Posts

Showing posts with the label food science

Lucy Chege: Combating Misinformation in Agricultural Science for Food Security

Image
The Link Between Food Security and Nutrition The conversation about good nutrition is often overshadowed by the harsh reality of hunger. Many people go to bed with empty stomachs, making it difficult to focus on the importance of a balanced diet when survival is the immediate concern. This situation is not just an individual struggle but a widespread issue that affects entire communities. As the population grows rapidly, the pressure on the available food supply increases significantly. This growth has placed additional strain on already limited resources, leading to a lack of food security in many regions. Without sufficient food, it becomes challenging to promote nutrition education, as the basic need for sustenance takes precedence over dietary choices. In these circumstances, the call to action must extend beyond teaching people about healthy diets. It is crucial to ensure that there is enough food on the table for families to begin with. Addressing food insecurity is the first ...

Cooking Onions Wrong? Scientists Uncover Speedy Secret

Image
Understanding the Science Behind Caramelizing Onions Whether you're preparing a comforting stew or a mouthwatering curry, onions are often the first ingredient you reach for. However, recent scientific findings suggest that you might be cooking your onions incorrectly. To achieve the deep, caramelized flavors essential for many dishes, traditional recipes can require up to 30 to 40 minutes of cooking time. But with a bit of scientific knowledge and one simple ingredient, you can cut this time in half. The secret lies in controlling the Maillard reaction, a chemical process responsible for browning and flavor development in food. This reaction is influenced by pH levels, allowing chefs to speed up or slow down the process as needed. To brown onions faster, increasing their pH by adding an alkaline substance like baking soda is effective. The Role of Baking Soda in Accelerating Browning When onions are placed in a hot pan, a series of chemical and physical reactions begin. Initia...