Tag: Cooking hacks

According to research presented at the American Chemical Society, cooking rice with coconut oil and chilling it for 12 hours can transform digestible starches into resistant starches, impacting calorie absorption. This technique has led to widespread interest in whether adding coconut oil to rice can truly reduce carbs and create a healthier staple food.

The weight of 1 tablespoon of kosher salt is not a universal measurement, with brands like Diamond Crystal and Morton's varying significantly due to differences in crystal size and density. A tablespoon of Diamond Crystal weighs roughly 10 grams, while the same volume of Morton's weighs closer to 16 grams.

According to the Idaho Potato Commission, instant potatoes can offer similar nutrients to their fresh counterparts, yet experts caution that the overall nutritional value and ingredients can vary greatly. When comparing instant potatoes and real potatoes, the real difference in healthfulness comes down to processing, additives, and how they are prepared.

In a 2014 BBC study, researchers found that reheating cooled pasta actually amplified the amount of resistant starch, suggesting a significant health benefit. This surprising finding challenges common assumptions and begs the question: does reheating pasta destroy resistant starch, or does it enhance it?.

Food experts and home cooks have debated the use of jarred garlic for years, but one of the most pressing questions concerns safety. While it is generally safe to eat commercially produced, jarred garlic straight from the container, some important considerations about preservatives, flavor, and handling should be taken into account.

According to a 2022 survey, despite its popularity, almost a quarter of meal preppers admit to frequently getting bored with their food. While often praised for its efficiency, meal prepping comes with several lesser-known drawbacks that can impact your budget, health, and patience. It is crucial to understand what are the disadvantages of meal prepping before committing to a routine.

Soaking carrots in a simple saltwater solution can be a highly effective method for both cleansing and improving texture. This common kitchen practice, rooted in the principles of osmosis, helps draw out impurities while restoring firmness to limp vegetables.

According to USDA reference data, a medium asparagus spear, typically measuring 5.25 to 7 inches in length, weighs approximately 0.6 ounces (about 17 grams). This means the specific answer to how much does one asparagus spear weigh depends entirely on the vegetable's dimensions, from slender pencil-thin stalks to hearty, thumb-sized varieties.

One tablespoon of water weighs approximately 15 grams, but the same volume of a different ingredient will have a completely different weight due to variations in density. This crucial fact explains why a single, universal answer to the question "How much is 50g in a spoon?" does not exist, and why specificity is key for successful cooking and baking.

Capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, triggers a burning sensation by binding to pain receptors in our mouths. Learning how to denature capsaicin is a critical skill for anyone who wants to temper the heat of a dish without sacrificing flavor. This guide covers a range of techniques, from adding dairy to using high heat, to help you gain control over spiciness.