What is commonly referred to as sugar is sucrose. A carbohydrate made up of one glucose molecule attached to one fructose molecule. These molecules mainly...
A grain of rice is primarily composed of starch, a large molecule made up of numerous sugars linked together. This starch is found in cells...
Baking soda, scientifically known as sodium bicarbonate, has a great chemical property: when it encounters an acidic element like lemon, vinegar, or even yogurt, it...
When you cook a tomato, a significant portion of the water it contains evaporates. Less water means a more concentrated and powerful flavor. It's a...
Steaming is a gentle method because it heats food using only the heat from steam that circulates freely around it. Since the temperatures remain moderate...
Honey is mainly made up of water and a lot of sugars. In general, it consists of about 80% various sugars and around 20% water. Among these...
The spiciness of wasabi mainly comes from substances called isothiocyanates, especially allyl isothiocyanate. Unlike chili, which owes its heat to capsaicin, wasabi releases these irritating...
The marinade mainly works by modifying the protein structure of the meat. Marinades made with acids like lemon, vinegar, or wine affect the proteins by...
When certain fruits like apples or pears are cut, the plant cells are damaged. This degradation releases an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase (or PPO). This...
Raw shrimp owe their gray or bluish color to a pigment called astaxanthin. This pigment belongs to the family of carotenoids, the same one that...