Author: Ricardo Davis

Hello! My name is Ricardo Davis and I'm a food blogger. I'm not a professional cook, but that doesn't mean I don't have some good strategies and ideas. There are a lot of simple and practical things on the site about heating, freezing, dehydrating and so on. It was written by chefs, food experts, home cooks, and me.

How to Wash Grapes to Ensure Safe Consumption: Essential Steps and Tips

Ricardo Davis

– Grapes belong to the Dirty Dozen, a list of produce with high levels of pesticides
– The Environmental Working Group recommends buying organic grapes, but they can be expensive
– Washing grapes adds moisture and can cause them to decompose faster
– It’s best to only wash grapes that you plan to eat right away or in the near future
– The waxy white film on grapes, called the bloom, helps keep them fresh
– To wash grapes, empty them into a colander and rinse with cool water, moving them around to clean all sides
– If desired, sprinkle a little baking soda and/or salt on the grapes and gently scrub to remove the bloom
– Rinse off the baking soda and/or salt with cool water and dry the grapes with a dish towel or paper towel
– Excess moisture can lead to faster spoiling, so let the grapes dry completely after washing
– Grapes should be stored in a ventilated bag in the refrigerator to help preserve them for up to three weeks.
– It is best not to wash grapes until right before eating to avoid moldy or inedible grapes.
– Unwashed grapes can harbor viruses and bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

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Discover the Benefits of High Fiber Crackers: A Healthier Snacking Option for You

Ricardo Davis

1. Way Better Snacks Simply So Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips
2. Nabisco Triscuit Fire Roasted Tomato & Olive Oil Crackers
3. Off The Eaten Path Chickpea Veggie Crisps
4. Triscuit Original Crackers
5. Raw Food Central Curt’s Classic Flax Crackers
6. Flackers Organic Flax Seed Crackers
7. Flackers Organic Cinnamon & Currant Flax Seed Crackers
8. Foods Alive Original Flax Crackers
9. Classic Hummus & Crackers Cup Good & Gather
10. Taza Dark Bark Chocolate Snacking Thins
11. Tasty Brand High Fiber Crackers
12. Taza Chocolate Dark Bark Snacking Thins with Toasted Coconut
13. Foods Alive Maple Cinnamon Flax Crackers

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Costco turkey bacon: Exploring the nutritional benefits

Ricardo Davis

The author reviews the Costco Lilydale Turkey Bacon, which they purchased with their own money. They state that the turkey bacon does not taste like regular pork bacon, but instead tastes similar to peameal bacon. The turkey bacon is salty, has a smoky flavor, and is thick, but does not get crispy like regular bacon. Due to its lower fat content, it does not have a rubbery texture. The author mentions that while the taste is not amazing, the turkey bacon has fewer calories and less fat than regular bacon. They paid $9.99 Canadian for two 500 gram packs of turkey bacon, with a discount of three dollars off the regular price of $12.99. The bacon is fully cooked and can be heated in the microwave, oven, or pan. Two slices of turkey bacon contain 80 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of protein, and 410 mg of sodium. They found the turkey bacon to be too salty and stated they would not be buying it again.

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The Science Behind Body Armor vs Gatorade: Debunked

Ricardo Davis

List of relevant information pertaining to the keyword ‘body armor vs gatorade’:

– Most sports drinks on the market are “nothing more than sugar water with a pinch of salt.”
– The average person does not need to consume sports drinks and can stick to water for hydration during workouts.
– Sports drinks should only be considered in cases of intense physical activity lasting over an hour.
– Many sports drinks contain artificial ingredients and additives, which can have negative health effects.
– Look for sports drinks made with natural ingredients and a balanced electrolyte profile.
– The healthiest sports drink contains citric acid, sodium hexametaphosphate, natural flavor, salt, potassium sorbate, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, calcium disodium edta, calcium pantothenate, niacinamide, vitamin E acetate, and pyridoxine hydrochloride.
– The second healthiest sports drink contains water, glucose, citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, fructose, acacia gum, glycerol esters of wood rosins, aspartame, acesulfame-K, flavorings, brilliant blue color, and vitamin B6.
– The third healthiest sports drink contains water, sugar, dextrose, citric acid, salt, sodium citrate, mono-potassium phosphate, modified food starch, natural flavor, red 40, glycerol ester of rosin, and caramel color.
– The fourth healthiest sports drink contains reverse osmosis water, crystalline fructose, cane sugar, citric acid, vitamin C, fruit and vegetable juice, natural flavors, berry and fruit extracts, electrolyte sources, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, beta-carotene, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, manganese citrate, and gum acacia.
– BodyArmor is a newer sports drink that focuses on providing a natural and nutritious option, designed to be more wholesome than Gatorade and Powerade.
– Gatorade and Powerade are sports drink brands owned by PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, respectively.
– Both Gatorade and Powerade contain electrolytes to replenish and refresh the body during physical activity.
– BodyArmor does not use artificial dyes or harmful chemicals and is made from 100% natural ingredients.
– A 12 fl. oz. serving of Gatorade contains about 95 calories, 24g of carbs (19g sugar), 142mg of sodium, and 55mg of potassium.
– A 12 fl. oz. serving of Powerade contains about 117 calories, 28g of carbs (22g sugar), 153mg of sodium, 66mg of potassium, and B vitamins.
– A 12 fl. oz. serving of BodyArmor contains 90 calories, 21g of carbs (21g sugar), 30mg of sodium, and 530mg of potassium.
– Gatorade and Powerade offer healthier options, such as Gatorade’s G Organic line and Powerade’s “Natural” sports drinks without artificial ingredients.
– BodyArmor is endorsed by Kobe Bryant and provides hydration, electrolytes, and a refreshing flavor without artificial flavors or added sugar.
– Each sports drink is recommended for different individuals, with Gatorade for everyday folks and athletes, Powerade for athletes and people with strenuous jobs, and BodyArmor as a natural option for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday folks.

Please note that some statements have been condensed or paraphrased for the sake of brevity.

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Gherkin vs Pickle: A Guide to Understanding the Differences

Ricardo Davis

– Gherkin refers to a small variety of cucumber, also known as Cornichon or Cucumis anguria, with a bumpy skin.
– Pickling is the process of preserving cucumbers in a vinegar or brine solution.
– “Pickle” is a broader term that encompasses various sizes, shapes, and flavors of pickled cucumbers.
– Gherkins are small, young cucumbers typically used for pickling. They have a crisp texture and a mild taste. Common varieties include Cornichon and Vesperal.
– Pickles can be made by fermenting cucumbers in a solution of vinegar, water, salt, and various seasonings, or by immersing them in a vinegar solution and storing them in the refrigerator.
– Different methods of pickling result in different tastes and textures.
– Gherkins are smaller, crisper, and more tender than pickles. They have a tangy and slightly sweet taste.
– Pickles can have a range of flavors, such as dill, sweet, or spicy, depending on the brine and seasonings used.
– Gherkins are a type of cucumber used for pickling, while pickles refer to the process of preserving food in a flavored brine solution.
– Both gherkins and pickles offer vitamins and nutrients but can also be high in sodium.
– Gherkins are smaller, pickled cucumbers, and the term pickle is used more broadly in the UK.
– Gherkins and pickles are commonly used in salads to add tangy flavor and crunchy texture.
– They can be served alongside meat and fish dishes, pairing well with grilled, smoked, or roasted proteins.
– Gherkins and pickles are popular toppings or condiments in burgers and sandwiches, providing a crunchy, tangy element.
– Pickling extends to a variety of vegetables and fruits, including onions, cabbage, carrots, beets, mangoes, and apples.
– Gherkins are young cucumbers harvested before they fully mature, while pickles are cucumbers preserved through fermentation.
– Gherkins have slightly more calories, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and vitamin A compared to pickles.
– Both gherkins and pickles are low in calories and contain nutrients like fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin A.
– Moderation and portion control are important when consuming pickles to avoid health issues like high blood pressure and heart disease.
– Pickled cucumber, known as a pickle in the US and Canada, and a gherkin in Britain, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, is a small cucumber that has been pickled in brine, vinegar, or other solution.
– The fermentation process of pickled cucumbers is done by immersing the cucumbers in an acidic solution or through lacto-fermentation.
– Traditional spices used in pickled cucumbers include garlic, horseradish, dill stems, mustard seeds, and various leaves.
– Brined pickles do not keep as long as pickles made with vinegar and must be refrigerated.
– Some commercial pickled cucumber manufacturers add vinegar as a preservative.
– Bread-and-butter pickles are a marinated variety of pickled cucumber made with vinegar, sugar, and spices.
– Gherkins are small cucumbers used for pickling and are often bumpy in appearance.
– “Kosher” dill pickles are made in the traditional Jewish New York City pickle making style and have garlic and dill in a natural salt brine.
– Pickles can be preserved for different lengths of time, resulting in varying levels of sourness.
– Lime pickles are soaked in pickling lime to enhance texture, and Kool-Aid pickles are created by soaking dill pickles in a mixture of powdered Kool-Aid and pickle brine.
– The nutritional content of pickles varies depending on the type, with sour pickled cucumbers being low in calories but high in sodium.
– Pickles are being researched for their probiotic content.
– Pickles have historical origins in different regions, such as the Great Wall of China, the Tigris Valley of Mesopotamia, and Victorian-era luxury food.
– Pickles are consumed and served in various ways in different countries and regions.

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The Art of Pairing Chocolate and Cheese: Discover

Ricardo Davis

– Chocolate Cheese is a type of white cheddar cheese
– The cheese is pasteurized into creamy process cheese
– Real cream, butter, sugar, cocoa, and walnuts are added to the cheese
– It resembles fudge and creamy cheesecake
– It is loved by both adults and kids
– It can be given as a memorable gift for Valentine’s Day
– The size of the cheese is 1 pound
– It is usually shipped within 3 to 5 days

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The Nutritional Benefits of Rib Meat Chicken: Discover

Ricardo Davis

– Rib meat in chicken comes from the scapula of the chicken and is often found in chicken breasts.
– Chicken breasts without rib meat tend to be more expensive due to the difficulty in removing the breast without including the rib meat.
– White meat is primarily found in the breast region and wings, while the legs (thighs and drumsticks) are considered dark meat.
– Dark meat has higher levels of myoglobin, giving it a red color and more flavor.
– Chicken rib meat is different from pork and beef ribs because it is cut from the scapula, not the actual rib.
– Rib meat in chicken breasts may be included accidentally or intentionally, and consumers can request it to be trimmed off.
– Rib meat can be identified by its darker appearance, but may not be noticeable once cooked.
– Nutritional information states that chicken rib meat offers the same nutritional benefits as chicken breast, including protein, vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, magnesium, and essential amino acids.
– Rib meat may be slightly higher in fat and calories due to its higher hemoglobin content, but since not much rib meat is included, this is not a concern.
– Chicken is safe to eat when cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Chicken breast sold with rib meat attached is usually cheaper because it is more convenient for butchers to cut the chicken that way.
– Removing the rib meat from the chicken breast can be done using a sharp paring knife.
– Rib meat does not harm the chicken breasts.
– Rib meat in chicken is a good source of protein, vitamins B6 and B12, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium.
– A 100-gram serving of chicken breasts with rib meat attached contains 116 calories, 22.32g of protein, 2.68g of total fat, 0.45g of saturated fat, 0g of carbohydrates, and 71mg of cholesterol.
– Chicken rib meat can be integrated into meals for seven days, such as soft tacos, stir-fry, BBQ chicken, curry, soup, skewers, and pizza.
– Chicken rib meat can be used in snacks like spring rolls, lettuce wraps, stuffed bell peppers, and meat bread.
– The article provides steps to prepare chicken rib meat by baking it in the oven with various seasoning options.
– Chicken breasts with rib meat attached are sold at a lower price compared to plain, boneless breast meat because it is easier and faster to butcher the chicken with the rib meat attached.
– Chicken rib meat has a slightly different taste and texture, with more flavor due to myoglobin and a chewier texture.
– Chicken breasts with rib meat add a richer flavor and chewier texture, with slightly more fat and high protein content.
– Rib meat adds depth of flavor and nutritional benefits such as high protein content.
– It is important to buy chicken from a trusted source.

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Freezing Cooked Chicken: Best Practices for Optimal Safety

Ricardo Davis

– It is suggested to freeze cooked chicken in a single bag for convenience and portion control.
– The recommended method for thawing cooked chicken is to place it (in the plastic freezer bag) in the refrigerator overnight.
– As per the USDA, frozen cooked chicken (as well as meat) can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
– It is advised to mark the use-by date on the bag using a freezer-proof marker.
– Raw chicken should be wrapped in heavy-duty aluminum foil or placed in ziplock plastic freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
– Raw chicken can last indefinitely in the freezer if stored properly.
– USDA suggests using whole raw chicken within a year, and cut chicken within nine months.
– Thaw frozen raw chicken in the refrigerator by placing it in a rimmed container or bowl for at least 24 hours.
– Clean surfaces thoroughly with hot soapy water if raw chicken juices drip in the refrigerator.
– Use the cold-water method for same-day defrosting by placing frozen chicken in a leak-proof plastic bag submerged in cold water, replacing the water every 30 minutes.
– Be cautious when using the microwave method to defrost raw chicken as it may create hot spots and uneven thawing.
– Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, after which it’s best to freeze it.
– Shredded chicken defrosts faster than whole pieces, but both can be frozen by placing them in zip-top plastic freezer bags and removing air before sealing.

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