Words that start with P

A pergola is a structure made of wood in a crosshatch pattern which can be used for shade or growing hanging plants or vines on.

Periwinkles are a type of edible sea snail. They are found in the shallow water on rocky beaches all over the world.

Persian cats are one of the oldest longhaired cat breeds. They are originally from Persia (now Iran). Persians come in a wide variety of colours, and have a distinctive flat face. Persian is also a language spoken in a number of countries.

Persimmons are an orange fruit with a sweet, tangy flavour. The variety most commonly grown is native to China. They must be completely ripe before they can be eaten, as the immature fruit is very bitter. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or used to make foods like desserts or even fermented to make vinegar. The main variety now grown commercially and in home gardens in New Zealand is Fuyu. This is a non-astringent variety and is best eaten while it is still crisp - like an apple.

Pesto is a sauce made in a mortar and pestle. It is made by grinding up basil, garlic and coarse salt, then adding pine nuts and olive oil and mixing it all together. Pesto is usually served simply by stirring it through some pasta.