Food Questions America is Asking

Exploring the surprising science behind the food questions journalists ask me every week.

Black beans

Can Black Beans Really Replace Butter in Cake Mix?

BY CHEF EDMUND • Jan 6, 2026

Black beans can replace some or all of the butter/oil in boxed cake mix, especially in chocolate or devil’s food cakes, because their fiber, starch, and water-binding ability mimic fat’s “rich” mouthfeel. For best results, drain, rinse, and...

Ramen Cooking Equipment

Is Your Spice Rack Deceiving You? (The Truth Behind Why Your Food Is flavorless)

BY ED MCCORMICK • Dec 22, 2025

And we all know the problem: you’re following the recipe to the letter, and the finished dish still just doesn’t smell right. So, you look at your spice...

Retrogradation

How Does Retrogradation Impact the Way we Digest Carbs

BY CHEF EDMUND • Dec 12, 2025

We have all been told about the benefits of eating leftovers, helping to save us money and precious time. But what if these leftovers could improve the nutritional...

choline

A Link Between Choline, Anxiety, and Brain Chemistry?

BY CHEF EDMUND • Dec 11, 2025

The essential nutrient choline is emerging as a critical factor in brain health and anxiety management because it is a vital precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and maintains...

Freezer Food

When to Throw Out Food in the Freezer?

BY CHEF EDMUND • Dec 1, 2025

You should throw out anything from your freezer that you can’t identify, has freezer burn, forms solid blocks of produce, old bread, gritty refrozen ice cream, seafood older...

Potato Peels

Why You Shouldn't Throw Potato Peels Down the Garbage Disposal

BY CHEF EDMUND • Nov 28, 2025

If you're wondering whether potato peels can really cause damage to your garbage disposal or plumbing system, the answer is yes—there's actual science behind why they should be...

Ammonia in Beef

Is Ammonia Found in Regular U.S. Ground Beef?

BY CHEF EDMUND • Nov 26, 2025

In the U.S., ammonia treatment is used primarily in lean finely textured beef (LFTB) — not in regular ground beef. A strong ammonia smell while cooking ground beef is...

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Food Questions America is Asking

Can Black Beans Really Replace Butter in Cake Mix?

The Science of Perfect Ramen: Answering Your Most Common Questions

Fiber, Inflammation, and the Foods That Shape Both

MORE STORIES

Why is Everyone 'Fibermaxxing' in 2026?

The Crustacean Calculus: A Scientist’s Guide to the Perfect Lobster

Moving beyond "The Sugar Trap": 4 Foods That May Be Worse for Your Health

Is Your Spice Rack Deceiving You? (The Truth Behind Why Your Food Is flavorless)

How Does Retrogradation Impact the Way we Digest Carbs

A Link Between Choline, Anxiety, and Brain Chemistry?

When to Throw Out Food in the Freezer?

Why You Shouldn't Throw Potato Peels Down the Garbage Disposal

Is Ammonia Found in Regular U.S. Ground Beef?

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Food Questions America is Asking

Can Black Beans Really Replace Butter in Cake Mix?

The Science of Perfect Ramen: Answering Your Most Common Questions

Fiber, Inflammation, and the Foods That Shape Both

MORE STORIES

Why is Everyone 'Fibermaxxing' in 2026?

The Crustacean Calculus: A Scientist’s Guide to the Perfect Lobster

Moving beyond "The Sugar Trap": 4 Foods That May Be Worse for Your Health

Is Your Spice Rack Deceiving You? (The Truth Behind Why Your Food Is flavorless)

How Does Retrogradation Impact the Way we Digest Carbs

A Link Between Choline, Anxiety, and Brain Chemistry?

When to Throw Out Food in the Freezer?

Why You Shouldn't Throw Potato Peels Down the Garbage Disposal

Is Ammonia Found in Regular U.S. Ground Beef?

Posts tagged:

Cape Crystal Brands,