The post Going Bananas: Fun Facts About This Popular Fruit appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Watch out if you’re allergic to bananas, since you might be sensitive to latex, too. It turns out that about half of latex-sensitive folks share a banana allergy, all thanks to tricky proteins hiding inside.
There’s a lot more than one kind of banana! With over 1000 types divided into 50 groups, there’s a unique banana for every palate—from the Cavendish to the Gros Michel.
They’re not just tasty: Research reveals that regularly eating potassium-rich bananas can help against stroke and heart attack risks. They keep your arteries in top shape by fighting stiffness.
Ever wondered why bananas are so slippery? In 2014, a physics team won an Ig Nobel Prize for finding the answer to this question. Apparently, the slipperiness comes from the polysaccharide molecules in the peel.
Monkeys have a totally different banana-peeling playbook compared to humans. Instead of our top-down approach, they go upside-down for easier peeling. Might be worth trying!
The post Going Bananas: Fun Facts About This Popular Fruit appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post The Truth Behind Cilantro: Why Some People Just Can’t Stand It appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>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.
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.
The post The Truth Behind Cilantro: Why Some People Just Can’t Stand It appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post 5 Fascinating Facts About Macarons That’ll Surprise You appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Forget what you thought you knew—macarons actually have Italian roots! Catherine de’ Medici brought these fancy treats to France in the 16th century, and the French took them and ran with them.
Before you make a crucial mistake, macarons and macaroons are two totally different things. While Macarons are made of a mix of almond flour, egg white, and sugar, macaroons are all about dense, coconut-based chewiness.
You might want to sit down for this one—macarons are surprisingly low-calorie, with just 70 to 100 calories per cookie. So go ahead, indulge in all the flavors without the guilt trip.
Thanks to the Ladurée Sucré cookbook, macaron lovers everywhere can now whip up these Insta-worthy treats in their own kitchen. Get ready to flex your baking skills and impress your feed.
Did you know that back in the day, macarons only had a single layer? In the 20th century, they leveled up into double-deckers, adding even more flair to this fancy French favorite.
The post 5 Fascinating Facts About Macarons That’ll Surprise You appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post 3 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Caviar appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>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.
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.
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.
The post 3 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Caviar appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post Fruit Facts to Share at Your Next Dinner Party appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Apples hold significance in many religions and cultures, but do you know how many kinds of apples there actually are? A whopping 7,500! That means that even if you ate a new one every day, it would still take over 20 years to try them all.
There is a saying that goes, “knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.” Although a tomato is botanically a berry due to it being a fleshy fruit with seeds on the inside that developed from a flower with one ovary, the US Supreme Court ruled it a vegetable in 1893.
Most fruits, as we know them, are actually part of other botanical families. Bananas and watermelons, for example, are technically berries, while plums, peaches, and pears are actually members of the rose family.
The post Fruit Facts to Share at Your Next Dinner Party appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post Surprising Uses for Cinnamon in the Kitchen appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>While it’s true that this is cinnamon’s most common application in the kitchen, the reality is that this spice is much more versatile than you might think. Try using it in these three ways, and you might be surprised at how great it works.
Believe it or not, cinnamon is sometimes used as an ingredient in meat sauces by immigrant communities such as the Greek one in the United States. It’s a unique flavor, but this savory taste is actually unexpectedly good especially in a meaty sauce.
During cold weather, one of my favorite ways to prepare pork chops is to bake them with a sweet and savory cinnamon apple sauce. The possibilities are endless for implementing cinnamon in meat dishes, from dry rubs to marinades. Experiment and find what works best for you.
Are you looking to spice up (literally) your coffee in the morning? Adding a bit of cinnamon along with milk and sugar creates a delicious drink that is easy to become addicted to. You don’t have to go to a coffee shop to enjoy unique coffee creations–the key is sometimes as simple as using a kitchen staple like cinnamon.
The post Surprising Uses for Cinnamon in the Kitchen appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post July Food Holidays are Just Around the Corner appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Here are three special food holidays in July that you must put on your calendar!
Let’s be honest: while fried chicken isn’t the healthiest or the fanciest food, it’s hard to deny that it is an absolutely delicious comfort food staple. On July 6th, why not try your own version of Nashville Hot Chicken or head to a local soul food restaurant to enjoy a plate of fried chicken?
Do you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain? If so, National Pina Colada Day on July 10th was made for you! This classic cocktail, in which coconut and rum are the stars of the drink, has the power to transport you to a tropical island no matter where you may be.
Nothing says summer like grilling outside, and National Hamburger Day on July 28th is the perfect excuse to fire up your backyard grill and make burgers for the entire family! Whether you like them vegan, topped with cheese and bacon, or with alternative meats, everyone will find something to enjoy on this day.
The post July Food Holidays are Just Around the Corner appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post Explaining the Different Types of Olive Oil appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>From the highest-quality option of extra-virgin olive oil to the little-known, cheap version of this “liquid gold” which is denominated as being “refined,” there are lots of different options for olive oil buyers. Here is your explanation of the differences between each variety.
Extra-virgin olive oil is the highest quality variety of the product that you can buy. Not treated in any way or altered by chemicals, it retains the essence of the olives that are used to make it. Be careful when using it for cooking, however, as its low smoke means that it can burn easily.
Virgin olive oil is similar to the extra-virgin oil, with the only slight difference being in the content of oleic acid that it contains. It’s also not treated with any type of chemicals or unnatural processes, but might be slightly more astringent and bitter due to the higher acid content.
Refined olive oil, which is often sold as “pure” olive oil, is a lower-quality product than virgin varieties. These “pure” oils are usually made mostly with refined oil, which has been treated to remove impurities and may contain a slight amount of virgin oil. It is, however, a better option for cooking due to its higher smoke point.
The post Explaining the Different Types of Olive Oil appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post Learn How Chocolate is Actually Made appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Chocolate starts off as a cacao bean and to get great tasting chocolate, it’s all about getting the right cacao bean. Like wine, cacao beans are fermented after they are harvested. After the beans arrives at the chocolate factory from farmers around the world, they are cleaned and roasted. The shell is removed from the beans after they are roasted in a process called winnowing, which leaves just the nibs.
The nibs are then ground to create chocolate liquor (which has no actual alcohol) and sugar is added to the melted liquor. The chocolate is then aerated which can last a few hours to a few days. After the chocolate is aerated, the temperature is raised and lowered before it ends up in molds and is cooled. It’s then removed from the mold and wrapped, making it ready to eat!
During this long process, chocolate makers frequently taste the flavor and quality of the chocolate. Although this sounds like any chocolate lover’s dream, it requires lots of knowledge about flavor and texture.
The post Learn How Chocolate is Actually Made appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post Check Out America’s Favorite Candies appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Let’s take a look at the three most popular candies in the United States, according to the poll.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups was the runaway winner in the poll of Americans’ favorite candy. The classic combination of candy and peanut butter is clearly a duo that the country’s citizens absolutely adore.
Snickers came in second with 18% of the vote, a strong showing for the candy bar that combines chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and nougat. Who doesn’t love a delicious Snickers bar, anyway?
M&M’s, which are now available in a never-ending variety of flavors including peanut butter, hazelnut spread, and even mint, clock in at third on the list. An American favorite since 1941, when it was introduced to the market, these small candies continue to enjoy great popularity.
The post Check Out America’s Favorite Candies appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post Going Bananas: Fun Facts About This Popular Fruit appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Watch out if you’re allergic to bananas, since you might be sensitive to latex, too. It turns out that about half of latex-sensitive folks share a banana allergy, all thanks to tricky proteins hiding inside.
There’s a lot more than one kind of banana! With over 1000 types divided into 50 groups, there’s a unique banana for every palate—from the Cavendish to the Gros Michel.
They’re not just tasty: Research reveals that regularly eating potassium-rich bananas can help against stroke and heart attack risks. They keep your arteries in top shape by fighting stiffness.
Ever wondered why bananas are so slippery? In 2014, a physics team won an Ig Nobel Prize for finding the answer to this question. Apparently, the slipperiness comes from the polysaccharide molecules in the peel.
Monkeys have a totally different banana-peeling playbook compared to humans. Instead of our top-down approach, they go upside-down for easier peeling. Might be worth trying!
The post Going Bananas: Fun Facts About This Popular Fruit appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post The Truth Behind Cilantro: Why Some People Just Can’t Stand It appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>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.
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.
The post The Truth Behind Cilantro: Why Some People Just Can’t Stand It appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post 5 Fascinating Facts About Macarons That’ll Surprise You appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Forget what you thought you knew—macarons actually have Italian roots! Catherine de’ Medici brought these fancy treats to France in the 16th century, and the French took them and ran with them.
Before you make a crucial mistake, macarons and macaroons are two totally different things. While Macarons are made of a mix of almond flour, egg white, and sugar, macaroons are all about dense, coconut-based chewiness.
You might want to sit down for this one—macarons are surprisingly low-calorie, with just 70 to 100 calories per cookie. So go ahead, indulge in all the flavors without the guilt trip.
Thanks to the Ladurée Sucré cookbook, macaron lovers everywhere can now whip up these Insta-worthy treats in their own kitchen. Get ready to flex your baking skills and impress your feed.
Did you know that back in the day, macarons only had a single layer? In the 20th century, they leveled up into double-deckers, adding even more flair to this fancy French favorite.
The post 5 Fascinating Facts About Macarons That’ll Surprise You appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post 3 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Caviar appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>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.
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.
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.
The post 3 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Caviar appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post Fruit Facts to Share at Your Next Dinner Party appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Apples hold significance in many religions and cultures, but do you know how many kinds of apples there actually are? A whopping 7,500! That means that even if you ate a new one every day, it would still take over 20 years to try them all.
There is a saying that goes, “knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.” Although a tomato is botanically a berry due to it being a fleshy fruit with seeds on the inside that developed from a flower with one ovary, the US Supreme Court ruled it a vegetable in 1893.
Most fruits, as we know them, are actually part of other botanical families. Bananas and watermelons, for example, are technically berries, while plums, peaches, and pears are actually members of the rose family.
The post Fruit Facts to Share at Your Next Dinner Party appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post Surprising Uses for Cinnamon in the Kitchen appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>While it’s true that this is cinnamon’s most common application in the kitchen, the reality is that this spice is much more versatile than you might think. Try using it in these three ways, and you might be surprised at how great it works.
Believe it or not, cinnamon is sometimes used as an ingredient in meat sauces by immigrant communities such as the Greek one in the United States. It’s a unique flavor, but this savory taste is actually unexpectedly good especially in a meaty sauce.
During cold weather, one of my favorite ways to prepare pork chops is to bake them with a sweet and savory cinnamon apple sauce. The possibilities are endless for implementing cinnamon in meat dishes, from dry rubs to marinades. Experiment and find what works best for you.
Are you looking to spice up (literally) your coffee in the morning? Adding a bit of cinnamon along with milk and sugar creates a delicious drink that is easy to become addicted to. You don’t have to go to a coffee shop to enjoy unique coffee creations–the key is sometimes as simple as using a kitchen staple like cinnamon.
The post Surprising Uses for Cinnamon in the Kitchen appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post July Food Holidays are Just Around the Corner appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Here are three special food holidays in July that you must put on your calendar!
Let’s be honest: while fried chicken isn’t the healthiest or the fanciest food, it’s hard to deny that it is an absolutely delicious comfort food staple. On July 6th, why not try your own version of Nashville Hot Chicken or head to a local soul food restaurant to enjoy a plate of fried chicken?
Do you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain? If so, National Pina Colada Day on July 10th was made for you! This classic cocktail, in which coconut and rum are the stars of the drink, has the power to transport you to a tropical island no matter where you may be.
Nothing says summer like grilling outside, and National Hamburger Day on July 28th is the perfect excuse to fire up your backyard grill and make burgers for the entire family! Whether you like them vegan, topped with cheese and bacon, or with alternative meats, everyone will find something to enjoy on this day.
The post July Food Holidays are Just Around the Corner appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post Explaining the Different Types of Olive Oil appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>From the highest-quality option of extra-virgin olive oil to the little-known, cheap version of this “liquid gold” which is denominated as being “refined,” there are lots of different options for olive oil buyers. Here is your explanation of the differences between each variety.
Extra-virgin olive oil is the highest quality variety of the product that you can buy. Not treated in any way or altered by chemicals, it retains the essence of the olives that are used to make it. Be careful when using it for cooking, however, as its low smoke means that it can burn easily.
Virgin olive oil is similar to the extra-virgin oil, with the only slight difference being in the content of oleic acid that it contains. It’s also not treated with any type of chemicals or unnatural processes, but might be slightly more astringent and bitter due to the higher acid content.
Refined olive oil, which is often sold as “pure” olive oil, is a lower-quality product than virgin varieties. These “pure” oils are usually made mostly with refined oil, which has been treated to remove impurities and may contain a slight amount of virgin oil. It is, however, a better option for cooking due to its higher smoke point.
The post Explaining the Different Types of Olive Oil appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post Learn How Chocolate is Actually Made appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Chocolate starts off as a cacao bean and to get great tasting chocolate, it’s all about getting the right cacao bean. Like wine, cacao beans are fermented after they are harvested. After the beans arrives at the chocolate factory from farmers around the world, they are cleaned and roasted. The shell is removed from the beans after they are roasted in a process called winnowing, which leaves just the nibs.
The nibs are then ground to create chocolate liquor (which has no actual alcohol) and sugar is added to the melted liquor. The chocolate is then aerated which can last a few hours to a few days. After the chocolate is aerated, the temperature is raised and lowered before it ends up in molds and is cooled. It’s then removed from the mold and wrapped, making it ready to eat!
During this long process, chocolate makers frequently taste the flavor and quality of the chocolate. Although this sounds like any chocolate lover’s dream, it requires lots of knowledge about flavor and texture.
The post Learn How Chocolate is Actually Made appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>The post Check Out America’s Favorite Candies appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>Let’s take a look at the three most popular candies in the United States, according to the poll.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups was the runaway winner in the poll of Americans’ favorite candy. The classic combination of candy and peanut butter is clearly a duo that the country’s citizens absolutely adore.
Snickers came in second with 18% of the vote, a strong showing for the candy bar that combines chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and nougat. Who doesn’t love a delicious Snickers bar, anyway?
M&M’s, which are now available in a never-ending variety of flavors including peanut butter, hazelnut spread, and even mint, clock in at third on the list. An American favorite since 1941, when it was introduced to the market, these small candies continue to enjoy great popularity.
The post Check Out America’s Favorite Candies appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.
]]>