42 questions and answers in this section

Gastronomy and Cooking » Foods and Ingredients

Explain why did the ancient Greeks drink wine mixed with water?

Explain why did the ancient Greeks drink wine mixed with water?

In ancient Greece, drinking pure wine was seen as quite barbaric, reserved for somewhat brutal and uncivilized peoples. The Greeks preferred to consume it mixed...

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Explain why is maple syrup primarily produced in Quebec?

Explain why is maple syrup primarily produced in Quebec?

The production of maple syrup requires very specific weather conditions: very cold winters followed by a mild spring with regular alternation of freezing and thawing. And indeed,...

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Explain why does honey never expire?

Explain why does honey never expire?

Honey is essentially composed of sugars, such as fructose and glucose, which naturally act as a trap against bacteria. This high concentration of sugars creates...

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Explain why do ice cubes make drinks colder?

Explain why do ice cubes make drinks colder?

When you add an ice cube to your drink, there is necessarily a transfer of heat, from the liquid (hotter) to the ice cube (colder). It’s a...

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Explain why orange peels leave a lingering scent on your fingers?

Explain why orange peels leave a lingering scent on your fingers?

Orange peel mainly contains essential oils, responsible for their typical scent. One of the main compounds is limonene, a highly fragrant molecule that accounts for...

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Explain why does popcorn pop when exposed to heat?

Explain why does popcorn pop when exposed to heat?

Popcorn kernels are primarily composed of three parts: a very hard outer shell called the pericarp, a starchy internal tissue known as endosperm, and a...

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Explain why stale bread becomes soft again when heated?

Explain why stale bread becomes soft again when heated?

Staling of bread is a natural phenomenon that causes it to lose its softness, its crust becomes tough, and its crumb rather dry and firm. Contrary to...

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Explain why does rice stick together more when it is overcooked?

Explain why does rice stick together more when it is overcooked?

Rice grains are primarily made up of starch, a molecule that loves water. This starch is organized in the form of compact granules nestled at...

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Explain why some fruits have edible skin while others do not?

Explain why some fruits have edible skin while others do not?

The skin protects the fruit against all kinds of external threats such as bacteria, insects, or even the sun. It also acts as a sort...

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Explain why poorly stored chocolate develops a white film on its surface?

Explain why poorly stored chocolate develops a white film on its surface?

Chocolate is a mixture mainly composed of cocoa mass, cocoa butter, and sugar, to which powdered milk, vanilla, or soy lecithin as an emulsifier may...

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