Tag: Culinary arts

According to the USDA, Americans consume an average of about 28.5 pounds of melons per year, with cantaloupe being a popular choice. Despite its common consumption as a sweet, juicy fruit, its classification is a source of confusion for many. So, what food category is cantaloupe truly in—is it a fruit, a vegetable, or something else entirely?

Historically, the term 'gastronomy' was systematized by Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin in 1825 to refer to the knowledge and understanding of all that relates to man as he eats. This concept points to a wide range of terms used to describe food knowledge, from the deeply cultural to the highly scientific.

Over 70% of food consumed globally undergoes some form of processing, and a classic example of a secondary food is a simple loaf of bread. This article explores how a secondary food is created through various transformations of primary ingredients.

From a purely botanical standpoint, the jalapeño is a fruit, a fact that often surprises home cooks. So, what category is a jalapeño from a culinary perspective? This article dives into the dual identity of this popular pepper to resolve the confusion.

While most people consider spinach and lettuce to be vegetables, they are technically the edible leaves of a plant. The simple question, 'Do leaves count as vegetables?' highlights a fascinating distinction between the culinary and botanical worlds, revealing how we classify the food we eat.

By federal guidelines, a single cup of canned applesauce counts as one cup of fruit, placing it firmly in the food category. Despite this official classification, the question of whether applesauce is a food or a drink persists, fueled by modern packaging and its pourable consistency.

For over 8,000 years, humans have actively sought out honey, with some of the earliest evidence found in Spanish cave paintings. So, why do people like honey so much, and what makes it a cherished food across cultures and centuries? The answer lies deep within our biology and shared history.

Records show edible gold has been used for centuries across cultures, dating back to ancient Egypt and the Far East for decoration and supposed medicinal purposes. Today, it adds a touch of luxury to modern dishes, prompting many to ask: can you eat gold leaf on food and is it truly safe?

Lettuce has been cultivated for over 5,000 years, with evidence found in ancient Egyptian carvings, long before it became the common salad base we know today. The question of whether lettuce is classified as a vegetable is best answered by considering the different perspectives of botany and culinary use.

Over 70% of American beef is consumed as ground beef, yet its differences from steak are often misunderstood. Understanding why is ground beef different from steak goes beyond their obvious texture and involves the source cuts, flavor profiles, and crucial food safety practices.