Col
d Knowledge about Food Food is an essential part of our lives, and we consume it every day without knowing many things about it. Some facts about food may leave us surprised and amazed, and we often refer to them as cold knowledge. This article highlights some of the interesting facts about food. Did you know that the wax coating on apples serves as a preservative? Apples have a natural wax coating that keeps them fresh for several months. The wax coating also protects the fruit from pests, bacteria, and fungi, making them suitable for long-term storage. However, it is advisable to wash the apple before eating to remove any debris or bacteria on the wax coating. Another interesting fact about food is that some vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, have orange color due to the presence of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a pigment found in plants that give them their bright colors. When we consume vegetables rich in beta-carotene, our bodies convert it into vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight and immune system. Did you know that bananas are berries, but strawberries are not? Botanically speaking, a berry is a fruit that develops from a single ovary and has multiple seeds. Bananas meet this definition, while strawberries develop from multiple ovaries and have multiple seeds. Therefore, strawberries are not classified as berries. Speaking of fruits, did you know that pineapples can digest human flesh? Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain that breaks down proteins. This enzyme is used in the food industry to tenderize meat and as an ingredient in digestive supplements. However, bromelain can also break down the proteins in human flesh, which gives pineapples their reputation as a cannibal fruit. Have you ever wondered why the taste of artificial banana flavoring doesn't taste like actual bananas? The reason behind this is that the flavoring is based on the Gros Michel banana, which was popular in the early 20th century but became nearly extinct due to a fungal disease. Today's most commonly consumed banana is the Cavendish, which has a different and less intense flavor than the Gros Michel. Finally, did you know that the caffeine content in decaffeinated coffee is not zero? Although decaffeinated coffee is processed to remove most of the caffeine, there is still some amount left in the beans. On average, a cup of decaf coffee contains 2-5 milligrams of caffeine, compared to the 95 milligrams in a regular cup of coffee. In conclusion, food is a fascinating subject that can offer many insights and fun facts. From the wax coating on apples to the bromelain in pineapples, cold knowledge about food can be surprising and delightful. With this newfound knowledge, we can appreciate our food even more and enjoy it in new ways.