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Food Trivia
- What is the origin of the Apricot?
- The Apricot first appeared in Italy about 100 B.C. but it did not arrive in England until the latter part of the 16th century. The Apricot is closely related to both the almond and the peach.
- Is there anything I can do to ripen bananas?
- Yes. Place them in a brown paper bag with an apple or tomato overnight. They will work together to speed each other's ripening.
- Start at the end of the stem and separate the skin from the pulp by using a small knife. For easy skin removal, dip grapes in boiling water for 30 seconds, then place in cold water.
- How do you get the maximum juice from a lemon?
- Bring the lemon to room temperature, roll in your hands or on a hard surface, grate, peel, then squeeze.
- How can I slice onions without my eyes hurting?
- Chilling the onion before chopping lessens the onion's tear-producing effects on the eyes.
- How long have peaches been around?
- Peaches were first cultivated in ancient China, where they were considered a symbol of long life and immortality.
- Can you freeze a pineapple?
- Yes, you can freeze it for up to 6 months for cooking and baking only.
- What do you do with the white portion of the orange peel?
- Eat it! The white portion of the peel contains valuable nutrients and fibre, which aids in digestion.
Do You Know?
Asparagus
- Asparagus has been around for over 2,500 years.
- Asparagus was once used for medicinal purposes. It was used to treat bee stings, heart ailments and toothaches.
- Asparagus will grow 7” in a day when the temperature is 320C
Cucumbers- Cucumber is a native of India and the people of India eat cucumbers as a way to stay cool
- “Cool as a cucumber” comes from the fact that the core of a cucumber is 60C lower than the temperature outside
Spinach
- Spinach is a very hardy crop and can withstand temperatures as low as -60C
- Known as a food source since 647 A.D., the Chinese called spinach the “herb of Persia”
Sweet Peppers
- Peppers are native to the tropics and were first introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus
- Peppers will mature from 60-90 days after they are planted
Oranges
- Oranges are the main source of vitamin C
- There are two types of oranges – sweet and sour
- Worldwide, about 90% oranges are turned into juice
Strawberries
- There are about 200 seeds on a strawberry
- Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside
- Strawberries are believed to have been cultivated in Rome
Healthy Tidbits
Asparagus
- Asparagus contains many essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need daily.
- Asparagus contains, Vitamin C, Folacin, Thiamine, Vitamin B-6, Fiber and Potassium
- According to the National Cancer Institute, asparagus is the highest tested vegetable food containing Glutahitione, one of the body’s most potent cancer fighters
- Asparagus is low in calories and sodium
Cucumbers
- Cucumbers are low in calories (1/4 of a cucumber = 14 calorie) and are 96% water
- Cucumbers are sodium free and contain Vitamin C, potassium and folacin
- Cucumbers are sodium free and contain zero cholesterol
Spinach
- Spinach is a low calorie (1/2 cup spinach = 40 calories), high fiber (5 mg per ½ cup) food
- Fresh spinach is naturally fat-free
- Fresh spinach is high in iron, with 20 mg per ½ cup serving
Sweet Peppers
- 1 cup of sweet peppers contains only 40 calories
- Sweet Peppers are an excellent source of Vitamins C & A
- Red Peppers are great for the skin and swelling due to arthritis because of the high silicon content
Oranges
- Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C, but they also contain folate, potassium, thiamin, calcium and magnesium
- Oranges are low in calories. For a medium orange, there are approximately 64 calories and only 1 mg of sodium
Strawberries
- Ounce for ounce, strawberries have more Vitamin C than citrus fruit
- Strawberries are a great source of vitamins and nutrients. They not only contain Vitamin C, but also folate and potassium
- Strawberries have no cholesterol and no saturated fat
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