Today I thought I would do a fun post. Here are five fun facts about food that you can use for dinner conversation over the holidays.
Did you know that the cream inside a Twinkie not actually cream?
The specific ingredients in the Twinkie cream filling include wheat flour, sugar, water, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, dextrose, and various flavorings. The filling is made by combining these ingredients together and then injecting it into the baked cakes during the manufacturing process.
Why does Cilantro taste like soap to some people?
Cilantro can taste like soap to some people due to a genetic variation in olfactory-receptor genes. (olfactory-receptor gene cluster OR6A2). These individuals have a heightened sensitivity to the soapy-flavored aldehydes found in cilantro leaves, causing them to perceive a strong soap-like taste. This genetic quirk is not present in everyone and is usually the main reason why cilantro tastes unpleasant to certain individuals.
Why is some Cheese orange?
Cheese can be orange for different reasons depending on the type of cheese. In the case of cheddar cheese, the orange color is often attributed to the addition of an ingredient called annatto, which is a natural dye. Annatto is derived from the seeds of the achiote tree and is commonly used to impart a yellow-orange color to cheese, butter, and other food products.
The tradition of coloring cheddar cheese can be traced back to the 17th century in England. At that time, the color of cheddar cheese varied depending on the season. In the summer, when cows grazed on grass, the cheese tended to have a deeper yellow color due to the higher levels of carotene from the grass. In the winter months, when cows were fed hay, the cheese would appear paler. To maintain a consistent color throughout the year, cheesemakers began adding annatto to cheddar cheese to achieve the desired orange hue.
It is worth noting that not all cheddar cheese is orange, as some producers opt for natural white cheddar without the addition of annatto.
Please keep in mind that the use of annatto and the reasons for the orange color may vary depending on the specific type of cheese. Different cheeses can be colored with natural or artificial additives or may have their color naturally derived from the diet of the animals producing the milk.
Why do cranberries float?
Cranberries have a unique property that causes them to float in water. This is due to small air pockets inside the cranberries' flesh, which make them buoyant. When cranberries are harvested, they are usually grown in wet bogs or marshes, and the air pockets within the cranberries enable them to float on the water's surface. This quality is advantageous for harvesting, as it allows farmers to easily collect the floating cranberries using special equipment.
Additionally, the air pockets within cranberries also serve as a natural protective mechanism. Since cranberries are quite delicate, the air pockets act as cushions, reducing the risk of damage during transportation or when they fall from the plant onto the ground.
Do You Have Mageirocophobia?
Mageirocophobia is the term used to describe a specific phobia, which is the irrational fear or aversion towards cooking. It is derived from Greek words, with "mageiro" meaning "cook" and "phobia" meaning "fear."
Hmmm, I wonder if this is what my kids have??
But back to the phobia, it can actually be very serious.
Phobias can significantly impact people's lives, making it difficult for them to engage in everyday activities, such as preparing meals or participating in social gatherings involving food. Remember that phobias are treatable, and with the right support and treatment, individuals can learn to manage and overcome their fears.
Have fun with facts and hope they start a great conversation on food.
Danni