The A-Z of vegetarianism
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M is for...
Macadamia: A soft, round and very nutritious nut, originally from Australia, like the boomerang, but boasting the highest quantity of monounsaturated fats of any nut, unlike the boomerang!
Macaroni: Tubular shaped pasta, not to be confused with the Macarena, a popular Spanish song with accompanying dance, or a macaroon (see below).
Macaroon: Cake or biscuit usually made from almonds or coconut, sugar, and egg-white. Not to be confused with the Macarena or macaroni (see above).
Mace: Spice derived from the seed of the nutmeg tree.
Margarine: A mostly vegetarian, sometimes vegan, alternative to butter, but keep an eye open for fish and other animal oils amongst its ingredients. Margarine is dyed to make it look more like butter because it’s white when manufactured and this is considered unappetising by those in the know. It was illegal to sell coloured margarine in Australia until the 1960s.
Marinade: A liquid, usually made from vinegar or wine with oil, herbs or spices, in which vegetables, tofu and other veggie treats can be soaked in before they are cooked or served.
Marjoram: A sweet flavoured herb. The wild marjoram variety is also known as oregano.
Marzipan: Traditionally made from ground almonds and sugar although it does sometimes contain eggs too. Marzipan is commonly used as a cake decoration but it does include very small traces of cyanide! Very, very small traces though and nowhere near enough to poison you. Not even if you ate 10 packs of the stuff. And that is not a challenge!
Meat-free Monday: An environmental campaign that aims to raise awareness of the climate-changing impact of meat production and consumption. The campaign was launched by Paul McCartney, a patron of the Vegetarian Society.
Meringue: A light, airy, brittle dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar, baked slowly at a very low temperature.
Merino: Breed of sheep that produces a very soft, fine wool sometimes used in clothing made for runners, hikers, climbers, skiers and cyclists. Not to be confused with a former FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and now Real Madrid manager. Due to the inherent cruelty in obtaining Merino wool, through a process which involves mulesing (see below), many high street clothing companies refuse to stock Merino products.
Mezze: A selection of small dishes or appetisers, similar to Tapas and not always suitable for veggies.
Minestrone: A thick hearty soup, originally from Italy, usually made with vegetables and pasta or rice. Unfortunately it’s not always suitable for veggies so best to check when buying readymade!
Mint: Herb originally brought to the UK by the Romans who used it to aid digestion and freshen up their breath. Nowadays mint is used to flavour toothpaste, sweets, drinks, ice cream and many other foodstuffs, cosmetics and toiletries.
Miso: A thick, brown and very salty sauce typically made from fermented soya beans and cooked rice.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): A manufactured food additive, also known as E621, used in many processed foods to supposedly enhance flavours.
Moussaka: A main course, traditionally from Greece, usually made with minced lamb, aubergines, potatoes, sometimes tomatoes, and a white sauce but there are loads of great veggie versions using lentils or veggie mince.
Mozzarella: Cheese, originally from Italy, traditionally made from buffalo milk, but now more commonly from cows. Popular on pizza but don’t forget to check that cheese label as it ’s not always suitable for vegetarians.
Mulesing: Removing strips of skin from a sheep's "back-end" with the aim of reducing the incidence of a disease caused by fly larvae. Deemed cruel by many people, but legal and still common practise in Australia.
Mulligatawny: A curry-flavoured soup, usually including meat but veggie versions are also available.
Mustard: A mild, hot, very hot, or ‘call the fire brigade’ condiment made from the seeds of mustard plants. English mustard is usually hotter than its French and American relatives. Often used in sandwiches, veggie hot dogs and just about anything else you want!
Mutton: Meat from fully grown sheep.
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