szaftos

Szaftos is a Hungarian adjective meaning juicy, succulent, or rich in juice. It describes foods that retain moisture and have a pronounced, savory flavor, especially meat, poultry, and fruit, as well as sauces that are moist and flavorful. The word is formed from the noun szaft, meaning juice or gravy, with the suffix -os, which creates adjectives indicating a quality. The etymology connects szaft to the concept of juice, with possible influences from related German or Slavic terms, but in Hungarian it is an established culinary descriptor.

In usage, szaftos emphasizes moisture and fullness of taste. It is commonly applied to descriptions of steak, roast, stew, or other dishes where juiciness is a key characteristic. Example contexts include: "A szaftos marhahús rendkívül ízletes volt" or "Ez a szaftos sült teljesen lédússá tette az ételt." The term can also appear in figurative senses to convey abundance or vigor in non-culinary contexts, though such usage is less frequent and often more playful.

Related terms include lédús (juicy, slightly broader), zamatos (rich and flavorful), and nedves (moist). An antonym is száraz (dry). In culinary writing and menus, szaftos serves as a vivid, tangible descriptor that helps listeners or readers imagine texture and mouthfeel. It remains one of the common words for conveying moistness and taste in Hungarian food discourse.