15 New Food Facts Discovered in 2023
Food is more than just something to eat. Exploring the origins, symbolism, and stories behind different dishes reveals its profound importance. This article shares new perspectives that challenge our assumptions and provide a window into a world of knowledge.
Fried Chicken: The Symbol of Economic Empowerment
During the era of segregation, African Americans were often denied economic opportunities and faced discrimination in employment.
As a result, many turned to entrepreneurship as a means of survival. Fried chicken became a popular business venture for many African-American women, providing them income and economic empowerment.
The First Sushi Was Made Using Fermented Fish
Sushi is a staple in Japanese cuisine, but its origins can be traced back to ancient China. The original form of sushi was made by wrapping fermented fish in rice, a method developed by the Chinese to preserve fish for long journeys.
It wasn’t until the 1800s in Japan that sushi evolved into the bite-sized, vinegared rice dish we know today.
Frozen Orange Juice Was Created for the US Military During World War II
During World War II, many foods were rationed and in scarce supply. To provide a source of vitamin C for soldiers, the US government created frozen orange juice concentrate, which could be easily transported and reconstituted.
This invention not only helped the war effort but also led to the rise in popularity of frozen juices.
Instant Ramen Was Invented by a Japanese Businessman to Combat Food Shortages
In 1958, Momofuku Ando invented instant ramen noodles to respond to Japan’s food shortages after World War II.
Using his knowledge of flash-frying, he developed a method for dehydrating noodles and creating a seasoning packet, making it possible to prepare ramen quickly and easily with just hot water.
The Bagel’s Hole Was Originally Meant for Transportation
Although the hole in the center of a bagel has become an iconic feature, it wasn’t initially intended for aesthetic purposes.
In the 17th century, Jewish bakers in Poland created bagels with a hole in the middle to be easily transported on sticks through the streets and sold to customers.
A Teenager Invented Cheeseburgers
A 16-year-old named Lionel Sternberger invented the cheeseburger in the 1920s while working as a fry cook at his father’s diner in California. He added a slice of American cheese to a hamburger; the rest is history.
Salt Used to Be Considered More Valuable Than Gold
In the era before modern refrigeration, salt served as a vital food preservative, rendering it an exceedingly valuable commodity.
Remarkably, salt functioned as a currency in ancient civilizations, so much so that the Latin term for salt, “sal,” birthed the word “salary.”
It Is Legal to Steal Food in Some Situations in Italy
In some areas of Italy, taking food without permission is considered morally acceptable when one is hungry and lacks the means to purchase it.
This concept is known as “the right to survive” or “abrogazione del reato di furto.” However, this principle does not extend to luxury or non-essential food items.
It Takes Hundreds of Cacao Beans to Make One Pound of Chocolate
Cacao beans, the main ingredient in chocolate, grow in pods on cacao trees. Each pod contains approximately 40-50 beans, and it takes about 400 beans to make one pound of chocolate.
This process involves fermenting, drying, roasting, and grinding the beans into a paste before being turned into the beloved treat.
The World’s Oldest Known Recipe Is for Beer
The world’s oldest known recipe for beer dates back to 3,900 BC in ancient Mesopotamia. The recipe consists of barley bread broken into water and left to ferment, creating a beer called “bappir.”
Beer was enjoyed as a beverage and served as a currency and medicine in many ancient civilizations.
Vanilla Extract Comes From Orchids
Vanilla extract is a common ingredient in many sweet dishes, but it may surprise you to learn that it comes from orchids. Vanilla beans are the fruit of a type of orchid.
They must be carefully hand-pollinated and fermented before they can be used in cooking. This labor-intensive process contributes to the high cost of vanilla extract.
Boston Cream Pie Truly Was Developed in Boston but Has Never Been a Pie
The Boston Cream Pie was developed in Boston, Massachusetts, and it is a well-known dessert that has become a classic in American cuisine. Despite its name, it is not a pie but rather a cake.
The Boston Cream Pie consists of two layers of sponge cake filled with custard or pastry cream and topped with chocolate ganache.
A Toddler Turned Orange From Drinking Too Much Sunny Delight
In 2001, there were reports of a toddler whose skin turned orange due to excessive consumption of Sunny Delight, a popular citrus-flavored drink.
The condition, known as carotenemia, is caused by high levels of beta-carotene in the body, which gives some fruits and vegetables, as well as some beverages, their orange color. The child made a full recovery after reducing their intake of the drink.
Salisbury Steak Was Used as Medicine During the American Civil War
Salisbury steak was invented in the 1880s by Dr. James Salisbury, a physician who believed that a diet of ground beef would cure various ailments like tuberculosis and digestive issues.
It became popular during the American Civil War when it was served to soldiers as part of their rations.
Wendy’s Founder Dave Thomas Worked for Colonel Sanders
At a young age, Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas, began his career in the fast-food industry, working for prominent figures like Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Sanders.
He later created Wendy’s and became an iconic figure, known for his friendly demeanor and famous catchphrase, “Where’s the beef?”
