Nothing is more entertaining at a social gathering than paying close attention while someone divulges previously unknown facts about a certain subject. We've all gathered around in a circle to hear what our suit jacket has in common with the space station, and how the shoes you're wearing can help provide energy for a small town in Africa. And although I don't plan on sharing those particular tidbits with you, here are five things about food that you can enlighten your friends with at your next gathering.
Why is beef tenderloin so tender?
Any butcher will tell you that the most used muscles turn into the toughest cuts of beef. By that same token, the least used in an animal will yield the softest cut. Both cows and bulls have tenderloin muscles, used by bulls to mount the cow during mating. Since cows are female they obviously don't mount anything, so that muscle remains virtually unused, making it the softest muscle and providing you with delicious, tender steaks.
What does 'No MSG' really mean?
This article appears in Jul 29 – Aug 4, 2009.