Famous Flavors

Brazil Leads Latin America’s Fight Against Ultra-Processed Foods Brazil Leads Latin America’s Fight Against Ultra-Processed Foods (image credits: unsplash) Brazil has become the poster child for combating ultra-processed foods, implementing some of the world’s most comprehensive restrictions. A bill passed by Rio de Janeiro City Council in June 2023 to ban the sale of ultra-processed foods in public and private schools can motivate other cities in Brazil to take similar action. The country revolutionized its approach in 2014 when it completely overhauled its nutritional guidelines to actively recommend avoiding all ultra-processed products altogether. The results have been remarkable. Brazil, which … Read more

Ever walked into a busy bar, confidently ordered your favorite cocktail, and noticed your bartender’s smile tighten just a bit? That split second of hesitation isn’t your imagination. Behind the bar, there’s a whole universe of drinks that make even the most patient mixologists internally groan. Some cocktails are beloved by customers but dreaded by the people who have to craft them, especially when the joint is packed and drink orders are piling up like a traffic jam on a Friday night. According to a recent survey of bartenders, roughly 81 percent will change their opinion of you based on … Read more

Pregnancy changes everything. Your body transforms, your emotions fluctuate wildly, and suddenly the foods you once loved might make you gag while combinations that sound utterly absurd become your deepest desire. You know the classic stereotype of pickles and ice cream, right? Turns out that’s not just some exaggerated Hollywood joke. Real women genuinely crave these weird pairings, and the science behind it is actually pretty fascinating. Studies show that between 50 and 90 percent of pregnant women experience cravings, so if you’re experiencing them right now, you’re definitely not alone in this wild ride. Unusual food combinations make up … Read more

There’s something special about regional sodas that you just can’t replicate with mass-market brands. You know those bottles you find tucked into local gas stations or corner stores, the ones with labels that look like they haven’t changed in decades? Those fizzy treasures carry stories, traditions, and flavors that define entire communities. The South has a particularly rich soda culture, with drinks so beloved by locals that they’ve become part of the regional identity. Yet try to find these same sodas in Chicago or Seattle, and you’ll come up empty-handed. Some are fiercely protected by their makers, distributed only within … Read more

So you know that moment when curiosity gets the better of you? When everyone tells you not to do something, yet that little voice in your head whispers “but what if?” That’s exactly how I found myself standing outside the most notorious buffet in my city, staring at the faded signage and wondering if my stomach was ready for this adventure. The restaurant had just two stars on Yelp, and honestly, the online reviews painted a picture so bleak it almost felt like urban legend. I had to see it for myself. The First Impression Was… Something The First Impression … Read more

You walk into a nice restaurant, sit down, and open the wine list. Suddenly you’re staring at dozens of options with prices that make your head spin. Something feels off. You end up ordering a bottle that costs way more than you planned. Sound familiar? That’s not an accident. Restaurants have spent decades perfecting psychological tricks designed to make you reach deeper into your wallet when it comes to wine. These aren’t just random pricing strategies. They’re carefully engineered tactics based on consumer psychology research, tested over millions of transactions. From the way bottles are positioned on the menu to … Read more

The Natural Sweetness of Dates The Natural Sweetness of Dates (image credits: unsplash) Date syrup is derived from dates, a fruit that has been cherished for centuries for its natural sweetness and nutritional benefits. Unlike refined sugars, which are stripped of nutrients during processing, date syrup retains a wealth of vitamins and minerals. This makes it not just sweet but also nutritious. The rich, caramel-like flavor of date syrup can elevate any dish, from breakfast oatmeal to savory marinades. Its dense consistency and deep color add both texture and visual appeal to culinary creations. Embracing date syrup means enjoying sweetness … Read more

They’re Crowding the Pan Like It’s a Subway Car They’re Crowding the Pan Like It’s a Subway Car (image credits: wikimedia) Professional chefs consistently observe home cooks making the fundamental error of overcrowding pans, which occurs when too many ingredients are placed in the pan simultaneously. This practice leads to uneven cooking because the ingredients lack sufficient space to cook properly, hindering the browning process as ingredients release moisture and preventing them from achieving the desired sear or crispness. The lack of room for moisture to escape means food gets steamed rather than properly browned. Celebrity chef George Duran notes … Read more

Searing Meat Locks in Juices Searing Meat Locks in Juices (image credits: flickr) For over 150 years, home cooks have been told that searing meat at high temperatures creates a magical seal that keeps all the juices inside. The myth that searing “seals in the juices” is an antique that just won’t go away, even though it has been debunked many many times. The first to propagate the idea was a leading German chemist named Justus von Liebig, author of the book “Researches on The Chemistry of Food” published in 1847. Heating meat always squeezes out juices and nothing can … Read more

The Rise of Cassava Flour The Rise of Cassava Flour (image credits: wikimedia) Cassava flour is rapidly becoming a favorite ingredient among those seeking gluten-free alternatives. Derived from the starchy root of the cassava plant, this flour is a versatile substitute for traditional wheat flour. Its popularity is not just a fleeting trend; it’s rooted in the growing demand for gluten-free options due to dietary restrictions and health trends. With the rise of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, more people are turning to cassava flour as a safe and reliable alternative. Unlike some other gluten-free flours, cassava has a mild … Read more