7 Weird Food Facts You Probably Didn't Know
Did you know that fruit stickers are edible? Or that large groups of pistachios can spontaneously combust?
Food is a fascinating topic, full of surprises and weird facts. In this article, we’ll explore 7 of the most intriguing food facts you probably didn’t know.
From the strange to the surprising, these tidbits will give you an entirely new appreciation for the food we eat every day.
So get ready to be amazed as we delve into some weird food facts!
Russia Only Classed Beer As Alcohol In 2011!
In 2011, Russia made a startling change in their legal definition of what constitutes an alcoholic beverage. Before this, any drink containing alcohol below 10% ABV was classified as a soft drink. This changed when Russia introduced legislation to control and limit the sale of beer to combat issues like underage drinking and health problems associated with excessive consumption.
Russia’s decision was criticised by some quarters; it was argued that treating low-alcohol drinks like beer as soft drinks enabled people to consume them without realising they were consuming alcohol at all. However, the law has had some positive effects; according to figures from 2017, alcohol consumption in Russia had decreased by 25%.
Though it may have been controversial at the time, this move by Russia has effectively curbed excessive drinking amongst its population. It serves as an example for other countries looking for ways to reduce their levels of alcohol consumption.
The Most Stolen Food In The World Is Cheese!
Bananas Are Berries, But Strawberries Aren't!
Bananas, cucumbers, and kiwis are all fruits that are commonly associated with berries. But did you know that strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are not? It may seem counterintuitive, but it’s true. This is because the term “berry” is actually defined by botanists in terms of anatomy rather than taste or appearance.
For a fruit to be classified as a berry, it must have three distinct layers: the exocarp (outer layer), mesocarp (middle layer), and endocarp (innermost layer). Bananas, cucumbers, and kiwis all fulfil this criteria, but strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries do not – instead, they have only two layers, so while these fruits look and taste like berries to us humans, scientifically speaking, they are actually something entirely different!
Lobsters & Oysters Used To Be Working Class Food
In the 18th century, lobsters and oysters were considered working-class foods. Unlike today, they weren’t seen as luxurious delicacies but rather cheap protein sources for those who could not afford the more expensive fare. In fact, in some parts of the world, lobster was banned from being served to prisoners because it was considered too filling!
It wasn’t until the 19th century that people started to appreciate seafood for its taste and texture.
Wealthy diners began celebrating lobster dishes in their restaurants and homes, which led to an increase in demand for these creatures. This led to a rise in prices and, therefore, a decrease in availability for those on lower incomes.
You Can Hear Rhubarb Grow!
Rhubarb is a unique fruit that has been enjoyed by many for centuries. It has an interesting taste and texture and can also be used to make pies, jams, and other delicious treats. But did you know that you can actually hear rhubarb grow?
This phenomenon is known as ‘rhubarb forcing’. To do this, one must put the rhubarb in a dark shed or area, tricking it into thinking that it’s spring. This causes the rhubarb to grow unnaturally large at an incredibly fast pace – so fast that you can actually hear the rhubarb popping as it grows!
Large Groups Of Pistachios Can Spontaneously Combust!
Pistachios are a delicious snack that many of us enjoy, but did you know that large groups can spontaneously combust? It’s true! The oily fibrous material used to transport pistachio nuts can sometimes cause them to catch fire.
This phenomenon is known as ‘pistachio pyrolysis’ and occurs when the heat released by the nuts causes the oil in the packaging to ignite. It can happen anytime, so it’s important to exercise caution whenever you’re near a big pile of pistachios. Once combustion begins, it’s hard to stop and can lead to serious damage or injury.
Fortunately, this type of fire is relatively rare and usually only happens when large amounts of pistachios are stored together in a confined space. If you need to transport large quantities of these tasty snacks, be sure to do so with extra care and watch for signs of smoke or flames.
Fruit Stickers Are Edible!
Believe it or not, fruit stickers are edible! That’s right – those seemingly innocuous little labels on the front of our apples, oranges, and other fruits are actually safe to eat. This is because most food-grade stickers are made from a combination of paper and plastic approved for human consumption. So when you take a bite of the sticker, don’t freak out!
It should be noted, however, that while these stickers are non-toxic and edible, they aren’t meant to be eaten. They’re made with plastic and not biodegradable, so if you consume them, they may remain in your digestive tract for an extended period. And throwing them into a compost heap won’t help either, as they’ll stay unchanged for years.
Conclusion
We all know that food can be tasty, but did you know it can also be incredibly fascinating? Knowing fun food facts is an easy way to increase your knowledge and appreciation of food while also promoting healthier and more sustainable food choices.
From the health benefits of certain foods to the origin stories behind some of our favourite dishes, discovering fun food facts can provide us with a newfound respect for the meals we consume every day.
FAQs
What is a weird fact about vegetables?
Most of the nutrients in a potato reside just below the skin layer. A hornworm can eat an entire tomato plant by itself in one day! In the United States, more tomatoes are consumed than any other single fruit or vegetable! California produces almost all of the broccoli sold in the United States.
What are some fun facts about the food industry?
One-third of Americans’ first job was in a restaurant. 10% of the nation’s workforce is employed in a restaurant. 90% of restaurant managers started at entry-level in the industry. 80% of restaurant owners started at entry-level in the industry.
What are some scary facts about food waste?
More than 1/3 of all food is wasted. That’s 1.3 billion tonnes every year, according to The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). If food waste were a country, it would be the 3rd largest emitter of greenhouse gases after the US and China causing 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
