Category: Food FAQs

Can You Leave Eggs Out Overnight? Safety, Storage Tips & More

Ricardo Davis

– Keeping eggs in the fridge is an American quirk.
– Eggs sold in many countries are unrefrigerated and kept on the counter.
– Farm-fresh eggs can be kept on the counter for about a week if they have never been refrigerated.
– Once refrigerated, eggs must be kept refrigerated.
– Refrigerated eggs can last four to five weeks after packaging date if stored properly.
– Eggs can be left on the counter for two hours at room temperature or one hour if temperature is 90 degrees F or hotter.
– After two hours, it is safer to throw out the eggs due to potential bacterial growth, particularly Salmonella.
– Symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.
– Salmonella contamination from eggs causes about 79,000 illnesses and 30 deaths per year according to FDA estimates.
– Proper guidelines include keeping eggs refrigerated below 40 degrees F, discarding cracked eggs, and washing hands and utensils that come in contact with raw eggs.

Continue Reading

Can You Microwave Cardboard Safely? Practical Tips Explained

Ricardo Davis

– Microwave-safe cardboard can be microwaved for short periods of time (60-120 seconds) on a low power setting.
– It is important to check the container for any glue, ink, or lining, as these may release chemicals into the food.
– Pizza boxes can be microwaved as long as they are microwave-safe and have no plastic or metal components. They should be microwaved for less than a minute.
– Cardboard with metal handles or adhesive should not be microwaved.
– It is recommended to transfer food to a microwave-safe container if longer reheating is needed.

Continue Reading

How to Store Macarons to Keep Them Fresh

Ricardo Davis

– Macarons can be stored in the fridge for up to 7 weeks in their plastic casing
– Macarons should be taken out of the fridge at least 20 minutes before serving to reach room temperature
– Freezing macarons is not recommended as it can change the texture and taste
– Macarons should not be left uncovered to prevent drying out
– Storing macarons in the fridge or refrigerated displays is recommended for bakers or sellers for up to 7 weeks.

Continue Reading

How Long is Salsa Good For After Opening? Understanding Shelf Life

Ricardo Davis

– Homemade salsa made with fresh ingredients lasts for 1-3 days when properly covered and refrigerated.
– Store-bought salsa with preserving agents can last up to a year in an unopened, airtight jar without refrigeration.
– Unopened store-bought salsa can last for 12-18 months in a cool and dark pantry.
– Once opened, store-bought salsa lasts for about 2-4 weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight glass jar or plastic container.
– Opened salsa can be extended further by freezing it in a plastic freezer bag (marked with the date).
– Salsa that has been served in open bowls and used by guests should be discarded to avoid contamination.
– Signs of spoiled salsa include dents or swelling of the lid on a jar.
– If there is no popping noise when opening a jar of salsa, it means there is no longer any pressure in the jar.
– The absence of pressure indicates that the salsa was not sealed properly or that the contents have gone bad.
– Signs of spoilage in salsa include a change in color, signs of mold or fuzz, separation of ingredients, expiration date past recommended time, unpleasant odor, and bad taste.
– It is recommended to throw out any jar of salsa that shows signs of spoilage.

Continue Reading

How Long Do Chia Seeds Last and Enhance Health?

Ricardo Davis

– Chia seeds have a shelf life of 4-5 years if stored properly.
– Expired chia seeds can still be consumed as long as they do not show signs of spoilage, rancidity, mold, clumping, or pantry bugs.
– Chia powder has a shelf life specific to the product, usually around 4 months.
– Finely ground chia seeds usually have an expiration date of 6 months printed on the package.
– Chia pudding, made with chia seeds, milk, sweetener, and flavorings, has a shelf life of 3-5 days when stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
– Chia seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat.
– Chia seeds can be frozen and retain their nutritional value for up to 2 years.
– Signs of bug infestation include the presence of dead insects or shells in the chia seeds, living insects or bugs crawling around, and the presence of webbing or silk-like strands.
– If chia seeds have reached their expiration date but have no visible signs of spoilage, they may still be suitable for consumption, although their nutritional value may not be the same as fresh chia seeds.
– Expired chia seeds can be used in recipes where their texture isn’t noticeable, such as baked goods, smoothies, or cooked dishes. However, it is recommended to discard expired chia seeds to avoid health complications.

Continue Reading

Does Bojangles serve breakfast all day? A delicious morning feast available round the clock!

Ricardo Davis

– Bojangles does not serve breakfast all day, they stop serving breakfast at 10:30am.
– Bojangles serves breakfast all day on weekends.
– Bojangles offers various breakfast items such as biscuit sandwiches, Cajun Filet Biscuits, Bo-Rounds, Hot Cakes & Sausage, Country Ham Biscuit Sandwiches, and more.
– Bojangles has non-spicy chicken options and also offers a blend of herbs and spices for their chicken.
– Bojangles’ prices for menu items include Leg & 2 Thighs (with 1 Fixin’) at $5.79, Leg & 2 Thighs (with 2 Fixin’s) at $6.49, 1 Breast Dinner (with 1 Fixin’) at $4.89, and 1 Breast Dinner (with 2 Fixin’s) at $5.59, among others.
– Bojangles also offers sides and drinks to complete the breakfast experience.
– Bojangles offers vegan options for breakfast, including a Morning Star Farms Veggie Biscuit and a Veggie Bo-Round.
– Breakfast is served until 10:30 am.
– Customers can order breakfast online for take-out or delivery.
– The Cajun Filet Biscuit is one of the most popular breakfast items at Bojangles.
– Bojangles does not serve breakfast all day, their breakfast menu items are served until 10:30am, after which time they transition to their lunch and dinner menus.
– Bojangles’ serves breakfast all day on weekends.
– Most locations open at 5:30 am and close at 9 pm (except for Saturdays when they close at 10 pm).
– Bojangles’ was founded in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina and now has over 600 locations in the southeastern United States.
– The closest Bojangles’ can be found in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
– The Charlotte, NC airport location is open from 7 am to 11 pm daily.
– Bojangles’ offers a variety of breakfast options, including Cajun chicken and biscuit sandwiches, Bo rounds, grits, and Bo-Berry biscuits.

Continue Reading

What Does Undercooked Chicken Look Like: A Visual Guide to Spotting Potential Risks

Ricardo Davis

– Undercooked chicken will appear raw and pink on the inside and outside.
– If the chicken is slightly pink or if the juices are red or pink, it is likely not cooked through.
– There should be no blood present when cutting into the thickest part of the meat.
– Undercooked chicken will lack flavor and have a raw, slightly slimy texture.
– It is important to know if chicken is undercooked to avoid foodborne illnesses like salmonella.
– The moisture test: pressing the chicken with your finger and clear juices indicate it is cooked through, pink or red juices mean it needs more cooking.
– The color test: pink or red flesh indicates it needs more cooking, gray or white flesh means it is safe to eat.
– The size reduction test: if the meat has significantly shrunk in size, it may still be raw.
– The time test: each pound of chicken should cook for at least 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust accordingly for different cooking methods or temperatures.
– Chicken should be cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes per pound of boneless chicken.
– Internal temperature should reach at least 165°F before the chicken is safe to consume.
– Signs of overcooked chicken include dryness and toughness.
– Chicken should feel firm and springy when pressed with your index finger when cooked through.
– Undercooked chicken can cause food poisoning.
– Symptoms of food poisoning from undercooked chicken can appear within two days.
– Antibiotics may be required for a full recovery in severe cases of food poisoning.
– Undercooked chicken may not necessarily be pink.
– The USDA recommends heating chicken until all parts reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
– Consuming undercooked chicken can lead to bacterial infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause symptoms like abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
– Every 25th package of chicken has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, so even slightly undercooked chicken is not safe to consume.
– Reheating undercooked chicken until fully cooked is advisable.

Continue Reading

SunDried Tomato Substitute: Explore Delicious Alternatives for Culinary Innovations

Ricardo Davis

– Semi-dried tomatoes are a good substitute for sun-dried tomatoes as they have a softer, sweeter taste.
– Canned tomatoes can be used in sauces as a substitute, but may need to be reduced or thickened.
– Tomato paste is packed with flavor and umami but lacks texture.
– Tomato puree is milder and more watery than tomato paste and can be used for extra tomato taste and texture.
– Fresh tomatoes are a good option for salads and sandwiches, providing crunch and freshness.
– Tamarind paste can be used as a substitution for sun-dried tomatoes in Asian cuisine.
– Roasted bell peppers can be used as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in antipasto.
– Homemade sun-dried tomatoes can be made by baking halved cherry or Roma tomatoes for 20-30 minutes at 275F.
– Tomato powder can be used as a substitute when texture or water is not needed in a recipe.
– Sun-dried tomatoes can usually be found in the canned goods or produce aisles of supermarkets.
– The price of sun-dried tomatoes is higher due to the extra steps involved in production, such as careful drying and canning with olive oil and spices.
– The number of sun-dried tomatoes in a cup can vary depending on their size, but a mix of 25-35 small and medium ones is a good estimate.
– Dried sun-dried tomatoes are tougher on the outside but chewier on the inside, while oil-packed ones can be pre-seasoned.
– Sun-dried tomatoes were first created in southern Italy to extend the shelf life of their crops, resulting in an intensified flavor.

Continue Reading

Why do Taco Bell make you poop? Fascinating Food Facts Explained

Ricardo Davis

– This article discusses why Taco Bell food can often lead to bowel movements.
– The author mentions the term “Taco Bell shit” on Urban Dictionary, which refers to large and smelly bowel movements caused by eating Taco Bell.
– The author states that many people have experienced diarrhea after eating at Taco Bell.
– They suggest that the fructose and caffeine in Taco Bell’s drinks, as well as the gluten, grease, and spices in their food, can trigger bowel movements.
– The excessive fiber from beans or an allergic reaction to cheese or sour cream may also be factors.
– Not everyone reacts to the same ingredients in Taco Bell food, so there may be more than one menu item causing the urge to use the restroom.
– The correct balance of water secreted and absorbed in the digestive tract determines the consistency of stool.
– Two types of diarrhea: osmotic and secretory.
– Osmotic diarrhea occurs when there are so many non-water particles in the colon that water cannot be reabsorbed.
– Secretory diarrhea occurs when the small intestine secretes more water than necessary.
– One potential reason for diarrhea after eating Taco Bell is the spice in their menu items.
– Capsaicin, found in spicy ingredients, activates TRPV1 receptors in the gastrointestinal system, causing cramping and faster movement of the GI system.
– Another potential reason for diarrhea is dairy products like sour cream and cheese.
– Over 60% of the population in North America is lactose intolerant, meaning they cannot fully digest lactose in milk.
– Aging bodies produce less of the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, leading to indigestion, bloating, and gas.
– Beans contain a high amount of fiber that attracts water in the digestive system, making it easier to pass stool.
– Beans also contain an oligosaccharide carbohydrate that becomes food for bacteria in the colon, causing gassing and bloating.
– Consumption of beef helps draw water into the colon and adds bulk to stool.
– Some people may lack enough stomach acid to properly digest animal fat and protein, contributing to increased bowel movements.
– Certain drinks at Taco Bell, like Diet Pepsi and iced coffee, contain caffeine that stimulates the release of gastrin and triggers contractions in the gut.
– Greasy food triggers gastrocolic reflexes in the gut, increasing the pressure of contraction and potentially leading to diarrhea.
– Taco Bell’s menu contains items with excessive amounts of saturated fat, exceeding recommended daily intake.
– Taco Bell food can cause inflammation in the body due to processed and ultra-processed ingredients.
– Eating Taco Bell can negatively impact the gut microbiome, leading to the growth of bad bacteria, inflammation, leaky gut, and neuroinflammation.
– Taco Bell food lacks fresh whole foods with fiber and nutrients.
– Insulin spikes and drops caused by eating at Taco Bell can lead to increased feelings of hunger and increased anxiety and tension.
– Consumption of unhealthy trans fats, added sugars, and processed foods can lead to brain fog and difficulty in clear thinking.
– Diets high in saturated fat can cause brain inflammation and insulin resistance, leading to cognitive deficits.
– Salt and sugar in fast food can increase the risk of complications such as hypertension, diabetes, metabolic dysfunction, and heart disease.
– Taco Bell’s Mexican Rice and tacos salads contain high levels of sodium.
– The sauces, including nacho cheese, also have high levels of salt and sugar.
– Consumption of Taco Bell and similar fast food items can have negative effects on cognitive abilities, blood pressure, and overall health.

Continue Reading