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Food Facts & Fun
Food Facts is a listing of articles that teaches you how all types of foods, drinks and diets work.
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The Halifax Donair Is Canada's Kitschiest Sandwich You've Never Heard Of
Canada isn't a country known for its cuisine. But there is one sandwich from Halifax with a cultlike following that you just have to try to believe.
Find a Gold Ticket, Win a Candy Factory. For Real
If you've ever dreamt of living out 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' now's your chance — golden ticket hunt, winning a candy factory and all.
Never Heard of the Slightly Boozy Old-time Drink Cronk? You Will
Cronk was a mildly alcoholic beverage, popular from about 1840 to 1910, that's once more being brewed and just might become a sensation again.
Prunes: They're Not Just For Pooping
Sure, eating prunes can help you have regular bowel movements, but these sweet dried plums can also help you build — and maintain — strong bones.
Why the Mint Julep Is the Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby
The mint julep is as synonymous with the Kentucky Derby as big hats and seersucker suits. But how did this simple drink from the 1700s wind up at the world's most famous horse race?
Cheerios: 8 Fun Facts About Making Oats Into O's
This iconic cereal has a long and fun history. For instance, its original name wasn't even Cheerios.
When to Cook With Tamari Instead of Soy Sauce
Is the difference between soy sauce and tamari like the difference between ketchup and catsup – in name only? Not at all, and we'll tell you why.
5 Sweet and Healthy Uses for Honey
Honey has been used as medicine for millennia and, in this century, the old remedies seem to be holding up to science.
Ube Is the Totally Instagrammable Tuber That's Also Good For You
Ube is a sweet species of yam that stands out because of its vivid purple color and sweet, creamy taste.
Who Invented the Fortune Cookie?
You crack open the fortune cookie at the end of your meal and ... well, it may not exactly tell your future, but who doesn't secretly hope it promises something fabulous?
Farro Is an Ancient Grain Having a Modern Revival
Farro is a grain you may not be familiar with, but it's been around a long time, it's incredibly versatile and it's oh so good for you, so what's not to like?
What Are Hot Dogs Made Of?
Hot dogs are about as American as baseball and apple pie. You know you love them, but do you know what's actually in them?
What Does Cardamom, the 'Queen of Spices,' Taste Like?
One of the most expensive spices in the world, cardamom is native to India, Bhutan and Nepal and has a rich, intoxicating flavor used in sweet and savory dishes and teas worldwide.
The Maillard Reaction and the Science of Browning Foods
The Maillard reaction is the scientific process that makes your steak (and other foods) taste and smell delicious. So, how does that work? We'll explain.
The Once-banned Gooseberry Has Made a Comeback in the U.S.
The U.S. banned the gooseberry back in the early 1900s because it was a host for white pine blister rust disease. But now few states prohibit the tart berry, so eat up!
When Bad Watermelons Explode on Good People
Yes – it could happen to you, good person. KABOOM! It's fairly rare, but a potentially catastrophic rind failure lurks under the green-striped shell of every seemingly innocent watermelon in the produce aisle.
What's the Difference Between Snow Crab and King Crab?
Size is the most obvious difference between king and snow crab, but the distinctions don't end there. We'll tell you what makes each crab special.
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Instant Carbonated Ice Cream
Yep – carbonated ice cream that doesn't have to be shipped frozen could be a win-win for both environmentalists and ice cream lovers everywhere.
How Carmine, the Red Dye Made From Bugs, Makes It Into Your Food
Carmine, a natural red dye also known as cochineal extract, is indeed made from the crushed bodies of the cochineal bug. And it provides the color for many of the foods we eat.
How Gin Works
In the 18th century, gin was considered as addictive as crack. Then it became part of a cure-all for tropical ailments. Oh, and let's not forget its starring role in Prohibition. Bathtub gin, anyone?
Why Saffron Is More Expensive Than Gold
It takes up to 170,000 individual flowers to yield just 1 pound of saffron, and each individual strand, or stigma, is painstakingly picked from the flower by hand.
The Surprising Reason Why Vanilla Is So Expensive
Vanilla is probably the most popular flavoring out there, but most of what we consume is the imitation variety as the real extract is pricey. What accounts for the high cost? And is it worth it?
Why You'll Go Bananas for Mangosteens
Sometimes referred as the 'queen of fruit,' the mangosteen has a soft white interior, a mild taste and is notoriously difficult to find in the U.S. Here's why.
Must-have Bar Essentials to Make Killer Cocktails at Home
You don't have to go out to have a killer cocktail if you have a killer bar setup at home. We'll tell you exactly what you need to make it happen.
How Gin and Tonic Became the Ultimate Cocktail Combo
The gin and tonic, that cool, fresh, citrusy summer delight, has a long and romantic history, beginning with its use as a "cure" for malaria.
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