Famous Flavors

Your Plate Size Tricks You Into Eating More or Less Your Eyes Are Lying to Your Stomach Your Eyes Are Lying to Your Stomach (image credits: unsplash) Have you ever wondered why that generous portion at your favorite restaurant suddenly looks tiny when you transfer it to your dinner plate at home? Your brain is playing a fascinating trick on you, one that’s been fooling humans for over 150 years. People tend to underestimate the quantity of food when it is presented on a large plate, or conversely overestimate the quantity when it is presented on a small plate. This … Read more

The Wild West of Digital Dining Decisions The Wild West of Digital Dining Decisions (image credits: flickr) Picture this: you’re standing outside a restaurant, stomach rumbling, scrolling through Yelp reviews to decide if you should go in. More than 90% of consumers consult online reviews before making a purchase or visiting a business for the first time. You’re not alone in this ritual – millions of people worldwide make dining decisions based on star ratings and stranger’s opinions. But here’s the million-dollar question: can you actually trust what you’re reading? The answer might surprise you more than that mysterious “special … Read more

Savory Umami Savory Umami (image credits: pixabay) Umami, often considered the fifth taste, has been making waves in the culinary world as a tariff-proof flavor. This taste, which is savory and deeply satisfying, can be found in ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, and fermented products. A recent report from the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association revealed a 15% surge in demand for umami flavors over the past year. This rise is attributed to umami’s ability to enhance dishes without the need for excessive seasoning, making it a cost-effective choice for chefs. The versatility of umami allows it to be paired with … Read more

1. Saffron 1. Saffron (image credits: pixabay) Saffron, often hailed as the world’s most luxurious spice, is teetering on the brink of scarcity. The Crocus sativus flower, which produces saffron, demands a very specific climate to flourish. Unfortunately, climate change is throwing a wrench into the works, disrupting the weather patterns in saffron-producing powerhouses like Iran and Spain. Recent data indicates that saffron prices have jumped by more than 20% over the past year. The geopolitical turmoil in these regions only adds fuel to the fire, making it even harder to access this golden spice. For chefs and restaurants, this … Read more

A Cookbook That Sparked Outrage Worldwide A Cookbook That Sparked Outrage Worldwide (image credits: unsplash) When “Raw Flesh: The Uncooked Truth” hit shelves in late 2024, the backlash was instant and intense. This cookbook, written by renegade chef Lars Mikkelsen, features recipes for raw and “extremely rare” meat dishes, challenging long-held food safety norms. Health authorities in the US and Europe quickly issued warnings, citing CDC data showing that foodborne illnesses affect 48 million Americans annually, often linked to undercooked meat. Social media was ablaze, with #BanRawFlesh trending for days. Mikkelsen defended his book in interviews, saying, “People deserve to … Read more

1. Quinoa: The Ancient Grain 1. Quinoa: The Ancient Grain (image credits: pixabay) Quinoa has surged in popularity as a nutritious alternative to rice and pasta. This ancient grain, native to the Andean region of South America, is gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a favorite among health-conscious consumers. According to a report by the Whole Grains Council, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, which is rare for plant-based foods. Its versatility allows it to be used in salads, bowls, and even baked goods. In 2020, global quinoa production reached approximately 200,000 metric tons, with Bolivia and Peru … Read more

Foraging Movement: Meet the People Who Grocery Shop in the Woods The Wild Side of Food Shopping That’s Taking Over The Wild Side of Food Shopping That’s Taking Over (image credits: unsplash) Forget fighting for parking spots at the supermarket or battling crowds in grocery aisles. A growing number of people are ditching traditional food shopping for something far more adventurous—they’re turning to the great outdoors as their personal grocery store. Foraging — the act of finding wild, edible food — is a lost art in modern society, but it’s making one heck of a comeback. These modern-day hunter-gatherers are … Read more

Meet Persicophobia: More Than Just Picky Eating Meet Persicophobia: More Than Just Picky Eating (image credits: pixabay) When you see someone recoil from a fuzzy peach like it’s a venomous spider, you’re witnessing something far more intense than simple food pickiness. Persicophobia (from Latin persicus, “peach”) is fear of the color peach/tan, though the term more commonly refers to the deep-seated fear of peaches themselves. This isn’t about not liking the taste – it’s about genuine terror triggered by the fruit’s texture, appearance, or even just thinking about touching one. An unpleasant sensation caused by touching certain materials like velvet, … Read more

Cinnamon: The Sweet Spice of Ancient Trade Cinnamon: The Sweet Spice of Ancient Trade (image credits: pixabay) Cinnamon, known for its sweet and warming flavor, has a history that stretches back thousands of years. Originating in Sri Lanka, it was once so highly prized that it was considered more valuable than gold. Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon for embalming, while the Romans used it in perfumes and as a flavoring in wine. The spice was a key player in the spice trade, connecting Asia with Europe. Its demand was so high that it led to explorations and the eventual discovery of … Read more

The Surprising Truth About Zero-Calorie Sweeteners The Surprising Truth About Zero-Calorie Sweeteners (image credits: wikimedia) When you reach for that diet soda or sugar-free cookie, you might think you’re doing your body a favor. But here’s the shocking reality: your brain isn’t buying it. Sucralose, an artificial sweetener that’s often found in low- and no-calorie sweeteners and diet drinks, boosted feelings of hunger instead of curbing appetite, a large new study found. Recent research from USC’s Keck School of Medicine revealed that consuming sucralose increased brain activity in the hypothalamus and increased feelings of hunger compared to drinking sugar. This … Read more