Refried beans are only fried once. The reason for this misconception is a Spanish to English translation error. The term is frijoles refritos which actually means “well fried beans” – not re-fried.
Chili peppers are hot because they contain a substance called alkaloid capsaicin and four other related chemicals. Capsaicin is also the primary ingredient in pepper spray.
Eggs age more in one day at room temperature than in one week in the refrigerator.
People were using garlic to repel vampires long before Bram Stoker’s Dracula was published. Folklorists suggest due to vampire’s heightened sense of smell that garlic’s strong odor was overpowering. Although we may not encounter vampires often, garlic is proven to be effective against two other bloodsuckers: mosquitoes and ticks.
An American will typically eat the equivalent of 28 pigs in his or her lifetime.
During the Middle Ages, a lemon slice was served with fish because it was thought the juice would dissolve any bones that were accidentally swallowed. Today we use lemon juice to cut the “fishy” flavor of many types of seafood.
Egg yolks are one of the few foods that naturally contain Vitamin D.
Drinking fresh milk in the classical world was considered a luxury because milk was so difficult to preserve.
Fruits and vegetables that are yellow or orange in color contain the plant pigment Beta-Carotene and carrots are one of the richest in this nutrient. Our bodies convert Beta-Carotene into Vitamin A which is important for eyesight, especially night vision.
Avocados have more protein than any other fruit.
The egg shell may have as many as 17,000 tiny pores over its surface. Through these pores, the egg can absorb flavors and odors. Storing them in a carton helps keep them fresh.
Although generally regarded as a tree, the large tropical banana plant is really an herb. The stalk is composed of leaf sheaths that overlap each other and grow from an underground stem called a rhizome. Also, bananas are about 99.5% fat free and rich in potassium.
Honey is the only food that will not spoil.
About the author: Lisa Mapel is an Extension Program Assistant and Better Living for Texans educator with the Brown County AgriLife Extension office. Lisa may be reached at 325.646.0386.