So, your Spanish isn’t great, but you’d like to buy a paleta? Don’t let that stop you! Here’s a pronunciation guide to help you order some of the more difficult flavors (thanks to Jeff Carmack for his assistance with the pronunciation).

English :: ESPAÑOL :: Pronunciation

Tamarind :: Tamarindo :: tam-ma-REEN-do

Pecan :: Nuez :: noo-WAYCE

Watermelon :: Sanda :: san-DEE-uh

Lime :: Limn :: lee-MOAN

Rice pudding :: Arroz :: Ah-ROHS

Strawberry :: Fresa :: FRAY-suh

Spicy cucumber :: Pepino con chile :: peh-PEE-no con CHEE-lay

Guava :: Guayaba :: wye-AH-bah

Pineapple :: Piña :: PEEN-ya

Cantaloupe :: Meln :: meh-LONE

This article appears in September 12 • 2003.

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Mexico City native Claudia Alarcón has made Austin home since 1984. She worked her way through college in the local restaurant industry, graduating from the University of Texas in 1999. She has been a Chronicle contributor for 15 years and presents lectures and workshops on topics related to the foodways of Mexico, both locally and internationally.