Food Chemistry

Real wasabi is green because of chlorophyll. Most "wasabi" is horseradish dyed with food coloring or spinach. (Jay Abrantes) — The spicy-hot green ball served with sushi is called wasabi, but unless you live in Japan, you’re almost certainly eating a substitute. This fake wasabi is made from horseradish, mustard, starch, and either green food coloring or spinach. You have to use the ingredient list rather than the product name […]

Why Is Wasabi Green? Recently updated !

This entry was posted on July 27, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on August 13, 2018)

Table of Edible pH Indicators (Todd Helmenstine) — Red cabbage juice is the best known edible pH indicator, but there are many safe fruits, vegetables, and flowers that change color in response to acidity or alkalinity. The plant pigments responsible for the color change are anthocyanins. Most of these molecules change from red to purple to blue in […]

Edible pH Indicators From Your Kitchen and Garden

This entry was posted on June 23, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on July 18, 2018)

Microwave pizza with a glass of water to keep the crust from getting tough or soggy. (Michał Kubalczyk) — When you microwave pizza to reheat it, you run the risk of turning the best food in the world into a chew toy fit only for Fido. Microwaving melts the cheese and reheats the toppings, but toughens the crust. But, it doesn’t have to be that way! You can nuke […]

Why You Should Microwave Pizza With a Glass of Water

This entry was posted on May 21, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on May 26, 2018)

You shouldn't store open cans in the fridge because metals and BPA can leach into food. (maerzbow) — When you don’t finish an open can, you may be tempted to put some plastic wrap over it and put it in the refrigerator for later. However, it’s not a good idea to store open cans in the fridge. No, it won’t grow Salmonella or give you botulism. The risks […]

Why You Shouldn’t Store Open Cans in the Fridge

This entry was posted on April 13, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on April 23, 2018)

Chip pan fire demonstration in a laboratory. — Have you ever experienced a chip pan fire or other kitchen grease fire? This photograph actually is a simulated chip pan fire, produced as a demonstration. I have to wonder if the simulation was intended to be that spectacular. Also, I bet that fire was pretty intriguing to people passing by the […]

About the Chip Pan Fire Demonstration

This entry was posted on December 25, 2017 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on January 1, 2018)

Blue (left) is butterfly pea flower in water; purple (right) is flower tea dripped into white wine. Pink (center) is lemonade colored with the flower. — Many flowers, fruits, vegetables, and spices are natural pH indicators. Examples include rose petals, red cabbage, beets, onions, violets, and blue morning glory flowers. These substances change color in response to acidic or alkaline ingredients. Some natural pH indicators taste terrible, while others are expensive, hard to find, or weakly […]

Easy Color Change Drinks That Actually Taste Good

This entry was posted on December 22, 2017 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on June 6, 2018)