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]]>It’s All About Science
When it comes to this taste query, science has some intriguing insights. In short: If cilantro tastes like soap to you, blame it on the genes. Yep, there’s a funky variation in the olfactory receptors of some of us that turns this herb into a soapy nightmare.
Another interesting discovery is that it’s not spread evenly across the globe. In cilantro-loving hotspots like Central America and India, fewer people have this soapy aversion gene. But in East Asia, nearly 20% of the population can’t handle cilantro vibes.
A Bit of Hope
If you’re a cilantro hater, don’t despair just yet. Some studies suggest that if you keep munching on crushed cilantro, you might just flip the script on your taste buds. Still, for many, it’s a case of letting their genetic flavor compass lead the way. Who needs cilantro when you can replace it with a fresh parsley garnish?
In conclusion, next time you’re pondering the cilantro question, remember – it’s not you, it’s your genes. Keep exploring different flavors, and who knows, maybe one day you’ll find yourself in team cilantro after all.
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]]>The post 4 Jaw-Dropping Food Facts That Will Impress Your Friends appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Honey Never Spoils
Ancient sweetener, modern marvel—honey is a food item that, when stored properly, can last indefinitely. Archaeologists have discovered pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible!
Chocolate Was Used as Money
Imagine paying for your groceries with a handful of chocolate bars. In the ancient Aztec civilization, this wasn’t far from reality. Cacao beans, from which chocolate is made, were so highly valued by the Aztecs that they used them as currency.
Peanuts are Not Nuts
Despite their name, peanuts belong to the legume family and are closer relatives to beans and lentils than to actual nuts like almonds or walnuts. Surprise!
Apples are Part of the Rose Family
If you’ve ever admired the beauty of a rose, you might be surprised to learn that apples are a part of the same family. The Rosaceae family includes over 2,500 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees, among which apples hold a sweet spot.
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]]>The post Make Your Own Bread on Real Bread Week appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>What’s Real Bread Week, Anyway?
Real Bread Week isn’t just a carb-rich bread bash (as fun as this may sound). It’s a nationwide celebration of all things fresh and additive-free. Launched in 2010 by the Real Bread Campaign, this week-long event is part of Sustain: The alliance for better food and farming. Their mission? To support the making of wholesome bread made without any additives or preservatives. It’s all about getting back to basics, caring for the environment, and savoring simple pleasures.
Making Homemade Bread on Real Bread Week
This week is a golden opportunity not only to support local bakeries making real, fresh bread; but to actually dabble with making some at home. If you’ve never attempted bread-making in your own kitchen, this may sound intimidating – so here are a few tips to get you started.
- Start Simple: Don’t be intimidated by fancy recipes. Start with a basic bread recipe consisting of flour, water, yeast, and salt. You’ll be amazed at how delicious it can be.
- Get Hands-On: Embrace the knead. There’s something therapeutic about getting your hands dirty and working the dough. Plus, it’s a great arm workout.
- Patience is Key: Let your dough rise at its own pace. Don’t rush the process—good things come to those who wait.
- Share the Love: Homemade bread is the perfect gift. Whip up a loaf for a friend or neighbor and spread the carb-filled joy.
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]]>The post Expiration Dates: is the Ultimate Kitchen Myth Actually False? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>It’s a Date
Unlike what many people think, expiration dates are more like suggestions. They’re a guideline for peak freshness, not a death sentence. Use your senses—smell, look closely, and taste. If it smells okay and looks normal, you’re probably in the clear.
Understand Labels
Understanding labels is key. “Use by” has to do with freshness, while “sell by” is only meant for retailers. It’s not a countdown to the food apocalypse. Learn to understand the language, and you’re likely to save major amounts of food.
Proper Storage
Storing food correctly is a solution to so many things (some say it can even cure the blues). Keep your fridge and pantry well-organized. Cold storage helps slow the aging process, so your food has more shelf life than you think.
Common Sense
Last but not least, trust your instincts. In food, much like in love – if your gut says it’s off, it probably is. Our senses are the ultimate freshness detectors, and they rarely lead us astray.
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]]>The post How Is Raw Fish For Sushi Prepared? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Quality Fish
The first thing that needs to be done is selecting quality fish. When you buy regular salmon at the store, it’s not necessarily the highest quality around, whereas sushi chefs specifically choose the best quality cuts you can find.
Freezing It
Another thing that must be done before using raw fish for sushi is freezing it for a considerable amount of time. This helps kill all of the potential toxins and bacteria that may inhabit the fish.
Fine Cutting
Finally, another thing that separates raw fish in sushi from the rest is the fact that it’s cut by professional sushi chefs. You may not realize this, but just the mere fact that sushi fish is cut a certain influences the way you perceive it, which is why is seems “better” than normal raw fish.
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]]>The post 3 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Caviar appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Caviar Didn’t Start in Russia
Forget what you’ve heard – “caviar” didn’t come from the Russian word “Ikra.” Instead, it comes from the Persian word “khavyar,” meaning ‘egg-bearing’. The journey begins with the Persians in the 4th century, who believed sturgeon fish eggs made them strong. This tradition spread across cultures, keeping the allure of caviar alive.
Caviar Used to Be a Depression Cure
Back in the day, caviar wasn’t just a tasty treat but also used as a remedy for feeling low. Packed with nutrients like calcium, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and a bunch of vitamins, caviar was more than a luxury snack. So, when you enjoy those tiny pearls, know you’re getting more than just deliciousness.
Not All Caviar Was Born Equal
There are actually several, different kinds of caviar, and three main ones: Beluga, the rare and expensive star; Ossetra, a bit easier to find but still fancy, and Sevruga, the most budget-friendly kind. Each type offers a unique flavor, proving that savoring this delicacy doesn’t always mean spending a fortune.
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]]>The post Purple Potatoes are a Fun Way to Upgrade Classic Dishes appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>What Are Purple Potatoes?
Purple potatoes, originating from South America, are part of the same family as regular white potatoes. The difference is that they have a striking deep purple skin and flesh. This color comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that provide various health benefits.
Nutritional Benefits
Purple potatoes are a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins. Their high anthocyanin content has been linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and a lower risk of certain cancers. Plus, they’re also naturally low in calories, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
Cooking with Purple Potatoes
You can use purple potatoes just like regular potatoes in a variety of dishes. Their striking color and slightly nuttier, earthier flavor can make even the most traditional dish feel new and exciting. Roasted purple potatoes are especially delicious and a great place to start your culinary adventure.
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]]>The post Here’s How to Sprout Lentils for Your Salads appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Soak the Lentils
Place the lentils in a clean bowl or a sprouting jar and cover them with water. Use approximately two to three times the amount of water compared to the lentils. Allow the lentils to soak for about 8-12 hours or overnight. This soaking process initiates germination and softens the lentils, making them ready for sprouting. After the soaking period, drain the lentils using a fine-mesh sieve.
Sprouting
Transfer the drained lentils back into the bowl or sprouting jar. Cover the jar with a breathable material, like a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh lid, secured with a rubber band. Place the jar in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
(@plantamaven)Rinse and Drain Daily
For the next few days, rinse the lentils twice a day. Within a day or two, you’ll start noticing tiny sprouts emerging from the lentils. Taste them occasionally to check their progress and stop the sprouting process when they reach your desired level of tenderness and crunchiness. Enjoy!
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]]>The post When You Should Cook With Butter Instead Of Oil appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Butter
Butter has a rich, creamy taste and the depth it adds to dishes. Butter is best in recipes where you want to feel the flavor, such as cookies, pastries, and cakes. It can also be great for stovetop dishes that require a rich buttery taste like risotto, seafood, or even some vegetables. And finally, incorporating butter at the end of cooking to enrich sauces, melt over steaks, or finish pasta dishes for a velvety texture is a great way to go.
Oil
Oil, on the other hand, is great for frying, searing, or stir-frying. Opt for oils with high smoke points to avoid burning and imparting off-flavors. You can also use neutral oils in dishes where the taste of butter isn’t necessary, like in marinades, vinaigrettes, or when cooking Asian cuisines. The butter wouldn’t really add much to the dish.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be afraid to experiment. In fact, sometimes, using a combination of both can offer the best of both worlds—flavor from the butter and the high smoke point of oil.
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]]>The post The Problem With Using Too Much Hot Sauce appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>It Can Affect Your Taste Buds
The main reason people love using hot sauce is because it adds a nice kick to their food. But another way to phrase that is that their dish simply isn’t tasty enough. There’s nothing wrong with adding hot sauce to your food, but when you overdo it, you may eventually have a tough time appreciating your food without it.
Hot sauce is wonderful, but when used too much, it can make your food seem boring and dull on its own. So make sure to use it sparingly!
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