Evident in its name, popcorn is a group of corn species specifically bred for the purpose of “popping” when subjected to high levels of heat. The mechanism behind this is the presence of moisture beneath the surface of the kernel, which turns to steam as it is heated, rupturing the surface and popping the corn1. Because of popcorn’s expanding size ...

Tortillas are a flat and often circular form of bread originating from many parts of South America as well as Mexico. Made of mashed and wetted corn or grain, tortillas are easy to produce in large quantities and in short amounts of time1. Because of this, it is not uncommon for chefs and business owners to have an excess of ...

Mayonnaise is a popular dressing often served cold. It has various food applications in households and restaurants, such as dressings in salads, spreads in slices of bread, as a thickener compound, or even as a simple dip for french fries. For other consumers who prefer alternative condiments, mayonnaise is still often used as a base for the more favored spreads ...

Cabbage, one of the most common cruciferous vegetables in the world, is a neutrally-flavored leafy green plant in the shape of a bulb. While the standard circular green cabbage is often what is seen in markets, cabbages can also come in shades of red or purple, and in long tubular stalks1. Because of the nature of fresh produce, cabbages must ...

Grapefruit, a cross-breed between oranges and pomelo fruits, originated in the island country of Barbados. Grapefruit most often presents an orange-colored outer peel with light pink to red inner flesh. Owing to the nature of fresh produce, grapefruit does not last indefinitely, and it is important to be aware of its shelf-life. Grapefruit, like all organic foods, is susceptible to ...

Radishes, a root vegetable tangentially related to cabbages and lettuce, were first cultivated and consumed in parts of Central Asia1. Today, they are found in nearly every section of the globe, though the individual species differ wildly.  Most of these species, however, share the same trait of being markedly frost-tolerant, making freezing them easy. Yes, freezing radishes is entirely possible, ...

It is an uncommon fact that the term oyster actually refers to a multitude of different species, though only some are considered safe for consumption1. Because of this distinction, it must be made clear that this article primarily focuses on the species known as the Pacific oyster, as well as similar species that are edible for humans. In short – ...

Practically a brother to the world-famous banana, plantains are far starchier, though lower in fructose sugars. Unlike bananas, they may be eaten either ripe or unripe, but require cooking, hence their moniker of cooking bananas1. According to a research assay conducted by U.C. Davis, the optimal temperature for preservation of plantains is only 50-54°F, so long as the appropriate humidity ...

The carrot’s paler cousin, parsnips are subterranean-growing vegetables originally cultivated by the Roman empire1. With a taste even sweeter than carrots, parsnips soon gained popularity across much of the modern world.  Because of the parsnip’s high sugar content, it is often the prime target of many insects, and must either be consumed immediately or stored properly. Yes, parsnips can be ...

Celery juice has been gaining worldwide attention as a healthy drink, with most food experts recommending a daily morning intake for the best results. But preparing fresh celery juice every day can take a lot of time. Fortunately, freezing celery juice allows for the batching of the preparation process, keeping the routine intact.  Freezing celery juice effectively prolongs its life. ...