minor ingredient

[/ˈmaɪnər ɪnˈɡridiənt/]
nounpl: minor ingredients
ingrediente secundário
1. A substance or component used in small quantities in the preparation of food, medicine, or other products
Salt is a minor ingredient in this cake recipe.
Sal é um ingrediente secundário nesta receita de bolo.
2. An element that plays a less significant role compared to main or primary components
Vanilla extract is a minor ingredient that adds subtle flavor.
Extrato de baunilha é um ingrediente secundário que adiciona um sabor sutil.
In Brazilian culinary culture, the distinction between major and minor ingredients is important in traditional recipes. Portuguese cuisine similarly emphasizes proportions. In American cooking, the term is commonly used in recipe writing and food manufacturing. The concept reflects broader cooking traditions where certain foundational ingredients (like garlic, onion, olive oil) are considered major, while enhancing flavors (spices, extracts) are minor.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
secondary ingredientauxiliary ingredienttrace ingredientsupporting ingredient
Antonyms / Antônimos
major ingredientprimary ingredientmain ingredientkey ingredient

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ingrediente secundário
Standard usage in cooking and food contexts
Rio de Janeiro
ingrediente de menos
Colloquial expression meaning 'ingredient of less importance'
São Paulo
ingrediente secundário
Standard formal usage in culinary and commercial contexts
Portugal
ingrediente secundário
Standard usage; Portuguese may also use 'ingrediente complementar'

Related Words

ingredientrecipeadditivecomponentseasoningflavoring

Related Idioms & Phrases

just a pinch of
a touch of
a hint of
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