The New Updates To The Associated Press Stylebook Food Guidelines Are….Interesting

Every year, the American Copy Editors Society gathers to discuss and debate everything from grammar to style to even the use of the Oxford comma. But what really is the focus of the conference is the Associated Press Stylebook, which is the style manual used by publications all over the US. It includes the spellings and styles in which words are to be written and used.

This year, the addition to the Stylebook came as a shock to some and amusement to others. While the AP Stylebook may not be used all over the world, it is definitely something to keep in mind when writing for an American publication.

There are eleven changes to the food guidelines of the Stylebook, including entries on ramen, frittata, tiramisu and of course the biggest trending topic of 2016 – avocado toast. But what’s interesting about the definition is that it is described as “toast spread with mashed avocado”. Which could possibly mean that any other kind of avocado presented on toast does not qualify? So far, the most interesting of ‘avocado toast’ trends is the avocado rose served on toast, but with this description, does that mean that it cannot be called that?

What would we call it then?

Here are the other updates, including full descriptions.

Avocado Toast: Toast spread with mashed avocado.

Belgian Waffle: A waffle with deep indentations made in a special waffle maker.

Bone Broth: Stock made with roasted bones.

Chimichurri: Sauce typically containing parsley, garlic, vinegar, olive oil and chili pepper.

Confit: Salt-cured meat, usually duck and goose.

Frittata: Italian dish similar to an omelet, typically made with eggs, vegetables, cheese and/or meat.

Kimchi (updated spelling): Korean pickled vegetables.

Paleo: Short for Paleolithic diet. A diet composed of grass-fed meat, fish and seafood, eggs, nuts, fresh vegetables and fruit, healthy oils, and nuts and seeds. Those who follow a paleo diet avoid legumes, potatoes, processed foods, dairy, refined sugar, cereal grains, refined vegetable oils and salt.

Poke: Hawaiian raw fish salad of cubed fish marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil.

Ramen: Refers to either a type of wheat noodle or a noodle soup dish popular in Japan and elsewhere typically composed of wheat noodles and broth. Can include other ingredients such as pork, egg, vegetables, tofu and seaweed.

Tiramisu: Dessert composed of ladyfingers, coffee, eggs, sugar, mascarpone and cocoa.