Topic

Food & Lifestyle

A collection of 44 issues

The Ephemeral Art of Yuki-dōfu: Japan's Lost Snow-Forged Tofu

Prized by samurai, yuki-dōfu was a unique Japanese delicacy transformed not by recipe, but by nature. By burying tofu in snow for weeks, a natural freeze-thaw cycle created a light, spongy texture that masterfully absorbed the richest broths.

Funazushi and the Pungent, Fermented Origins of Sushi

Before today's raw fish rolls, sushi was a preservation method. Funazushi from Shiga Prefecture is a prime example, pickling carp in salt and fermented rice for years. This creates a pungent, cheese-like delicacy with a sour, umami flavor, offering a direct taste of sushi's funky, fermented origins.

What the FDA's Food Defect Handbook Reveals About Mold

The U.S. FDA permits natural or unavoidable defects in food, including mold, through its Food Defect Levels Handbook. For example, frozen strawberries are only considered adulterated if the average mold count exceeds 45%, a standard reflecting mass production realities.

The Deadly Dangers of 19th-Century Ice Cream

Before modern food safety, 19th-century ice cream was a deadly gamble. Unpasteurized milk carried diseases like typhoid, ice was cut from polluted rivers, and vendors used toxic chemicals like lead and arsenic for color, turning a popular treat into a poison.

The Frozen Throne: How Norway Became the Unlikely Pizza Capital of the World

When you think of pizza-loving nations, Italy or the U.S. come to mind. Surprisingly, the country that eats the most pizza per capita is Norway. This is largely fueled by the nation's immense affection for frozen pizza, which is a cultural staple for gatherings, especially on 'Fredagskos'.

The Tale of Two Carbs: Why Your Body Prefers a Slow Burn to a Quick Spark

All carbs become sugar, but their structure dictates their effect. Simple sugars are absorbed rapidly, causing a blood sugar spike and crash. Complex carbs, with their intricate structure, break down slowly, providing steady, sustained energy and often come packed with vital fiber and nutrients.

The Sinner's Supper: Uncovering the Secret Ritual of the Ortolan Bunting

The ortolan bunting, a tiny songbird, is the centerpiece of a controversial and illegal French gastronomic ritual. This clandestine tradition involves force-feeding the bird, drowning it in Armagnac, and eating it whole under a napkin to hide the act from God or to savor the intense aroma.

Beyond the 11 Herbs & Spices: The Story of Colonel Sanders' Other Chicken Nephew

While Colonel Sanders built a global empire, his nephew Lee Cummings was creating his own fried chicken legacy. After learning the trade from his famous uncle, Cummings developed a distinct honey-dipped, pressure-cooked recipe and launched Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, a regional success story.

The Iron Paradox: Your Body Craves This Metal, But Can't Digest a Nail

Your survival depends on iron, the core of oxygen-transporting hemoglobin in your blood. But your body needs it in an absorbable, ionic form. While your stomach can dissolve the fine iron powder in fortified cereal, it's no match for a solid wrench, highlighting a delicate biological balance.

Watered-Down Wisdom: Why Diluting Your Harsh Face Cleanser Won't Save Your Skin

Diluting a harsh facial cleanser seems like a simple fix, but this kitchen chemistry can backfire. Adding water destabilizes the product's delicate formula, altering its pH and rendering preservatives ineffective. This can lead to skin irritation and bacterial growth in the bottle.