One extraordinary truth about food that few people know is that honey never spoils. Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible.
This incredible longevity is due to honey's unique chemical composition: it's low in moisture and has a high acidic pH, creating an environment that’s hostile to bacteria and other microorganisms. Additionally, bees add an enzyme called glucose oxidase to nectar, which produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, further preserving the honey.
As long as it's stored properly (sealed and away from moisture), honey can last indefinitely.
Here are five more extraordinary truths about food that very few people know:
Chocolate can be lethal to dogs: Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which dogs metabolize much more slowly than humans. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause seizures, heart problems, or even death in dogs, depending on their size and the amount consumed.
Carrots were originally purple: The orange carrots we know today are a relatively recent development. Ancient carrots were mostly purple, and some were white or yellow. The orange variety was selectively bred by Dutch growers in the 17th century as a tribute to William of Orange.
Nutmeg can be toxic in high doses: Consuming large amounts of nutmeg can cause hallucinations, nausea, and dizziness due to a compound called myristicin. While a sprinkle in food is perfectly safe, consuming large quantities (around two tablespoons or more) can lead to serious health risks.
Bananas are berries, but strawberries are not: Botanically speaking, bananas qualify as berries because they develop from a single flower with one ovary. Strawberries, however, are not true berries because they develop from multiple ovaries and are classified as aggregate fruits.
Potatoes can absorb and reflect Wi-Fi signals: This may sound strange, but it’s true! Potatoes have water content and chemical properties that make them effective at absorbing and reflecting radio wave signals, including Wi-Fi. In fact, Boeing used sacks of potatoes to test in-flight Wi-Fi systems because they behave similarly to human bodies when it comes to signal interference.
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