Saffron, the dried stigma of the Saffron Crocus flower, is the world’s most expensive spice.  Each flower has only 3 “threads” that must be hand harvested.  It takes more than 70,000 threads to make up a pound of saffron.  Depending on quality, saffron has drawn $500-5,000 per pound.  The most common culinary use for saffron is for America’s favorite Spanish dish, Paella.

Being as today is National Cheese Day and the 100th anniversary of the automatic Maytag washer and dryer, we thought it only appropriate to highlight that Maytag blue cheese is made by the same family that produces home appliances.  Robert Maytag and Frederick L. Maytag II (grandsons of the Maytag appliance company founder) started producing this most popular American blue in 1941.

The distinct flavor of Earl Grey tea comes from a rare citrus called bergamot orange.  It is a cross of the pear lemon and the Seville orange.

Some fictional characters who are fond of Earl Grey tea are James Bond, Frasier Crane, Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek, Bruce Wayne of Batman and Piglet from Winnie the Pooh.

*One portobello mushroom has more potassium than a banana. Potassium helps the human body maintain normal heart rhythm, fluid balance, and muscle and nerve function.
(USDA)

*We clean portobellos by lightly wiping the cap with a damp towel and scraping the gills out with a spoon.  If you are using the mushrooms for a saute, removing the gills will keep your dish from looking muddy.  Learn How Here.

Why do so many love to hate cilantro?

Some scientists believe that genetics play a part!  The theory is that those who taste cilantro as soapy, rotten or foul produce an enzyme that changes the way they taste it.  Some detest the flavor so much they have created a safe haven called IHateCilantro.com. As far as we can tell there is no ILoveCilantro.com…yet.

Word Origin

Thirteen equals a Baker’s dozen - The most likely origin of the term comes from the 13th century when England was under Henry III’s rule. A law was put forth called the Assize of Bread and Ale which regulated bread prices to wheat prices. Without scales, it was difficult to ensure that bakers were not short-weighting customers.  So, in order to spare themselves brutal punishment, the baker would throw in an extra loaf of bread to every dozen to guarantee the order was within the guideline.