that some say tastes like a creamier version of a vanilla Coke.
The best part about Queen is that it’s a limited edition soda that comes out once a year, so you have to try it before it goes away again.
8. Quesadilla
If you’re like most Americans, you probably think of quesadillas as cheesy, gooey and delicious, the perfect easy meal for a busy weeknight.
While that’s a perfectly accurate description, it’s not all quesadillas have to offer.
In fact, you can turn this delicious dish into a healthy choice, so you can fill up without worrying about going overboard on calories and fat. The secret is the type of tortilla you choose.
9. Queso Dip
Queso dip is a hearty, cheesy, spicy dip that’s perfect for game day, fiestas, and everything in between. Serve it with tortilla chips, veggies, or spread it on a sandwich or wrap for a quick lunch or dinner.
It will keep in the fridge for about a week, so you can make a big batch and then reheat it as necessary.
10. Quiche
Quiche is a savory, often creamy, tart made of a pastry shell filled with eggs, cheese, meat, vegetables, and/or seafood. Originally made in France, the word “quiche” comes from the German word “Kuchen”, meaning cake.
Quiches are similar to tarts, but while tarts are made with a pastry shell that is baked before being filled, quiches are made with pastry dough that is filled with the fillings, then baked.
The first quiche was made in Lorraine, France, and was shaped like a tart, but with a custard filling. Quiches are usually baked in a pastry crust that is partially baked before the custard is poured in.
11. Quick bread
A quick bread is a bread that does not require kneading or rising time before cooking. The batter is brought together quickly and then baked.
The batter is typically less stiff than a batter for yeast bread and is poured into a pan or mold and cooked in a similar manner to quick-breads such as muffins.
“Quick bread” is a broad term that can be used to describe a variety of breads that are cooked in a pan, including cornbread and corn muffins. Other breads that are considered quick breads are banana bread, zucchini bread, pumpkin bread, and sweet potato bread.
12. Quick Oats
Quick oats are a whole grain, which, like all whole grains, contain plenty of fiber, B vitamins, and magnesium. They’re also a good source of protein, calcium, iron, and potassium, and have a high energy content. What’s more, they have a lower glycemic index than rolled oats, so they help you feel full for longer.
13. quince
Quince is a fruit that is native to Iran, and belongs to the same family as apples, apricots, and pears.
Quince is a fruit with a tough, yellow-green skin that turns red when made into jam or jelly. Its flavor has been described as a cross between apples and pears, and it’s usually cooked before eating to soften its tough flesh.
In the past, cooks have used quince to season roasts and stews, as well as to brew a refreshing hot drink.
14. Quinoa
Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) has been around for thousands of years, but it was only introduced to the North American market a few years ago. It is an ancient grain that is related to spinach and beets, and contains not only protein, but also iron, zinc, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
It’s a great alternative to rice and other grains, and is easy to cook—a bonus for busy moms, since it can be prepared in the same amount of time it takes to cook rice. Quinoa can be used as a side dish, but it also works well in main dishes, soups, and salads.
