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Food is not just about food filling your stomach. It’s an experience, a source of nourishment, and, at times, a journey into the unknown. Over the years, we’ve come to understand food in deeper ways, both scientifically and culturally. But there are still some mind-blowing facts about food that continue to amaze us.
In this article, we will explore 20 fascinating food facts that will make you view your meals differently, from bizarre discoveries to shocking truths that even about food experts may not always highlight.
1. about food Honey Never Spoils
Honey is one of the few foods that never goes bad. Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible! This is because honey has natural preservatives such as low moisture content and a high level of acidity that keep bacteria and microorganisms at bay.
2. Bananas Are Berries, But Strawberries Aren’t
From a botanical perspective, bananas are considered berries, while strawberries aren’t! Berries are classified by the way they develop from a single flower’s ovary, and bananas fit that definition, while strawberries do not. This is a fun fact that challenges common knowledge about fruits.
3. Chocolate Was Once Used As Currency
The ancient Mayans and Aztecs valued cacao beans so highly that they used them as a form of currency. They also made a chocolate drink that was much different from the sweet treat we know today—more bitter and often spiced with chili.
4. Apples Float on Water
Did you know apples can float on water? This is because about 25% of an apple’s volume is air. If you’ve ever participated in the traditional apple bobbing game, you’ve experienced this firsthand. Apples are not just a delicious snack but a buoyant one too!
5. Ketchup Was Once Sold as Medicine
In the 1830s, ketchup was believed to have medicinal properties. It was sold as a “cure” for ailments such as indigestion. Dr. John Cook Bennet, a physician, even marketed ketchup pills as a health remedy.
6. Pineapples Were a Symbol of Wealth and Prestige
In the 17th and 18th centuries, pineapples were considered so rare and exotic in Europe that they became symbols of wealth, prosperity, and luxury. Because they were so difficult to cultivate, they were often displayed at fancy dinners and parties.
7. Cheese Was First Made Over 7,000 Years Ago
Evidence shows that cheese-making dates back over 7,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. Archaeologists have uncovered clay pots with traces of milk fats, indicating that cheese production was well underway in those early civilizations.
8. The World’s Most Expensive Coffee Comes From Poop
Civet coffee, known as Kopi Luwak, is the world’s most expensive coffee, costing hundreds of dollars per pound. The beans are eaten and then excreted by civet cats. After being cleaned and processed, the beans are brewed into a strong and unique-tasting coffee. The fermentation process inside the cat’s digestive system imparts a distinct flavor to the beans.
9. Potatoes Were the First Vegetable Grown in Space
In 1995, potatoes became the first vegetable to be grown in space. NASA sent potato plants aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia to experiment with growing food in zero gravity, hoping to develop ways to feed astronauts on long-term missions to Mars about food.
10. Your Taste Buds Have a Lifespan of 10 to 14 Days
Taste buds don’t last forever. They have a short lifespan of about 10 to 14 days. However, your body continually regenerates new ones to ensure that you can taste your food. The lifespan of a taste bud is part of why your tastes may evolve over time.
11. Carrots Were Originally Purple
The orange carrots that we know and love today were not always the norm. Historically, carrots were originally purple or white. The orange variety we see today was cultivated by Dutch farmers in the 17th century as a tribute to the royal House of Orange.
12. Cucumbers Are 95% Water
Cucumbers are among the most hydrating vegetables, with about 95% of their content being water. They’re great for staying hydrated during hot weather or as a refreshing snack.
13. Apples Are More Effective Than Coffee at Waking You Up
The natural sugars and fiber in apples can boost your energy and keep you awake just as much, if not more, than coffee. Apples are a great option for a more sustainable, less jittery energy boost in the morning.
14. Tomatoes Are Technically Fruits, Not Vegetables
Though commonly thought of as a vegetable, tomatoes are actually fruits—specifically, they’re berries. This is because they develop from the flower of the tomato plant and contain seeds, fitting the botanical definition of fruit about food.
15. Spicy Foods Can Actually Make You Sweat
Spicy foods, like chili peppers, cause a reaction in your body that mimics a rise in temperature. Your body begins to sweat as it tries to cool itself down, giving you the sensation of being hotter. This is why people in hot climates often consume spicy foods—they help regulate body temperature.
16. Coconut Water Can Be Used as an IV
During World War II, coconut water was used as an emergency substitute for intravenous (IV) fluids. The electrolytes in coconut water are very similar to those found in human blood, which is why it can be used in emergency medical situations about food.
17. The Most Expensive Spice in the World Is Saffron
Saffron is the most expensive spice by weight. This is because saffron comes from the delicate stigma of the crocus flower, and each flower produces only three red threads of saffron. It takes tens of thousands of flowers to produce just one pound of saffron about food.
18. Watermelons Are Technically a Berry
Watermelons belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers and pumpkins. From a botanical standpoint, watermelon qualifies as a berry because it develops from a single ovary and contains multiple seeds.
19. The World’s Largest Pizza Weighed Over 51,000 Pounds
In 2012, a team of chefs in Rome created the world’s largest pizza, which weighed an astounding 51,257 pounds (23,000 kg). The pizza was named “Ottavia” and had a surface area of 13,580 square feet, breaking records and gaining worldwide attention.
20. An Orange Can Have Over 100 Different Varieties
Oranges are more than just one type of fruit. There are over 100 varieties of oranges grown around the world, including sweet, bitter, and blood oranges. Each variety has distinct flavors, textures, and uses, making oranges incredibly versatile.
Food is not just fuel for the body; it’s an endless source of discovery, delight, and mystery. From fruits that defy our understanding of botany to ancient practices that are now trending again, there is so much more to food than meets the eye. These 20 mind-blowing facts about food offer a glimpse into the world of culinary wonders, making you rethink the way you see everyday items in your kitchen.
So, the next time you bite into an apple or sip on a cup of coffee, you’ll have a new appreciation for the world of food, and perhaps a few facts to share at your next dinner party!
