"Zesty" and "spicy" are both words we use to describe food with a strong, exciting flavour, but they don't mean exactly the same thing. "Spicy" refers to the presence of chili peppers or other ingredients that create a burning sensation in your mouth – a heat. "Zesty," on the other hand, describes a bright, tangy, and often citrusy flavour. It's more about a lively, refreshing taste than a burning one. Think of the difference between a jalapeño pepper and a lemon: the jalapeño is spicy, the lemon is zesty.

Let's look at some examples to make it clearer:

• Spicy: "The curry was incredibly spicy; it made my eyes water!" (Meaning: The curry was very hot and caused a burning sensation.) Translation: The same

• Zesty: "The salad dressing had a lovely zesty flavour, thanks to the fresh lime juice." (Meaning: The dressing had a bright, tangy taste from the lime.) Translation: The same

• Spicy (with a hint of Zest): "The salsa was both spicy and zesty, a perfect combination of heat and citrus." (Meaning: The salsa had both a burning sensation and a bright, tangy flavour.) Translation: The same

Here's another way to think about it: "Spicy" focuses on the sensation of heat, while "zesty" focuses on a bright, invigorating flavour profile. You might find a spicy dish that isn't zesty at all, and vice versa. A zesty dish might use ingredients like lemons, limes, or oranges to achieve its brightness, while a spicy dish relies on chili peppers, ginger, or other pungent spices for its heat.

Consider these examples:

• Spicy: "The vindaloo was too spicy for me; I couldn't finish it." (Meaning: The vindaloo was excessively hot.) Translation: The same

• Zesty: "The marinade for the chicken was wonderfully zesty, full of herbs and citrus." (Meaning: The marinade had a lively, refreshing taste.) Translation: The same

You can even have a dish that combines both qualities.

Happy learning!