Category: Food FAQs

Does Hummus Need to be Refrigerated? An Informed Guide

Ricardo Davis

– Hummus needs to be refrigerated due to food safety concerns
– Ingredients in hummus, such as chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil, can spoil quickly at room temperature
– Hummus can last for a week or two at room temperature if made with fresh ingredients, but the longer it sits out, the more likely it is to develop mold or bacteria
– Commercial brands of hummus may have preservatives that extend their shelf life, so refrigeration may not be necessary for these types – Homemade hummus or brands without preservatives should be refrigerated.
– Hummus can sit out at room temperature for up to two hours before it should be refrigerated.
– Leaving hummus unrefrigerated will cause it to spoil within a few days.
– To determine if hummus has gone bad, check for brown or black color, sour or off smell, and lumpy or watery texture.
– Hummus can be stored for up to a week.
– Store hummus in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a stir before each use to maintain freshness.
– Hummus is vegan, made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice.
– Hummus does not contain dairy.
– Hummus is keto-friendly, made from low-carb and high-fiber chickpeas.
– Hummus is low FODMAP in small amounts, with one cup of chickpeas containing 1.6 grams of FODMAPs and one cup of tahini containing 6.3 grams.

Continue Reading

Can You Eat Cinnamon Sticks? Discover Their Surprising Benefits!

Ricardo Davis

– Cinnamon sticks are a natural spice made from the bark of cinnamon trees.
– It is not recommended to eat cinnamon sticks raw as they can be hard on the digestive system.
– Cinnamon sticks are dried bark that is rolled into sticks and used as a spice.
– It is generally recommended to grind cinnamon sticks into a powder or stir them into food while cooking instead of chewing on them.
– Eating too much cinnamon can cause health problems due to high levels of coumarin, a natural blood thinner that can cause liver damage.
– It is best to consume no more than one three-inch stick of cinnamon per day.
– Cinnamon sticks have health benefits, including being a good source of antioxidants and having anti-inflammatory properties.
– Cinnamon sticks can be used to make tea by infusing them in hot water.
– Cinnamon sticks can be used as natural stirrers for tea or coffee, giving a subtle cinnamon flavor and aroma.
– Adding a cinnamon stick to rice while cooking can provide a subtle cinnamon flavor and aroma.
– Cinnamon sticks can be added to slow-cooked meals or roasts for additional flavor.
– Cinnamon sticks can be used to add flavor to dishes and can be cooked with meats like beef, pork, and chicken.
– They can also be added to soup broths for a cinnamon flavor and aroma.
– Real cinnamon sticks should have a dark brown color and smooth texture.
– Real cinnamon should feel powdery and not sticky when rubbed between fingers.
– The fragrance of real cinnamon should be sweet and spicy.
– Real cinnamon should taste mildly sweet with no bitter aftertaste.
– There are no known health risks associated with eating cinnamon sticks raw, but it is not recommended.
– Cinnamon sticks can be used as a garnish for cocktails or as a home fragrance by simmering them in water.
– There are two types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon, each with a different flavor profile.
– This article discusses alternative ways to consume cinnamon sticks instead of chewing on them.

Continue Reading

How long are carrots good for? A detailed, nutritious guide

Ricardo Davis

– Carrots should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge
– Whole, unpeeled carrots are less susceptible to moisture loss than peeled or baby carrots
– Don’t wash whole, unpeeled carrots until you plan to use them
– Remove carrot greens as they can cause wilting
– Wrap carrots in a paper towel before storing in an airtight container
– Keep carrots in the coolest part of the fridge away from fruits that produce ethylene gas
– Peeled carrots need moisture to prevent drying out
– Store peeled carrots in cool water that needs to be periodically changed every 4-5 days
– Cut carrots can be stored by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and placing them in an airtight container in a colder section of the fridge
– Raw, unpeeled carrots last 3-4 weeks in the fridge, while peeled or sliced carrots last 2-3 weeks
– Cooked carrots last 3-5 days in the fridge
– Spoiled or bad carrots have an odor, slimy texture, dark discoloration, wilting, or softness. This article provides information about how to store and freeze carrots. It mentions that if mold is growing on carrots, they should be thrown out. However, carrots with a white blush can be eaten after rinsing them to add moisture. The article also explains how to blanch carrots before freezing them, and provides step-by-step instructions for blanching and freezing. It suggests storing frozen carrots in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to a year. The article also mentions that frozen carrots can be cooked directly from frozen, but if thawing is desired, the methods of thawing in the fridge or in cold water are provided. Finally, it advises not leaving cooked carrots at temperatures above 40 degrees F for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.

Continue Reading

What to Serve with Brisket: Delicious and Complementary Side Dishes to Perfect Your Meal

Ricardo Davis

Side Dishes to Serve with Brisket:
– Creamy Coleslaw
– Baked Beans
– Corn Pudding
– Scalloped Potatoes
– Mac & Cheese
– Brussels Sprouts
– Grilled Potato Skins
– Corn on the Cob
– Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
– Dinner Rolls
– Microwaved Asparagus with Lemon and Pepper or Browned Butter
– Spring Carrots Flavored with Broth, Vinegar, and Brown Sugar
– Brazilian Tomato Slaw
– Creamed Corn
– Hush Puppies
– Sauteed Radishes
– Potato Latkes
– Roasted Root Vegetables
– Plant-Based Tacos
– Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potatoes
– Collard Greens
– Apple Baked Beans
– Oven-Roasted Red Potatoes and Asparagus
– Creamy Corn Casserole
– Southern Mac and Cheese
– Skillet-Braised Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Garlic
– Anne’s Amazing Roasted Green Beans
– All-American Loaded Baked Potato Salad
– Grilled Peaches
– Fried Green Tomatoes
– Creamy Broccoli Salad

Continue Reading

What Do Figs Taste Like? A Flavorful Culinary Exploration

Ricardo Davis

Figs have a base “figgy” flavor similar to dried fruits like raisins, dates, and persimmons. Underripe figs have a melon-like and resinous flavor, which fades as they ripen. Figs also have a fruitiness referred to as “Berry,” ranging from mild fruit punch to stronger flavors like raspberries or currants. Each fig variety has its own unique sugar flavor, such as honey, caramel, or cotton candy. The three most common flavor profiles of figs are Sugar, Honey, and Berry. Some figs have a sugar base with fruity berry flavors, while others have a strong melon and berry flavor. Complex berry figs have strong flavors of raspberry, blackberry, currant, and/or honeyberry. Figs taste sweet and moist, with a jelly-like and pulpy texture. The taste can vary depending on the variety, with some having a nutty or fruity flavor. Figs are highly nutritious, containing natural sugars, soluble fiber, minerals, essential vitamins, and antioxidants. They are particularly high in potassium and provide small amounts of protein and fiber. Figs can act as a natural laxative and help control blood pressure due to their potassium content. However, they should be consumed moderately due to their high sugar content. The best way to eat figs is to pluck and eat them fresh, but they can also be used in various recipes such as fig bruschetta and fig jam. Figs can be eaten raw or dried. Figs can be used to tenderize meat.

Continue Reading