A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Huitlacoche
Learn how to pronounce the Mexican corn fungus huitlacoche with this simple guide to the Aztec-derived term.
huitlacoche
WEET-luh-KOH-chay
/ˌwiːt.ləˈkoʊ.tʃeɪ/ · huit · la · co · che
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It is often referred to as Mexican truffle due to its earthy, savory flavor profile. Use it when ordering quesadillas or soups that feature the dark, flavorful fungus.
Where the word comes from
The word comes from Classical Nahuatl, likely derived from 'cuitlacochin', referring to the smut fungus that grows on corn ears.
Common ways people get it wrong
- HUIT-luh-kosh English speakers often try to force a French-style 'sh' sound at the end, but the 'che' is a distinct 'chay' sound.
- HUIT-la-ko-chee Avoid adding an 'ee' sound to the end; the final vowel is a clear 'ay' as in 'day'.
Frequently asked
Is the H silent in huitlacoche?
Yes, in standard Spanish pronunciation, the initial H is silent. You start the word with the 'wee' sound.
What does huitlacoche taste like?
It has a deep, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor often compared to mushrooms or corn. It is considered a delicacy in Mexican cuisine.
Should I capitalize huitlacoche?
No, it is a common noun and does not require capitalization unless it appears at the start of a sentence. It is treated like any other food ingredient.
