How long do eggs really last? Do you need to refrigerate butter? What's the difference between Parmesan and Pecorino Romano, anyway? If these are all questions you've asked yourself at least once, you'll appreciate this comprehensive list of answers. You might not know the best storage methods or the facts behind some of the most common staples sitting in your kitchen right now, but you will after discovering these 16 explanations.
What's the difference between heavy cream and whipping cream?
Are heavy cream and whipping cream the same thing [2]? Not exactly. All cream contains at least 18 percent milk fat, and "whipping cream" is made up of 30 percent. Cartons labeled "heavy cream" or "heavy whipping cream" must contain 36 percent or more. Any of those will work in a recipe that requires cream, but regular half-and-half won't (it contains less milk fat).
Should you refrigerate butter?
Refrigerating butter [3] is a bit of a debate, but here's the best practice. Unsalted butter is best left in the fridge at all times, but salted butter is less prone to bacterial growth because of its sodium content, so it can be kept out of the fridge (in a butter crock or airtight container) for about two weeks. If room temperature in your kitchen reaches above 70°F, however, it's best to refrigerate ASAP.
Is Brie the same thing as Camembert?
You're not alone if you've ever wondered about Brie vs. Camembert [4], and the two cheeses are not the same. Brie is 60 percent milk fat, while Camembert is only 45 percent. Brie is more buttery in scent and flavor, and Camembert is a lot funkier with an intensely savory flavor. And lastly, Brie is has more of a whitish inside color, while Camembert is more of a deep yellow.
Can you refreeze meat after thawing?
The USDA [5] says it is safe to refreeze meat after thawing [6] it once, but the flavor and texture will be compromised. Meat loses its water when it defrosts, and refreezing it can also create ice crystals within the structure of the meat.
What's the shelf life of raw and hard-boiled eggs?
Raw eggs will last four to five weeks [7] in the fridge, but hard-boiled eggs will only last about a week.
What's the difference between Parmesan and Pecorino Romano?
Though they look and taste similar, Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano [8] are not the same cheese. Parmigiano Reggiano is a cow's milk cheese and is aged for a minimum of 12 months, and Pecorino Romano is a sheep's milk cheese that's saltier in flavor and is aged for a minimum of five months.
Do you need to refrigerate maple syrup?
Yes! If your maple syrup is in the pantry, you'll want to move it to the fridge. Keeping maple syrup refrigerated [9] prevents it from growing mold, and nobody wants moldy buttermilk pancakes [10].
How can you tell if an egg is bad?
If you're unsure how long your eggs have been in the fridge, there's an easy way to tell if an egg has gone bad [11]. Drop an egg in a bowl or glass of water. If it sinks but stands upright, it's still fine to use but it's a little older. If it floats, it's bad and you should not use it.
What exactly is Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt might be a part of your weekly grocery list, but have you ever wondered what exactly it is? Greek yogurt is a thicker-strained [12] yogurt; unlike other yogurts, Greek yogurt has been strained of a large amount of liquid-y whey, giving it its thicker consistency. The name doesn't mean it's made in Greece, but rather that it's Greek in style.
How long can an opened bottle of wine last?
The answer may vary depending on whose opinion you seek out, but according to one wine educator POPSUGAR spoke to, an opened bottle of wine [13] should not be kept and should be consumed within four to six hours. Leaving an opened bottle of wine out or in the fridge for a couple of days (with the cork tightly tucked back in), won't allow it to spoil, but the taste will be compromised.
Do you need to refrigerate onions?
You might be surprised to know that you should not refrigerate onions [14]. The chillier temperatures can cause the onions to become soft and soggy. It's best to store them in a cool, dry place (like the pantry), and they'll have a much longer shelf life.
What exactly is ginger beer?
Ever wonder what ginger beer is [15] as you're mixing up a moscow mule [16]? It's a nonalcoholic soft drink made with fermented ginger and is more robust in flavor than ginger ale, with a spicier kick.
Why does pineapple irritate your mouth?
Pineapple causes mouth irritation [17] for many people, but why? Pineapples contain a plant protease enzyme called bromelain, which may cause a prickly sensation when consumed.
Do you need to refrigerate soy sauce?
There's no need to refrigerate soy sauce [18]. Ever notice that restaurants keep it out on the tables? While refrigerating opened soy sauce will extend the shelf life to up to three years, it's also OK to leave out of the fridge.
How do you pronounce La Croix?
No matter how many arguments you've gotten into with friends about how to pronounce La Croix [19], there's only one correct way, according to the company: La-Croy.
What makes apples shiny?
Shiny apples look pretty, but you're better off choosing the organic variety, bruises and all. Shiny apples have a shellac coating [20] placed by food producers to prevent bruising and extend shelf life.