17 Fun Facts About Food That You Need To Know
Here are some fun and interesting food facts that will blow your mind. We hope you enjoy reading about some of these random and interesting facts about food as much as we did putting them together.
1. Dark chocolate: a treat with health benefits
Chocolate has come a long way since its creation, with the first chocolate bar being made in 1910. One of the many types of chocolate is dark chocolate, made from the roasted beans of the cacao tree, which has several important health benefits. Eating a square or two of dark chocolate per day has been shown to improve cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even improve vision. With these benefits in mind, it’s worth indulging in some high-quality dark chocolate. Hot chocolate is a good alternative, according to a Harvard study, that found that two cups a day prevented memory decline.
2. Nectarines: as sweet as their namesake
The name “nectarine,” which comes from the words “nectar” and “nectar of the gods,” communicates its sweetness. A fruit that originated in China over 2,000 years ago, nectarines are a good source of Vitamins C and A and are abundant in antioxidants. They assist in weight loss, aid in regulating blood pressure levels, improve immunity, and help heart health.
3. Raspberries: members of the rose family
Raspberries, like cherries, apricots, plums, pears, apples, quinces, peaches, strawberries, and blackberries, belong to the rose family and frequently feature flowers with five equal petals around a central core. Once picked, unripe raspberries do not ripen, but they are still a great addition to any fruit salad, smoothie, or tart.
4. Broccoli contains more protein than steak
While former President George W Bush may have once said, “I’m president of the United States, and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli,” it may be a good idea to ignore him. Broccoli, a green and leafy vegetable, contains more protein per calorie than steak, and it is free of all of the saturated and trans fats and cholesterol that goes along with red meat. Thus by including broccoli in our diet, we can obtain some of the protein we need while lowering our risk of cardiovascular issues. Remember though, you'd have to eat a large quantity of broccoli to get all those protein benefits!
5. Apples: nature’s energizing alternative to coffee
For those times when our energy supply dips during the afternoon, consider snacking on an apple rather than buying a cup of coffee. Apples contain high carbohydrates, fiber, Vitamin C, and minerals, which makes them a great option for energy and overall health.
6. Pecans: antioxidant rich nuts
Pecans, one of the antioxidant-rich nuts out there, can be an excellent addition to your diet. They contain such a high level of antioxidants that a diet rich in them reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
7. Pistachio: a seed from fruit
Pistachios are not actually nuts. They are, instead, the seeds of a fruit with outer fruit that is removed during processing. Pistachios, like other ‘nuts,’ are high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can help promote weight management, protect against diabetes and hypertension, and improve digestion. Omega-3 fatty acids present in the seeds can help lower blood pressure and reduce the possibility of heart disease. So go ahead and snack on these healthier alternatives to processed foods!
8. Caesar salad: a mexican twist
Who would have thought that the glorious Caesar salad actually originated from a Mexican city called Tijuana? Restaurateur Chef Caesar Cardini, in the midst of hosting a 4th of July celebration, found himself in a pickle. He ran out of food! But instead of panicking, Chef Cardini got creative. He grabbed whatever ingredients he could find in his kitchen and tossed them together into a unique salad. And boy, did it hit the spot! The Caesar salad was an instant hit.
Not only that, but here's another juicy tidbit: Did you know that the Caesar dressing is actually supposed to be a vinaigrette? It's made by whisking minced garlic and anchovies into a bowl, then adding a raw egg. Gradually, you drizzle in olive oil, while mixing in lime juice, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. The result should be a beautiful yellow hue, not the phony white stuff you commonly find in supermarkets. Talk about a flavor explosion!
9. Avocados: the berry that packs a punch
Avocados aren't just a creamy and delicious treat—they’re actually a type of fruit! That's right, they're classified as a berry! And did you know that avocados require some patience to reach their peak? They must be picked when matured, and it can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks for them to ripen to perfection.
In Spain and Mexico, avocados are even called "alligator pears" because of their unique shape and bumpy, green skin. Meanwhile, in India and China, they go by the name "butter pears." No matter what you call them, these healthy powerhouses are packed with Vitamin C, E, K, and B-6. So go ahead and avocado a great day!
10. SPAM is not a mystery...
We’re not talking about the unwanted marketing emails you receive, but that mysterious meat in a can. Do you know what spam actually means? It’s short for ‘Spiced Ham’
11. Hot dogs: a global journey
You might think that hot dogs are as American as apple pie, but the true origin of this scrumptious delight is still up for debate! Some say it was invented in Vienna, Austria, by two Austro-Hungarian immigrants who brought the recipe with them to Chicago. Others claim that it hails from Frankfurt, Germany. And to add to the mystery, there are even claims that a butcher from Coburg, Germany, created the hot dog in the late 1600s. The exact answer might be lost to history, but one thing's for sure—Americans love their hot dogs! They devour a staggering 20 million of them every year, especially during baseball games where they're a home run hit. In fact, during the 2015 Major League Baseball season alone, about 18.5 million hot dogs were relished by fans!
On the topic of tasty treats with unexpected origins, did you know that French fries aren't actually French? Sacré bleu! The dish's true roots can be traced back to Belgium. Historians believe potatoes were first fried in oil in the late 1600s. But it was American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I who first got a taste of these golden and crispy delights. The soldiers, calling them "French fries," introduced them to the world. Why "French"? Well, the official language of the Belgian army was French, so it was a tasty mix-up.
12. Peanut butter: more than just a spread
If you thought peanut butter was just a guilty pleasure, think again! Studies have shown that this nutty delight can actually help lower cholesterol, aid in weight loss, and even prevent type 2 diabetes. Talk about a tasty and healthy snack! Oh, and here's a truly illuminating fact: Did you know that peanut butter glows in the dark after being exposed to intense light? Now, that's shedding light on a whole new level of nuttiness!
Peanut butter can also be used to make diamonds—yes, diamonds! Well, sort of. If you want to turn peanut butter into bling, you'll need to recreate the conditions found in the Earth's lower mantle for a few weeks. We're talking about a toasty 2,200 degrees Celsius. So maybe stick to enjoying your peanut butter on toast instead of investing in a peanut butter jewelry line.
13. Making jelly beans: a sweet process
Love jelly beans? Get ready for some fun food facts that will make your taste buds tingle! Did you know that it can take anywhere from 7 to 21 days to make a single jelly bean? Talk about patience paying off! And if you're counting calories, each serving of 35 jelly beans packs about 130 calories and a whopping 37 grams of sugar. So, go easy on the jelly bean binge!
14. Cucumbers: Mother Nature's multi-taskers
Cucumbers aren't just for salads and spa water—they have many hidden talents! Ever notice how your bathroom mirror gets all fogged up after a steamy shower? Well, here's a cool cucumber trick: Rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror will magically clear away the mist and leave behind a refreshing spa-like fragrance. It's like a little spa treatment every time you step out of the shower!
Need to fix a pen mistake? Grab a cucumber and get creative! The waxy coating on the outside of the cucumber can actually erase pen writing. Fun fact: Did you know that cucumbers are a whopping 96% water? So not only are they refreshing to eat, but they can also help keep you hydrated.
15. Bananas are berries... but strawberries aren't!
Hold on to your hats because this one might just blow your fruit-loving mind: Bananas are actually classified as berries, while strawberries are members of the rose family. Yes, bananas are the true berry MVPs! And they have more surprises up their sleeves than you might think.
Bananas can float in water, which makes them the perfect tropical accessory for a poolside party. But did you also know that they can help improve your mood and lower your blood pressure?
Oh, and if you get a pesky mosquito bite, don't fret. Simply rub the inside of a banana peel on the bite, and it can help soothe the itching. Finally, one last banana fact is that humans share around 50% of their DNA with bananas!
16. The stickers on fruit are edible!
You're about to sink your teeth into a juicy apple, and there it is—the sticker. But fear not! Those little stickers are actually edible. Yes, you read that right—they won't hurt you if you munch on them accidentally. So next time you take a bite of your favorite fruit and accidentally nibble on the sticker, no need to panic. Just keep on enjoying your fruity delight. Although, let's be honest, who really wants to eat a sticker?
17. The sandwich: a gamble with delicious rewards!
Prepare to have your mind blown by the origin of the sandwich. Legend has it that the lunchtime classic was invented by none other than the Earl of Sandwich himself. Picture this: The Earl, John Montagu, was an avid gambler who was immersed in a 24-hour streak at the card table. He didn't want to leave the table for a meal, but he also didn't want to drop the hot hand. So, in a stroke of genius, he asked for his meat to be served between two slices of bread. Thus, the sandwich was born!
And speaking of sandwiches, did you know that one actually made its way to space? Astronaut John Young smuggled a corned beef sandwich onto his spacecraft during a six-hour mission. Maybe he needed a taste of home among the stars! However, in zero gravity conditions, floating crumbs could have wreaked havoc and caused damage to the shuttle. Luckily, they returned to Earth unharmed. But NASA got the message loud and clear—no sandwiches in space! We'll just have to enjoy our sandwiches down here on Earth.
So there are our fun facts about food! Find out other interesting insights about food and office catering in our blog: The Ultimate Special Dietary Requirements Catering Guide, Best Fruits that Fight the Winter Cold & Flu
If you're also interested in cool corporate catering or office lunch delivery in London, but on a budget, our team of experts will be happy to hear back from you. You can also have a look at our website and order directly from there under one minute! We serve small or large groups with a variety of foods and can accommodate any dietary needs.
