They say, You are what you eat. It’s an accurate statement. Whatever we consume and cultivate, these provide greater benefits than we could have imagined.
In ancient times, food was a pivotal heritage that defined everything. Did you know of any tribe, culture, or society that provides no essence to food? Not one we could imagine.
Food is a fundamental need of any human being. That’s why we invented several techniques for food cultivation, preservation, and creation.
All of us take great reverence for food, especially if it tastes flavorful.
20 Facts About Food
Broccoli is Rich in Protein
Broccoli, despite its classification as a vegetable, has more protein per calorie than your favorite steak.
The vegetable’s secret potential is in its protein-rich amount. It can be used as a staple for muscle builders.
This proves that broccoli is not something to be underestimated. Eating broccoli is an alternative source of plant-based protein. It is better news for the vegans and vegetarians.
Raspberries Are From Rosaceae
Despite the “berry” attached to its name, raspberries are a member of another plant family. It belongs to the Rosaceae, a plant that is related to roses.
Raspberry is a relative of other foods as well, such as apples, pears, and strawberries.
It was classified as a member of the rose family due to its fruit structure and flowers. It also shares the same characteristics with other plants belonging to that same family.
The same natural compounds that provide the sweet scent found in the raspberries are also the same in other rose family plants.
Cucumber Is A Water-Rich Food
Ever curious why the cucumbers feel refreshing in your mouth? That’s because it is mostly made up of water.
The 95% structure of the cucumber is water. As you consume the cucumber, you can taste the watery feeling. Even its seeds have that sticky-watery feeling.
Due to its water-rich content, the cucumbers are consumed for their water. It makes your body naturally hydrated.
Best consumed during sunny days or in a recovery phase from an illness. It is also best to consume after exercising.
The Fiber-Rich Figs
The figs, although tasty, have a unique, flowery structure. It is considered a false fruit. Figs are a group of small flowers that you eat.
The figs are rich in fiber, beneficial for your heart and gut health. This syconium is considered a grouping fruit in botany, but is treated as a single fruit in culinary terms.
Bananas Are the Real Berries, Not Strawberries
Don’t get confused. Strawberry belongs to the rose family. But bananas are considered a berry. So why is that?
Culinary and botanical knowledge have different views about berries. The aggregate foods, like strawberries, are what the culinary world calls “berries.”
However, a berry is botanically known as a single flower that yields multiple seeds. That’s why bananas and watermelons are the botanical definition of berries.
The bananas and watermelons we’ve seen are already genetically modified. Naturally, these berries have a smaller fleshy pulp and more, bigger seeds.
Next time you hear the term “berry.” Just refer to the botanical definition.
Applesauce Is The First Meal In Space
We know who’s the first man in space. But there’s also a first MEAL in space.
This meal is no other than the applesauce, a form of apple puree. It was brought by the astronaut John Glenn as he orbited the planet in 1962.
John Glenn may not be the first man to reach space, but he made history by eating a meal in space. All thanks to Applesauce, NASA found out that man can still eat and digest food in zero gravity.
Potatoes Are The First Cultivated Food In Space
Did you know that potatoes have also made a record? Yes, it was the first cultivated food outside the Earth.
The potatoes are chosen as the vegetable to grow in space because they are naturally hardy, adaptable to harsh environments, and nutritious. Also, potatoes can be stored for a long time, making them a viable meal for future space missions.
In 1995, the Space Shuttle Columbia tested how crops can grow without gravity by growing a potato.
Not known to everyone, potatoes are rich in carbs, protein, vitamins, and fiber. Its promising potential opens the possibility for sustainable space farming in future space missions.
Bacon Is The First Frozen Food Sent To Space
Bacon set an international record that represents all frozen goods. It is the first frozen food product to reach the moon.
This happened during the Apollo 11 Mission when astronauts brought freeze-dried (lyophilized) bacon with them.
This record not only represents any frozen good products, but also provides insight into the role of comfort food for the astronauts.
Carrots Are The Variegated Food Of History
We knew already that carrots are the orange root crops with green leaves. But this is not its common color throughout history.
Carrots come in different colors. There are white, yellow, and purple carrots.
The ones we’ve seen around the market are a variety that was developed in the 17th century in Honor of the Dutch Royal House of Orange.
Since then, the orange variety has become the most common carrot seen and sold anywhere.
French Fries Are Not From France
Despite its famous namesake, French fries are not native to France. It’s from Belgium.
The Belgian origin of the fries was a result of a frozen river that pushed them to fry potatoes in oil. However, the French contested the Belgian origin. They also believe that the frying of potatoes in oil has been a practice in street vendors in Paris.
The name was coined by an American soldier during World War I. He called it as such due to the French-speaking people in that area of Belgium.
Rhubarb Grows With Background Noise
Rhubarb has a special ability when it is forced to grow in the dark. It can make a noise as it grows. The growth of the Rhubarb can be audible due to its fast growth.
This happens when you put the plant in a temperate-cold environment for a day. Transfer it to a warm, dark environment, and it makes background noise.
That should have come from the squeaking, popping, and cracking of Rhubarb stalks.
As it grows, the Rhubarb is packed with different nutrients. To name a few, antioxidants and vitamin K.
Some Wasabi Are Only Replicates
You’ve got to know about the Wasabi served at restaurants. Not all of them serve the authentic one. The authentic Wasabi is expensive.
This is the reason why some restaurants prefer to replicate the Wasabi flavor. They cannot buy the Wasabi even in high units. Thus, buying the authentic Wasabi is a challenging task.
Instead, they replace the Wasabi with a combination of mustard, green dye, and horseradish. It may achieve the appeal and consistency of the Wasabi, but not its original taste.
Wasabi has that fresh and fiery flavor. In ancient Japan, Wasabi was used to keep the food fresh and clean. Letting the natural antioxidants from the Wasabi preserve the fish.
Cochineal Is A Helpful Parasite
Do you know where your red-color dye and pigment came from? It’s from the cochineal. Specifically, from the body and ink produced by the bug.
Cochineal is a parasite of cacti in Mexico. The use of Cochineal was first recorded by the Aztecs. Now, it is applied to different purposes.
The red dye from cochineals is extracted for your lipsticks, yogurts, and candies.
Also, the cochineals are safe to eat in certain amounts. This is why it is used in beverages such as the Mezcal, an agave liquid extract mixed with cochineal.
However, cochineals are the parasites of the cactus. But it is so useful in various ways.
Fruit Stickers Are 100% Safe
The fruit sticker you’ve seen on your favorite fruits. They are technically considered edible.
Fruit stickers are made from food-safe materials. But these labels are not meant for consumption. They are not digestible, not nutritional, and irritating.
This means the labels attached to your favorite berry snacks are 100% safe to attach and have passed the FDA standards.
Cheese Is The Most Stolen Food
Cheese has been recorded as the most coveted food in human history. Because cheese is easy to carry and has a high value.
Before it reaches the stores, about 4% of the cheese gets lost during the transport process.
It is the most stolen food because cheese can be eaten raw, has a long shelf life, and is a great item to sell at black markets.
The demand for cheese is so high that it can be bought affordably and even at luxury prices.
The Cooling Down Effect Of Spicy Foods
So why are spicy foods considered “hot and spicy?” This is because both features are within the compounds of chili peppers.
Chilis contain a compound called capsaicin. When consumed, this compound makes you sweat. This triggers your body’s mechanism to cool down.
As your sweat evaporates, your skin begins to cool.
Eating spicy foods in moderate amounts helps your body regulate its temperature.
High Nutmeg Amount Intake Is Dangerous
Nutmeg is another spice that provides flavor to your food. This flavor provides a different taste and aroma in your donuts.
But the consumption of nutmeg must not come in excess.
Nutmeg contains myristicin; taking high amounts of this compound can cause hallucinations, nausea, and dizziness in you.
Just consume nutmeg in moderate amounts.
Dark Chocolate Is Sweet And Healthy
Dark chocolate is a common treat we use to comfort ourselves. Humans consume so much chocolate and produce a lot.
Dark chocolates are packed with flavonoids. An antioxidant that reduces inflammation, improves your blood flow, and strengthens your gut health. A perfect antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that fights chronic disease.
Make sure to eat dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.
The True Colors Of Orange
Oranges have different color phases when planted in warm or cooler regions. Climate affects the color of the fruit.
In warm regions, oranges stay green even when they’re ripe. It goes bright orange as a result of a cooler climate.
It’s also usual to see oranges with mixed green and orange colors. Climate serves as the primary agent for the fruit’s color.
One-Fourth Of The Hazelnuts Go To Nutella
The company that produces Nutella buys one-fourth of the hazelnut production. This is because hazelnut is a key ingredient of your favorite spread.
The demand for Nutella makes the company buy a significant amount of the hazelnuts’ global harvest.
A reminder that one product can affect the demand for a cultivated nut, in this case, the hazelnut’s global demand.
Why Are These Food Facts Essential?
These food facts tell a lot about human civilization’s discovery and healthier choices. We don’t just eat them to appreciate their taste.
These food facts are vital in human living. Each of these food facts has a medical, historical, cultural, and nutritional impact on us.
The power of each food we consume allows us to be optimal at all times. Knowing these facts makes us appreciate their role in our body.
It makes you think about the role it plays in our body. What you eat bears effects on your mood, wellness, and body.
As you have come to realize the critical responsibility of the food you consume, always remember to eat healthily and in moderation.