Feast on Knowledge: 35+ Mind-Blowing Food Facts
Dive into the delightful world of food facts, where your love for all things edible, whether it’s devouring or experimenting in the kitchen, can spark joy! We’ve cooked up 45 fascinating food facts that might just be the missing ingredients to spice up your knowledge. Ready to be amazed?
From the wild origin tale of tea bags to the surprisingly healthy secrets hidden in coffee berries, these quirky facts will leave you scratching your head in disbelief. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a casual diner, we guarantee there’s a nugget of information here that will have you exclaiming, “No way, really?” So, let’s embark on this tasty journey together and uncover some mind-boggling truths about the world of food!
1. Nutmeg can be toxic!
Yep, you got it right! That everyday spice we all love, when taken in large doses, can turn into quite the toxic troublemaker. Blame it on myristicin, the hallucination-inducing culprit. So, spice lovers, take note—especially if nutmeg is your kitchen sidekick!
Just a tiny dose—two tablespoons or 5 grams of ground nutmeg—can trigger vomiting and queasiness. In severe instances, folks have shared encounters with hallucinations. Going all-out with a whole nutmeg might even lead to fatal consequences. So, handle that spice jar with caution!
2. Almonds have a lot of calcium
Calcium stands as a crucial mineral for diverse bodily functions, especially in constructing and sustaining bone well-being. It’s not just about bones—your muscles, heart, and nerves crave calcium too. Yet, for the lactose intolerant, tracking down calcium sources can pose a bit of a challenge.
Consider incorporating almonds into your eating habits in such a situation. Surprisingly, almonds boast nearly double the calcium content compared to milk. Just 3.5 oz (100 g) of almonds pack a generous 240 mg of calcium, while the same quantity of 2% milk holds around 120 mg.
3. Turning orange!
It might sound quite unbelievable, but an excess of carrots could give your skin a surprising orange hue! The culprit is beta carotene, a compound in this vegetable. In large amounts, it tends to accumulate in the fat layer beneath your skin, causing this unexpected color change.
The noticeable orange tint tends to concentrate prominently on your palm skin. Interestingly, beta-carotene supplements are marketed as enhancers for achieving that sun-kissed look! Moderation is key, but within limits, carrots bring numerous health perks, particularly benefiting your skin and cognitive well-being.
4. The invention of the sandwich
Surprisingly, sandwiches weren’t crafted in a kitchen but hastily assembled in an office. The inaugural ‘sandwich’ bite happened to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, amidst his work. A culinary revelation born out of workplace expediency rather than culinary innovation!
In a bid for convenience, he placed a slice of roast beef between toasted bread, simply aiming to work single-handedly while enjoying a meal. While some credit a gambling moment for its creation, regardless, we’re delighted about this fortuitous fusion of flavors!
5. White chocolate isn’t chocolate!
Emerging in 1930, white chocolate quickly won hearts. Yet, despite its fame, it falls short of the chocolate label. Authentic chocolate mandates cocoa bean solids, absent in white chocolate. Its composition revolves around cocoa butter, milk elements, sugar, and vanilla—a delectable deviation from traditional chocolate standards.
Indulging occasionally in white chocolate brings forth numerous health perks. Laden with antioxidants, minerals, and wholesome fats, it not only serves as an excellent energy source but also enhances cognitive function, elevating brainpower and memory. A delightful occasional treat with unexpected health bonuses!
6. Try making chalk out of eggshells
Both chalk and eggshells share the composition of calcium carbonate. Can you fashion chalk from eggshells? Indeed! It makes for a delightful DIY project with kids. Yet, be prepared—crafting a single chalk piece may require more than one eggshell. A fun and educational venture for creative minds!
Eggshells prove versatile in various applications. As a rich calcium source, they bolster garden soil quality and serve as birdseed. Additionally, a clever trick involves adding crushed shells to your morning coffee to diminish bitterness. Eggshells, a multipurpose gem beyond the breakfast table!
7. Ripe cranberries bounce!
As tasty as it is healthful, this fruit packs a nutritional punch, boasting abundant antioxidants. The peak enjoyment of these crimson berries comes when they reach perfect ripeness, offering a delightful tang. A fascinating method exists to discern the ripeness of a cranberry, adding a touch of intrigue to this vibrant fruit.
A simple test involves giving a cranberry a gentle toss onto the kitchen counter. A bounce indicates readiness! While many prefer cranberry sauces or juices to raw fruit, ensuring ripe cranberries enhances culinary delights. So, before cooking, give those cranberries a bounce to guarantee peak flavor!
8. Cucumber is healthy and hydrating
Many indulge in snacks between meals, and when done wisely, it’s a healthy practice. If you’re incorporating nutritious snacks, consider including cucumber. Just a tip: steer clear of drowning it in creamy dips to maintain the health quotient of this refreshing snack choice.
Abundant in antioxidants and nutrients, cucumbers are not only low in calories but also boast about 95% water content, making them an exceptionally hydrating snack. For optimal nutritional benefits, consider consuming them unpeeled, as cucumber skins are packed with fibers, vitamins, and minerals.
9. The wonders of watercress
Feeling the urge to detox? Integrate watercress into your diet. Brimming with antioxidants and vitamin B, this leafy green transforms fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble forms. Once converted, the body effortlessly expels these toxins, offering a refreshing approach to cleansing and revitalizing your system.
Watercress doubles as a superb prebiotic, enhancing your gut health. Spruce up salads and sandwiches with it, or for those averse to raw veggies, incorporate it into soups or stir-fry concoctions. Whichever way you choose, this is a healthful incorporation into your culinary repertoire!
10. Coconut oil is not ‘that’ healthy!
Studies reveal that coconut oil harbors a substantial amount of saturated fat, surpassing even butter! A tablespoon of butter holds around 0.3oz (7.8g) of saturated fat, whereas a tablespoon of coconut oil packs about 0.5oz (14g) of saturated fat. It’s essential to be mindful of these fat levels in your culinary choices.
Commonly held beliefs propose that the fats in coconut oil are less detrimental to heart health than those in butter. Yet, scientific backing for this assertion remains insufficient. In reality, health professionals generally recommend employing coconut oil cautiously, advocating for limited usage to maintain overall well-being.
11. Orange juice has a lot of sugar
Trimming down on sugar? Remember to exclude orange juice from your diet. It may be surprising, but orange juice harbors nearly as much sugar as cola, constituting almost 10% of its content. Be cautious about this hidden sugar source, especially if you’re mindful of your sugar intake.
Nevertheless, orange juice boasts additional merits. It serves as a superb reservoir of vitamin C and folate, the latter aiding in red blood cell production and providing quick energy. Nutritionists recommend a daily intake of a 5fl oz (150ml) glass of orange juice for its positive impact on overall health.
12. Try sprinkling vinegar on chips
For those potato chip enthusiasts, rejoice! There’s a healthier route to enjoy them. While potato chips do contain complex carbohydrates, it’s worth noting that your body absorbs these quicker compared to other complex carbs. So, snack wisely to indulge without compromising on health!
This leads to a rapid surge in your blood sugar levels. However, sprinkling vinegar on potato chips can mitigate this issue by lowering their glycemic index (GI). This adjustment results in a slower release of carbs, slightly mitigating the detrimental impact of chips on your health.
13. Making sure it’s egg-cellent
Ever heard about the distinctive approach to handling eggs in the UK? Contrary to countries like Japan, Australia, and America, it’s against the law to wash eggs in the UK. The customary practice in these nations involves washing eggs and applying an oil layer before refrigeration.
Yet, this process removes the inherent protective layer that acts as a barrier against bacteria. Consequently, European egg producers are prohibited from washing A-grade eggs. Hence, eggs are retailed without washing, directly from the shelves in these regions, maintaining their natural protective coating.
14. Make your own schedule
A prevailing misconception exists regarding the connection between meal timing and weight management. Contrary to this belief, research indicates no such correlation; consuming meals late doesn’t lead to weight gain. The pivotal factor lies in whether you’re taking in more calories than your daily expenditure, emphasizing overall calorie balance for effective weight control.
With that clarified, feel free to savor your evening meals at your preferred time! While there’s flexibility, maintaining a gap between your last meal and bedtime could be beneficial. It’s worth noting that midnight snacks constitute an additional meal, so be mindful of nighttime indulgences!
15. It’s all about symmetry!
Ever noticed that each ear of corn consistently boasts an even number of rows? Verify it firsthand the next time you enjoy corn on the cob! Each husk typically holds around 800 kernels, neatly arranged in 16 rows, adding a fascinating symmetry to this delightful vegetable.
Tallying these kernels proves an engaging pastime, especially during moments of leisure. It could also serve as an amusing diversion for kids, making you seem like a magician once they realize your kernel count is spot on. Turn a casual corn snack into a whimsical math adventure!
16. Hearing rhubarbs grow
Tallying these kernels proves an engaging pastime, especially during moments of leisure. It could also serve as an amusing diversion for kids, making you seem like a magician once they realize your kernel count is spot on. Turn a casual corn snack into a whimsical math adventure!
Following this process, you’ll witness an astonishingly swift surge in growth. And the most exciting aspect? The velocity of their sprouting is so remarkable that you can actually hear them growing! That unique phenomenon alone makes ‘rhubarb forcing’ a quirky and intriguing experiment worth attempting!
17. Indulge your sweet tooth!
If concerns about breakouts and acne have deterred you from indulging in chocolates, here’s a reassuring update. Acne issues typically stem from hormonal fluctuations impacting the sebaceous glands, rather than solely from chocolate consumption. So, feel free to savor that chocolate treat without undue worry about skin blemishes!
While an unhealthy diet may exacerbate skin conditions, there’s no substantial evidence linking chocolate consumption to breakouts. Consider reducing refined carbs and excessive dairy if you’re concerned, but even this connection lacks definitive proof. Sweet-tooth enthusiasts, rejoice—chocolate might not be the culprit behind those breakouts!
18. Potatoes absorb wifi signals!
It might sound incredulous, but scientific evidence supports the claim that potatoes absorb wifi signals. This phenomenon is attributed to their chemistry, particularly their high water content—almost 79%. Since this peculiar discovery, potatoes have been employed in diverse experiments to explore their unique interaction with wireless technology.
A notable experiment conducted by the US aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. used potatoes as human substitutes to assess in-flight wifi performance. The test aimed to gauge signal strength and identify potential weak spots in the system. Potatoes, with their wifi-absorbing properties, proved to be unconventional yet effective stand-ins.
19. Maintaining blood cholesterol
This unbelievable yet true food fact might help you be a little more relaxed about your diet. Eating cholesterol-rich foods will not lead to a rise in your blood cholesterol! For most people, the production of cholesterol actually goes down in response to eating such foods, regulating the blood cholesterol levels.
If you’re worried about your blood cholesterol, you should avoid saturated fats instead. That means controlling your cravings for pastries, cakes, and even processed meat. While you’re at it, try incorporating regular exercise into your routine; your heart health is sure to improve drastically!
20. Anything to avoid a hangover!
The worst part about drinking alcohol is the hangover that follows afterward. But what’s the harm in a few drinks? Here’s a secret: chances are, the darker the drink is, the worse your hangover will be. So, as long as you stick to vodka instead of whiskey or rum, you’ll be fine!
This is due to the presence of flavoring agents and other chemicals, which are known as congeners. More congeners means the drinks will be darker in color, and vice versa. If given a choice, you should always go with drinks that have fewer congeners!
21. Sweeteners might have laxative effects!
As discovered by health experts, a specific group of sweeteners, known as polyols, can have laxative effects. These include maltitol, sorbitol and xylitol. However, this only happens if you consume them in excess. If you’re hoping to avoid these, you might want to look out for lower-sugar products.
Most of the products of this kind- sugar-free candy, mints or chewing gums, or low-carb chocolate bars contain polyols. Make sure you’re not eating too much of these, and check the food labels for the aforementioned substances to avoid getting in an embarrassing toilet situation!
22. Tea bags were not an invention
Tea bags were the result of an accident, not an invention. As per the UK Tea and Infusions Association, silken tea bags were used to send samples of tea to the customers. The New York tea merchant Thomas Sullivan conceived the idea of these sample tea bags.
However, instead of opening the bags to use the tea, people assumed the entire bag had to be dipped in the pot. This mistake led to the invention of the tea bags that we use today. Happy accidents do happen, after all!
23. Like your food cold? You’ll love it more!
A lot of foods are less fattening when eaten cold. Boiled potatoes, bread, rice, and even pasta are a part of this list. Apparently, chilling or freezing these foods after cooking makes some of the starches in the food ‘resistant’ to digestion.
This, in turn, ensures that these calories can’t be absorbed properly by the stomach. Although it’s a believable theory, there’s still not enough evidence to support it. It might help in weight control, but don’t start binge eating just yet!
24. Coffee berries
The next time someone questions your caffeine fixes, you can swiftly dodge the question with a simple answer: it’s a fruity beverage! Yes, you read it right. Coffee beans are actually a fruit. The coffee trees produce a cherry-like fruit, and coffee beans are extracted from these coffee berries.
In fact, the coffee berry is considered a superfood. If consumed in moderation, it can have several health benefits for your brain and heart health. Additionally, the coffee fruit can also boost your immunity and is a great source of antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin B2 and magnesium.
25. The ways and ways of staying hydrated
There’s no shortage of information on the internet and social media about why staying hydrated is important. From digestion to brain function, most bodily functions depend on your water intake in one way or another. It almost makes us feel guilty about not chugging gallons of water every day!
However, the good news is that drinking water is not the only way you can stay hydrated. The water content in fruits, vegetables, soups, juices, and other beverages also counts! As long as your total water intake is between 68 fl oz (2l) and 85 fl oz (2.5l), you’re good to go.
26. Red peppers can be your go-to for vitamin C
If you’ve been told to consume more vitamin C, and you’re absolutely done with citrus fruits, we have another option for you. Half a red pepper, eaten raw, can provide you with more vitamin C than your daily nutrient requirement.
One cup of chopped red pepper has approximately 190 gms of vitamin C, which is thrice the amount of the nutrient in an orange. Plus red peppers are also an excellent source of vitamin A. Turns out eating your reds is as important as your greens!
27. Brazil nuts contain a fairly high amount of selenium.
Selenium is an important mineral that our body needs for proper functioning of the immune system. This vital antioxidant can also improve your hair and nail health as well as thyroid function. As it turns out, brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium.
Make sure to include a healthy amount of these nuts in your diet- selenium deficiency can lead to serious problems. Some of these include muscle weakness and hair loss. You can also get selenium from bananas, lentils, brown rice, and enriched foods like whole wheat or whole grain cereal breads.
28. Fuzzy peaches are the best!
You might not hate the fuzz on your peaches as much once you read this fact. This fuzz is the very reason this delicate fruit made it into your basket! It works as a protective barrier against excessive moisture while ensuring the fruit retains the moisture on the inside.
Moreover, the fuzz acts as an irritant for bugs and pests, who prefer moving to a more convenient source of nectar. So, the fuzzier the peach is, the more assured you can be about its quality. Here’s a pro tip: you can easily remove the fuzz with a wet knife or brush!
29. Snow white’s curse
In addition to being packed with plenty of nutrients, apples are also packed with a lot of air! In fact, they’re 25% air. This explains why they’re the preferred choice for bobbing on Halloween; it’s not just the connection with Snow white!
Complete with antioxidants and fiber, apples are great for your digestive health and brain health. Apples are rich in vitamin C content. What’s more, apples are excellent for your heart health as well. The best way to eat them is to keep the skin on!
30. Who likes mushy tomatoes, anyway?
According to experts, you should only store tomatoes in a fridge when you want to extend their lifespan. However, make sure the tomatoes are not placed anywhere near bananas or avocados; the hormone ethylene produced by this fruit can make the tomatoes go mushy quickly!
Tomatoes are almost 95% water. They are also packed with vitamins like vitamin C, folate, and other minerals. To get the maximum taste and nutritional benefits, it is best to keep them out of the fridge and store them at room temperature.
31. The vast Rosaceae family!
Flowers and fruits are way more closely connected than you might have thought. In fact, a lot of our favorite fruits, like apples, peaches, plums, and apricots, are all part of the rose family. Not only this, but cherries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are also from this plant family.
The flowers of this plant family are delicate and beautiful, and most hold deep cultural significance. For example, almond blossoms are considered to symbolize awakening and rebirth in a lot of cultures. Apricot blossoms are believed to bring luck, happiness, and prosperity. Plus, they’re a captivating sight in the flowering season!
32. As healthy as it is delicious
If you’re a fan of thyme seasoning, you’re in for a surprise. Dried thyme offers plenty of health benefits. In addition to fighting acne and boosting immunity, it is also used to treat yeast infections. Plus, it is also good for lowering blood pressure.
The most interesting fact, however, remains that dried thyme has 45 times more iron than the same weight of beef! This means adding a small amount to your meals can fulfill your recommended daily iron intake. Time to add a dash of flavor to your meals!
33. Into the boiling waters
Chances are, if you’re a good chef, you’ll probably know this fact. The key to ensuring that your greens are boiled properly is putting them in already boiling water. Here’s how it goes; if a vegetable grows above the ground, it is better to cook it in already boiling water.
However, for root vegetables, or the vegetables that grow under the ground, it’s better to place them in a pot of cold water first and then bring it to a boil. The logic here is that it allows the outer layers to heat more gradually, ensuring that the surface doesn’t turn flaky!
34. Overcooking mushrooms is practically impossible
Thanks to the presence of a polymer (a large molecular structure) called chitin, mushrooms take way more time to break down than other foods. Most other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or even carrots turn into mush if overcooked, but not mushrooms.
It doesn’t get tough or chewy, either. Since it is practically impossible to overcook them, any mushroom dish can be a great pick if you have your hands full in the kitchen. It’s also a great choice for underconfident cooks- one thing less to worry about!
35. The fruity scandal
Back in 2007, Oklahoma caused quite a stir when it declared watermelon as the official vegetable of the state. It raised the age-old question: is watermelon a fruit or a vegetable? The reason cited by the officials was that watermelon belongs to the cucumber family and, therefore, can be considered a vegetable.
The cucumber family also includes gourds. Needless to say, the officials were faced with a lot of questions. In the end, it was conceded that watermelon could be considered both a fruit and a vegetable. The official fruit of the state is strawberry.
36. The origins of veganism
Although the origins of modern-day veganism can be traced back to 80 years, evidence suggests that the concept of veganism has been around for much longer. In fact, it could be as old as 2000 years! The term ‘vegans,’ however, was coined in 1944.
It was during a meeting by a group of non-dairy vegetarians in the UK who actively started this movement and are now known as the Vegan Society. They rejected a number of names including ‘dairyban’, ‘vitan’ and ‘benevore’, before settling for the term ‘vegan’.
37. A teaspoon of honey
This fact might just be the reason you stop consuming honey altogether. The process of producing honey is a long one and arduous for the bees. It takes the hard work of as many as 12 honeybees to make 1 teaspoon of honey!
Forager bees drink nectar and store it in a ‘honey stomach.’ Later, they regurgitate it and pass it on to a younger house bee, and the process is repeated until the water content is down to 20%. This is when the last bee regurgitates the substance into a cell of the honeycomb.
38. Why is a tomato classified as a fruit?
Although the culinary uses of a tomato are more as a vegetable, it is still widely known that it is a fruit. This is because botanically, fruits are basically ripened flower ovaries and contain seeds. Since tomatoes fulfill both of these criteria, they are defined as fruits.
In fact, zucchinis, aubergines, avocados, cucumbers, and even green peppers are a part of the fruit family. Either way, these ‘fruits’ play an important role in maintaining a healthy diet. Tomatoes, in particular, are packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
39. One carrot a day keeps skin problems away!
A single 3 oz (80 g) carrot contains enough beta carotene for your body to produce approximately 1480 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A. This is more than the RDA- which is around 900 mcg, and plenty for skin cell renewal!
Health experts recommend cooking carrots before eating. This can soften the cell walls, which makes the absorption of beta-carotene easier. This substance not only brightens the skin tone but also provides photoprotection and aids cell turnover. Additionally, it also improves eye and brain health.
40. Hay fever and allergies
People with hay fever experience cold-like symptoms due to the presence of a substance that is identified as an allergen by the body. These allergens could include pollens, dust mites, and even pet dander. If you get hay fever around springtime, you might want to get checked for certain food allergies.
For example, if you’re allergic to grasses, you’re more likely to have a reaction to peaches, celery, melons, and tomatoes. Similarly, an allergy to birch tree pollen could also be triggered by pitted fruits like nectarines and apricots or even peanuts.
41. Consume all the calcium you can while you’re still young!
According to many health experts, once you reach the age of 30 or your ‘peak bone mass,’ you lose more bone than you can gain. It’s true that a healthy diet and exercise can help protect your bones, but it all comes down to the diet you took while you were younger!
You’re in for some health issues if you do not consume enough calcium! Although dairy is a good source of calcium, there are plenty of other dairy-free, calcium-rich foods you can choose from. Beans, lentils, seeds (poppy, sesame, and chia seeds), almonds, and leafy greens are some of them.
42. The secret of mushrooms
In addition to being a great source of nutrients like fiber, protein, and antioxidants, mushrooms also make for a great source of vitamin D. Here’s why- just like humans, mushrooms also make vitamin D in the sunlight! In fact, you can make them extra nutritious just before cooking.
All you need to do is place the mushrooms gill-side up in the sun for half an hour before cooking. You can also opt for mushrooms that have been UV-treated. These kinds of mushrooms are labeled as being ‘enriched with vitamin D.’
43. Nuts won’t make you fat!
The widespread misconception that nuts have a lot of calories is technically not true. In fact, the number of calories in a packet of nuts is significantly less than the amount stated on the label. This is because a lot of the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates pass through our digestive tract undigested.
1 oz (30 g) of almonds, for example, add around 130 calories to your meal, and not 170 as you might expect. Plus, there are a number of other health benefits you get from nuts! Nuts are also a good alternative to animal protein.
44. Peanuts are not nuts
Technically, peanuts belong to the legume family and are not nuts! In fact, as a part of this particular plant family, it is more closely linked to peas and lentils. It doesn’t grow like other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts- since these are tree nuts.
Rather, the peanut plant flowers above ground, while the peanut grows in a pod underground. Peanuts are also as healthy as they’re popular. Not only are peanuts an excellent choice for plant-based protein, they also contain a good amount of vitamins and minerals.
45. Choosing a vegan protein source
Choosing the right substitute for cow milk can be puzzling, especially with the wide range of plant-based options available in the market these days. Soy milk, among other plant-based milk options, has the highest protein content- nearly the same amount as cow milk.
Soy milk has become a popular choice for people with health-related concerns, as it is rich in vitamins and minerals like folate, calcium, and magnesium. It offers many benefits, such as improving cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and high blood pressure. Additionally, it may also support weight loss efforts.