Category: Cultural myths

The rumor of an addictive chemical in Chinese food has persisted for decades, but scientific consensus tells a different story. The compound often cited, monosodium glutamate (MSG), is not chemically addictive and is recognized as safe by health authorities, yet plays a key role in the complex and savory flavor known as umami.

For over 200 years, many Europeans believed tomatoes were poisonous, earning them the infamous nickname 'poison apple'. The story of why were tomatoes considered toxic is a surprising tale of botanical confusion, class divides, and deadly dinnerware.