Food Facts & Fun

Flavorists are enlisted by food manufacturers to concoct new and improved flavors for food. But how natural is the process?

By Sarah Dowdey

From Mom's apple pie to a healthy afternoon snack, this scrumptious fruit has long been a part of our culture. Learn all about the various baking apples from Granny Smith to McIntosh.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

American french fries have nothing to do with France. It is named for the cooking term frenching, which means to cut in lengthwise strips. Find out more about french fries, including what the are actually called in France.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Flat-leaf parsley, Italian parsley, Chinese parsley, and cilantro - what is the difference? Read this article to find out the answer to all of your parsley questions.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Soy can be found in soy milk, soy cheese products, soy sauce and other foods and can offer many health benefits. It is a good source of protein, it's low in saturated fats and contains no cholesterol. Read this article to learn more about how to add soy to your diet.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Pineapples should smell aromatic and sweet in the supermarket. Read more tips in this article about how to pick a good pineapple.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Sherbet and sorbet are nearly identical in name and ingredients so it's no wonder we often confuse the two. So what makes these two frozen desserts different?

By Sharise Cunningham

Full-bodied wines have a rich, complex, well-rounded flavor that lingers in the mouth. Learn more about the differences of full-bodied wines and other wines in this article.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

If you've ever asked yourself "How many different types of chili pepper are out there and how can I tell which one are hot and which are mild?", you will definitely find your answer in this article.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, turnip greens, arugula, and cauliflower are part of the cabbage family. Learn more about these vegetables and find some recipes for delicious cruciferous dishes.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Soy crumbles serve as a vegetarian alternative to ground beef. It contains a large amount of protein, like meat does, but contains less amounts of fat and cholesterol. Learn more about soy crumbles in this article.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

A sprig is a small piece of an herb used in cooking. Sprigs add a wonderful flavor to cooked dishes, but you should remove the sprig after cooking. Learn more about sprigs here.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Carob is naturally sweeter and can be healthier than cocoa powder, but it can't compete with the flavor of chocolate. Learn more about where it comes from and how to include it in your recipes.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Cilantro is a bright, pungent herb used in Asian, Mexican and Indian cooking. Cilantro specifically refers to the leaves and stems of the coriander plant. Learn more about cilantro here.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Hoisin sauce is made from soybean paste, garlic, chilies, and various spices, and can contain sugar and vinegar. Read this article to learn more about this salty, sweet, and spicy condiment.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Lemon zest imparts a bright and citrusy flavor to both savory and sweet foods. Best of all, it's super simple to make using the right tools and the peel of a lemon.

By Alia Hoyt & Sharise Cunningham

Masa harina is a type of traditional flour used in Mexican cooking to make tortillas, tamales, and other dishes. Read this article to learn more about this versatile flour.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Just one serving of spinach is enough to give you more than 100 percent if your daily vitamin A requirement. Spinach is packed with nutrients and can be used a variety of ways. Find out more about how to clean spinach, ways to use it, and delicious recipes.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Though they have distinct flavors, honey and sugar both contain the same amount of carbohydrates. In healthy cooking, the source of the carbohydrate is not nearly as important as the quantity. Learn more about honey and sugar in a diabetic diet.

By the Editors of Diabetic Cooking Magazine

Wondering whether to use canned vs. fresh jalapeno peppers? Go for the fresh for a stronger flavor. Discover the difference between the different types of peppers, learn more about using peppers in your cooking by trying out these recipes.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Did you ever ask yourself what the difference between jams, jellies, marmalade, and preserves is? Read this article to find out all about these sweet concoctions and how to tell the difference.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Bell peppers are full of nutrients and can be roasted to bring out their inherent sweetness. Learn more about roasting and incorporating them into your favorite recipes.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Rice, the staple of most Asian cuisine, is one of the oldest cultivated grains in the world. Read this article for answers to common rice questions. Learn about the different types of rice and get tips for cooking rice perfectly every time.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Do you know how to make your own salad dressing, or know how to incorporate fresh herbs in your salad? Get answers to common salad questions. This article tells you how to create quick, healthy salads and salad dressings, and how to use fresh herbs.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Why do some dessert recipes call for salt? Is it really necessary to add the salt in there?. Discover answers to a variety of salt questions. This article sheds light on salt's use in desserts, salty soups, and reduced sodium foods.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine