Foods have very interesting facts and histories that we don’t think about on a daily basis when we are cramming in a quick breakfast on the way out the door or trying to get dinner on the table as fast as possible before our favorite TV show is on. Here are a few fascinating food facts that will keep your brain guessing and questioning everything else you know about the food world.
Pretzel Love
Pretzels were a symbol of love in the 17th century. The interlaced loops were used to seal the bond of marriage for many Swiss royal couples according to legend and lore. This is where many people believe we get the phrase “tying the knot” when discussing marriage. Think about that next time you pack a Ziplock of pretzels for your loved ones.
The Original 3 Musketeers
Did you ever wonder where this candy got its name? The original 3 Musketeers bar had three bars of different flavors in it – vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. During World War II, when money became tight and the government rationed sugars, it became too expense to make all three flavors, so chocolate took the spotlight which is how it became the chocolate treat we all know today.
Foods as Medicine
Tomatoes and Ketchup were seen as having medicinal attributes and could treat indigestion and other stomach problems. It really was the Pepto Bismol of its day back in the 1800’s. Companies produced pills that contained a unique blend of tomato ketchup to help with these issues.
Food Translations
The foods we know as one thing, translates to something else literal in another language. The name “Dorito” means “little golden things.” Chimichangas are just another name for “thingamajigs.” Try decoding the Taco Bell menu next time you are waiting for your late-night meal – you might find some hidden gems of food translations in there.
Speaking of Doritos…
Doritos were actually invented at Disneyland as the rumor has it. Frito-Lay had a restaurant inside Disneyland and the managers were getting upset they were having to throw away stale tortillas, so they started frying them for chips instead and the Dorito was born. They originally did not have their signature orange golden cheese dust on them, they were originally just plain tortilla chip flavor.
Impressive Water Content
Next time you are trying to stay hydrated, look to some of these foods to help. Surprisingly, potatoes are 80% water and 20% potato content. Cucumbers are 95% water. Of course, there are more the obvious ones, like watermelon and other fruits, but potatoes are a surprising source given how dense and rock hard they can be.
Food can be intriguing to learn about – it only takes a little curiosity and a quick search to open up doors you never knew existed. Try sharing some of these facts at your next dinner party and you’ll inspire even more exploration of the fascinating food world.