Food Facts & Fun

The world really has two different meanings for the word fruit. There is the use of the word when you go to the grocery store, and then there's the use of the word by a botanist. Find out if tomatoes make the cut.

As it turns out, beer is not the only factor in the 'beer goggles' effect. And scientists have come up with a fancy formula to prove it -- and let you calculate just how far off you are.

By Julia Layton

Olive oil is one of the most versatile ingredients you'll find at the grocery store. Knowing how it gets from the tree to your table will help you understand how to get the most out of it.

By Gayle A. Alleman

Sure, you could buy garlic at the store. But it's just as easy to grow your own, and it keeps for months. Find out how to plant, harvest and store garlic.

By Gayle A. Alleman

Vinegar is a must-have ingredient for vinaigrettes, marinades, food preservation, or any recipe that needs a little extra kick. You'll be astounded at all the things this seemingly simple condiment can do.

By Gayle A. Alleman

A study published recently in the online version of the journal Nature has been called the "Holy Grail of aging research." Find out if obese humans should switch from white wine to red wine."

By Julia Layton

Good wine is one of life's greatest pleasures. Whether you are a novice or a connoisseur, enjoying a glass of wine can be a sublime experience. Learn the basics of enjoying wine.

By Steve Pitcher

Coming together with a group of fellow wine enthusiasts is a fantastic way to exercise your tasting muscles. Read this article for the details you need to host the perfect wine tasting.

By Steve Pitcher

The main differences between espresso coffee and drip coffee are the fineness of the grind and the brewing time. Read this article to learn about the differences between drip and espresso coffee.

Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy sauce or dressing that is made of oil, egg yolks, lemon juice or vinegar, and seasonings. It's not the same as salad dressing, which doesn't contain egg yolks and is generally sweeter than mayonnaise.

Read this article to find out just how can you make a wine glass sing with video instructions and more.

Ever wondered why people tap on soda cans before opening them? They do this to avoid a soda can explosion, but does it really help or is it a myth?

You know you love the salty goodness of a potato chip, but where did the potato chip come from? Learn the history behind this salty treat.

Fall's official beverage, as some call it, is seriously lacking in pumpkin and spices.

By Alia Hoyt

As the saying goes, there's no use crying over spilled milk. But many of us shed tears over onions. What prompts this weird physiological reaction?

By Cristen Conger

How do beermakers know how much alcohol is in the beer? And what is the difference between percent alcohol by volume and by weight?

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Olestra is a synthetic fat used in certain food products. Find out what it's made of and whether it's safe for you.

I've enjoyed Thousand Island salad dressing for years, and I've always wondered how it got its name. For that matter, how did ranch dressing get its name? Is French dressing really from France? And what is in those dressings?

Maybe you've tried this game of biting down on a wintergreen candy in the dark and looking in the mirror and seeing a spark. Where do those sparks come from?

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Ever wondered why a popsicle is called a quiescently frozen confection"? Confused as to what quiescently frozen confection even means? Find out your answers to these questions.

I love decaffeinated coffee, but I've always wondered how they get the caffeine out of a coffee bean. How are coffee, tea and colas decaffeinated?

When I open a can of Guinness or some of the other upscale beers from Europe, I notice that a plastic ball shaped widget inside the tin releases gas to aerate the beer. How does this work?

Why is it called a "hamburger" when there is no ham in it? Find out the answer to this meat mystery here.

When a food is labeled as Kosher, it means that the food has been prepared in accordance with the rules of food preparation set forth in the old testament of the Bible and formalized in Jewish law.

Ever wanted to know what a Rice Krispy is? Read this article to find out what Rice Krispy is made out of and how they make them.