Food Facts & Tips
♦ An herb is from the leaf of a plant. A spice is from the seed, bark, root, berry, or bulb. (source: 1)
♦ There are over 20,000 species of edible plants in the world. However, just 20 species provide 90% of human food. (source: 2)
♦ Watermelons are actually vegetables and are related to squash, cucumbers, and pumpkins.
♦ Pumpkin flowers are edible.
♦ Soy sauce has 10 times more antioxidants than red wine. (source: 3)
♦ In ancient Greece, a dinner host would take the first sip of wine to assure guests the wine was not poisoned, hence the phrase “drinking to one’s health.” “Toasting” started in ancient Rome when the Romans continued the Greek tradition but started dropping a piece of toasted bread into each wine glass to temper undesirable tastes or excessive acidity. (source: 4)
♦ Richer, heavier foods usually go well with richer, heavier wines; lighter foods demand light wines. Additionally, red wine typically is served with red meat, white wine with white meat and fish, and sweet wine with desserts. (source: 5)
♦ It is traditional to first serve lighter wines and then move to heavier wines throughout a meal. Additionally, white wine should be served before red, younger wine before older, and dry wine before sweet. (source:6 )
♦ Popcorn has more protein than any other cereal grain. It also has more iron than eggs or roast beef. It has more fiber than pretzels or potato chips. (source:7 )
♦ Researchers have found no link between acne and chocolate. In fact, German researchers suggest that flavonoids in chocolate absorb UV light, which help protect and increase blood flow to the skin, ultimately improving its appearance. (source: 8)
♦ Lemons have more sugar than strawberries. (source: 9 )
♦ Research suggests that dark chocolate boosts memory, attention span, reaction time, and problem-solving skills by increasing blood flow to the brain. Studies have also found that dark chocolate can improve the ability to see in low-contrast situations (such as poor weather) and promote lower blood pressure, which has positive effects on cholesterol levels, platelet function, and insulin sensitivity. (source: 10)
♦ To keep parsley fresh, place it in a mason jar and make sure the lid is closed tight. Parsley will stay fresh for quite some time like this.
♦ In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient for the crust of pies, not the filling. (source: 11)
♦ Colonists sliced off pumpkin tops; removed seeds and filled the insides with milk, spices and honey. This was baked in hot ashes and is the origin of pumpkin pie. (source: 12)
♦ Native Americans flattened strips of pumpkins, dried them and made mats. (source: 13)
Source:
(1) http://Chace, Teri. The Anxious Gardner’s Book of Answers. Portland, OR: Timber Press, 2012.
(2) http://Plants for a Future.” PFAF. 2012. Accessed: May 17, 2015
(3) http://”Dark Soy Sauce Healthier Than Red Wine.” Soy Connection. June 3, 2006. Accessed: July 31, 2016
(4) http://Joseph, Robert and Margaret Rand. Kiss: Guide to Wine. New York, NY: Dorling Kindersley, 2000
(5) http://Bonadies, Michael. Sip By Sip: An Insiders Guide to Learning All about Wine. New York, NY: Doubleday Dell Publishing Books, 1998.
(6) http://Joseph, Robert and Margaret Rand. Kiss: Guide to Wine. New York, NY: Dorling Kindersley, 2000
(7) http://Jacobs, Lexi. The History of Popcorn: Discover the History and Learn Fascinating Facts about One of History’s Favorite Snack Foods! New York, NY: UGEI Publications, 2013
(8) http://Ingall, Marjorie. “Chocolate Can Do Good Things for Your Heart, Skin, and Brain.” CNN. December 22, 2006. Accessed: August 24, 2011
(9) http://O’Connell, Jeff. Sugar Nation: The Hidden Truth behind America’s Deadliest Habit and the Simple Way to Beat It. New York, NY: Hyperion, 2010
(10) http://Ingall, Marjorie. “Chocolate Can Do Good Things for Your Heart, Skin, and Brain.” CNN. December 22, 2006. Accessed: August 24, 2011
(11) http://extension.illinois.edu/pumpkins/facts.cfm
(12) http://extension.illinois.edu/pumpkins/facts.cfm
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