Overview
This lesson introduces common English vocabulary to describe food that has gone bad or changed texture, useful for everyday conversations about food quality.
Describing Spoiled or Old Food
- Lettuce that has lost its firmness is called "wilted."
- Potatoes that have started to grow shoots are referred to as "sprouted."
- Canned food that has passed its use-by date is "expired."
- Oil that smells unpleasant or tastes bad is "rancid."
- Cheese with mold growth is described as "moldy."
- Tomatoes that have broken down and decayed are "rotten."
- Milk that has a sour taste or smell is "spoiled."
- Bread that is no longer soft and has become hard is "stale."
Key Terms & Definitions
- Wilted — describes vegetables, especially leafy greens, that have lost their freshness and firmness.
- Sprouted — when tubers like potatoes begin to grow shoots or eyes.
- Expired — food that is past the date set for safe consumption.
- Rancid — describes oils and fats that have developed an unpleasant odor or taste due to oxidation.
- Moldy — food that shows visible growth of fungus, usually appearing as green, white, or blue spots.
- Rotten — food, particularly fruits and vegetables, that has decayed and become unusable.
- Spoiled — dairy or perishable food that is no longer safe to eat, often sour or foul-smelling.
- Stale — baked goods, like bread, that have become hard or dry over time.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice using these vocabulary words in sentences about food at home.
- Review and memorize these terms for describing food quality.