Category: Food FAQs

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.

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Where Does Vanilla Flavoring Come From? TikTok Uncovers

Ricardo Davis

– Vanilla comes from the fruit of a tropical species of climbing orchid that blooms once a year
– Hand-pollination technique discovered in 1841 allowed vanilla to be cultivated in places other than Mexico
– Vanilla production mainly comes from Vanilla planifolia (Madagascar/Bourbon vanilla), also grown in Mexico, Papua New Guinea, and other equatorial countries.
– There are other varieties of vanilla, such as V. tahitensis (Tahitian vanilla) and V. pompona (found in Central and South America) with slight taste variations.
– Vanilla beans need to be cured for up to two months after picking to be usable.
– Pure vanilla is expensive and has a fluctuating price influenced by natural disasters and changing demand.
– Vanilla extract is made by soaking cured vanilla beans in an alcohol solution.
– Vanilla extract must contain at least 35% alcohol by volume and 100 grams of vanilla bean per liter.
– Most vanilla flavoring in food products (as much as 99%) comes from artificial vanillin derived from petrochemicals, wood pulp, or other sources.
– Major food companies have committed to removing artificial flavors, including vanillin, from their products in the United States, increasing the demand for real vanilla flavoring.
– Native Vanilla purchases vanilla directly from small growers and emphasizes sustainable farming practices.
– The compound responsible for vanilla flavoring is called castoreum and is produced in the castor sacs of beavers.
– Castoreum can be “milked” from anesthetized beavers and used as a flavoring or scent in foods and perfumes.
– The US Food and Drug Administration considers castoreum a safe additive.
– Castoreum has been used in food and perfume for at least 80 years.
– However, it is not commonly ingested because it is difficult to obtain in large quantities and is not kosher.
– Most vanilla flavoring in food and drinks today is synthetic.
– Synthetic vanillin, a version of the organic compound found in vanilla beans, is now used more often than natural extract.
– Artificial vanillin is made from guaiacol or lignin, both derived from plants.

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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.

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Can You Freeze Mayonnaise? Learn the Dos and Don’ts!

Ricardo Davis

Text: Mayonnaise can be frozen, but its texture will change once it thaws. Mayonnaise is an emulsion made of oil, egg yolks, acid (such as vinegar or lemon juice), salt, seasonings, and additional ingredients and preservatives if store-bought. If mayonnaise freezes slowly, large ice crystals can form and break down the emulsion, resulting in a curdled look when thawed. However, it is safe to eat even if visually unappealing, and can be used in casseroles and salads instead of spread on sandwiches. It may be possible to emulsify thawed mayo again by blending it with water, but the texture will be watery.

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What Goes With Sloppy Joes? Discover Delicious Complementary Sides!

Ricardo Davis

– Amped up mashed potatoes with herbs, garlic, and cheese.
– Simple salad with corn, onion, feta, cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, and homemade ranch dressing.
– Refreshing cucumber salad with yogurt, mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, and dill.
– Parmesan cheese, garlic, and seasoning pasta salad.
– Hassleback potatoes, sliced and baked with butter and seasoning.
– Potato salad with celery seeds, dill, paprika, and the option to substitute mayo with fat-free Greek yogurt.
– Mac and cheese, paired with Sloppy Joes.
– Coleslaw
– Air-fried sweet potato fries
– Homemade pickles
– Garlic zucchini bake
– Garlic parmesan asparagus
– Mushroom rice
– Seasoned rice
– Melt-in-your-mouth potatoes
– Zucchini fries with aioli sauce
– Roasted vegetables
– Pesto pasta salad with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and red onion
– Macaroni salad with a variety of vegetables
– Sweet potato hash
– Skillet-cooked honey mustard potatoes

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Cured vs Uncured Ham: Understanding the Difference

Ricardo Davis

Pertinent List about ‘cured vs uncured ham’:

– Uncured ham is typically cured using natural ingredients like sea salt, celery juice powder, and other natural flavorings.
– Uncured ham takes longer to produce and may have a milder flavor compared to cured ham.
– Curing is the method of preserving meat using acid, salt, and sugar.
– Uncured meat is cured using natural ingredients like celery and beets, without synthetic nitrates or artificial flavors.
– Uncured ham is considered safer and healthier, often labeled organic or natural.
– Nitrates can be converted into nitrosamines, which are carcinogens linked to cancer.
– Uncured meats prevent the conversion of nitrates into nitrosamines and lack chemicals.
– Tender Belly hams are dry-cured for twelve days with a signature rub made from specialty spices and Vermont maple syrup.
– Uncured ham undergoes a more natural curing process without synthetic nitrates and is said to be healthier and more flavorful.
– Both cured and uncured ham are fully cooked and safe to consume.
– Choosing uncured meats offers peace of mind and aligns with specific diets like paleo or keto.
– It is recommended to purchase naturally uncured ham from reputable sources like Tender Belly.
– Tender Belly hogs are raised on crate-free family farms, fed vegetarian diets, and no antibiotics are used.
– Uncured ham provides health benefits and offers more flavor compared to cured ham.

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Scotch Bonnet Pepper Substitute: Exploring Fiery Culinary Alternatives

Ricardo Davis

– The best substitute for Scotch bonnet pepper is the habanero pepper, as it has a similar flavor and heat level and is easier to find.
– Orange habanero peppers and Jamaican hot sauce are also good substitutes.
– Dried Scotch bonnet peppers can be ordered online if needed.
– Ghost peppers, Thai chilies, cayenne powder with lemon zest, cachucha pepper, and habanero peppers are other substitutes mentioned.
– Jalapeños, poblanos, and bell peppers are not good substitutes for scotch bonnets.
– Habanero peppers are the best alternative to scotch bonnets, as they have a similar fruity flavor, with habaneros having more floral taste and scotch bonnets having more citrus notes.
– Both habaneros and scotch bonnets have similar heat levels, ranging from 100,000 to 250,000 SHUs.
– Red habaneros can be even spicier, often surpassing 500,000 SHUs on the Scoville scale.
– Dried scotch bonnet peppers (whole or powdered) can be ordered online as a substitute for fresh ones.
– Ghost peppers and other super-spicy peppers like Carolina reapers or scorpion peppers can also be used as substitutes, but the amount used should be scaled down, as they are spicier than scotch bonnets.
– Thai chilies offer respectable heat and flavor as a substitute for scotch bonnet peppers, but they may be challenging to find.
– Cayenne powder combined with lemon zest can mimic the flavor of scotch bonnets in a substitute.
– Cachucha pepper (aji dulce) is a non-spicy alternative to scotch bonnets, used for adding flavor without heat to dishes.
– Growing your own scotch bonnets from seeds is an option to obtain real peppers.
– Buying dried Scotch bonnets or powder is another option, as they retain both heat and flavor.
– Shopping at local farmer’s markets during the summer months may provide an opportunity to find fresh scotch bonnets.

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Do bitters go bad? The science behind expiration

Ricardo Davis

– Bitters can be stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat
– Fruit-based bitters may need to be kept in the refrigerator
– Excess bitters can be used in jams, marinades, dressings, and dips
– Bitters are made by infusing herbs, fruits, bark, spices, seeds, and other ingredients into a neutral spirit
– Most bitters have a shelf life comparable to any spirit, essentially indefinite
– Some fruit bitters made by Fee Brothers may have a shorter shelf life if made with glycerin instead of ethanol

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Can You Microwave Cup Noodles? Stay Informed and Safe

Ricardo Davis

– Cup noodles can be cooked in the microwave.
– It takes 2-3 minutes to cook cup noodles in the microwave.
– You will need a microwave-safe bowl, cup noodles, water, and a microwave.
– Place the noodles in a microwave-safe bowl, add enough water to cover them, add the seasoning packet, and stir.
– Remove the noodles from the microwave and add toppings if desired.
– You can also cook ramen noodles in the microwave using the same instructions.
– Tips for cooking cup noodles in the microwave include adding more water if the noodles are dry, adding oil for added fluffiness, using low-sodium or whole wheat noodles for a healthier option, adding toppings like shredded cheese or vegetables for more flavor and nutrition, experimenting with different seasonings or sauces, adjusting cooking time to avoid overcooking, and cooking a big batch of cup noodles for convenience.
– The cup itself is made of Styrofoam, which can also release harmful chemicals when heated in the microwave.
– It is best to avoid microwaving cup noodles and instead cook ramen noodles in boiling water as they are designed for even cooking in the microwave.
– To check if cup noodles are microwave safe, look for a symbol with wavy lines or check the ingredients list. If made with plastic, they are not microwave safe.
– If cup noodles are microwave safe, they should cook evenly and not become hard or rubbery.
– Microwaving cup noodles can make them tough and chewy, and the broth can become concentrated and salty.
– The water in the cup boils and cooks the noodles when microwaved.
– Overcooking cup noodles can cause them to dry out and become hard.
– It is recommended to not microwave cup noodles and instead cook them on the stovetop.
– Microwaving cup noodles can cause burns and make them harder to eat.
– The article does not recommend microwaving cup noodles and suggests alternative methods for cooking them quickly.
– Stovetop Method: Boil water, add cup noodles, cook for 3-5 minutes, drain excess water, and enjoy.
– Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, fill a baking dish with water, place cup noodles in it, bake for 15-20 minutes, drain excess water, and enjoy.
– While you can microwave Styrofoam cup noodles, it is not recommended due to the potential release of harmful chemicals into the food.
– Instructions for microwaving instant noodles may vary depending on the type of noodles and package instructions.
– The recommended cooking time for instant ramen noodles in the microwave is 2-3 minutes, but it may vary depending on the brand and instructions.
– Cup noodles, instant noodles, or ramen noodles are popular and convenient snacks.
– Cup noodles are not microwave safe because the containers are usually made from styrofoam and can release chemicals into the noodles if heated.
– Microwaving cup noodles can cause the container to melt and leak.
– To microwave instant noodles, you need to remove them from the cup and place them in a microwave-safe container.
– The best way to cook cup noodles is to use boiled water, either from a microwave, kettle, or stove-top.
– Add hot water to the cup noodles, cover with the lid, and wait for 2-3 minutes.
– To microwave instant noodles properly, transfer them to a microwave-safe bowl, add flavor packet, pour in water or broth, and microwave for 1 minute on full power, followed by 30-second intervals until steaming hot.
– Microwaving time may vary based on wattage, but generally, the noodles should be soft and ready to eat.

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