Food & Nutrition

From late May through June, farmstands and farmers’ markets around the United States pop with color: bright red, fragrant, heart-shaped berries are in season. U-pick strawberry fields are ransacked annually by eager kids and their watchful parents, faces smeared with magenta slime. Stores are flush with overflowing cardboard cartons of strawberries, bearing “local” labels. For many, this period marks one’s first taste of truly ripe, melt-in-your-mouth strawberries, dripping with juice, bursting with sweetness. Then, by midsummer, the bliss is over. We revert back to cold, sterile, plastic clamshells of supermarket strawberries for the rest of the year. Bloated and crunchy, they’ve been grown afar and bred to withstand travel time—and they can feel...

All About Campari Campari is a popular Italian alcoholic spirit known for its unique and bitter flavor. It is made by infusing a blend of herbs, spices, and fruit peel into a neutral spirit, then mixed with water and sugar. The result is a bright red liquid with a distinct taste, unlike any other spirit. The history of Campari dates back to 1860, when Gaspare Campari, an Italian businessman, created the recipe for the spirit in Novara, Italy. He originally called it "Bitter all'Uso d'Olanda," which means "Dutch-style bitter." However, over time, it became known simply as Campari. In the early days, Campari was primarily consumed as an aperitif, a drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. However, it quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Italian bars an...

What Is Bone Broth & How Is It Used? Bone broth has been used for centuries for nutrition and healing in many cultures. It is made by simmering animal bones, typically those of chicken, beef, or fish, for a prolonged period, along with vegetables and herbs. The result is a flavorful, nutrient-rich broth that is believed to have numerous health benefits. One of the main benefits of bone broth is its high nutrient content. Bones are rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for strong bones, teeth, and overall health. Bone broth is also a good source of collagen, a protein found in connective tissues like bones, tendons, and cartilage. Collagen is essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails and supporting joint hea...

Suppose it’s Sunday morning, and you’re feeling famished—socially, spiritually, digestively. At the great digital town square, by which I mean, unfortunately, your Instagram or TikTok account, church is open for business, a progressive place of worship where humor and feminism meld with rennet and rind. “Welcome to Cheese Church, where I preach about a cheese and tell you how to pair her. Today we’re worshipping queso fresco…”  This is the work of Cheese Sex Death, the omnichannel media presence of creator Erika Kubick. Kubick is a Chicago-based cheese educator and evangelist in the para-literal sense—her work frequently draws on religious terminology and iconography, from the “Testament of Cheesus” to “Holy Sacraments of Plating,” both chapters...

Everything You Need to Know About Charcuterie Boards Charcuterie boards have become a trendy way to serve food at gatherings and events. These boards are typically made up of various cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and other small bites, arranged in an artful, visually stunning, and delicious way. In this blog post, we will explore the history of charcuterie, how to make a charcuterie board, and some tips for serving and enjoying this classic appetizer. Charcuterie is a French word for preparing meat products, such as sausages, pâtés, and cured meats. The practice dates back to ancient times, when humans first began preserving meat to make it last longer. Over time, charcuterie became an art form, with different regions of France and Italy developing their own unique style...

Three-Ingredient Coconut Granita Makes the Frosty Case for Minimalism By: Zola Gregory Photos: Eli Lu After my parents divorced in 2002, my dad was forced into an age of culinary experimentation. It was around this time that he started making “coconut ice cream” to enjoy in the evenings after my sister and I had gone to sleep. The little bowl of dessert was a small joy in an otherwise difficult time. I have distinct memories of tiptoeing from bed and finding my dad enjoying a bowl of his ice cream in a dark room, the TV light flashing over his features. “Try it!” he would say. And I turned my little nose up at it, thinking, “What’s coconut, anyway?” It was...

When I decided to get my first tattoo in the fall of 2020, I didn’t hesitate: I knew it would be fruit. A peeled tangerine, a halved lemon, and two small, plump figs, all clustered together in a three-inch still life. It was Caravaggio meets stick-and-poke, a composition that sounds wholly unique—until you scan the crowd at the Fort Greene farmers’ market or a buzzy LA pop-up. Dumplings dapple forearms; mushrooms sprout from knees. On my skin, and the skin of many others, it’s always citrus season.  In the early 2000s, tattoos were an overt chef signifier—especially food tattoos. You know the vibe: full sleeves filled out with true-to-size measuring cups, a long stalk of knobby Brussels sprouts, maybe a diagram of how to butcher a pig. Some part...

Everything You Need To Know About Shrimp Shrimp is a popular seafood that is enjoyed by many people all over the world. It is a type of crustacean that belongs to the family of decapod crustaceans. Shrimp can be found in fresh and saltwater and come in various sizes, colors, and flavors. This article will explore the fascinating world of shrimp, from its biology and habitat to its culinary uses and health benefits. Biology and Habitat of Shrimp Shrimp are part of the larger crustaceans family, including lobsters, crabs, and crayfish. They have a hard exoskeleton that protects their body and a segmented body divided into three parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. The head of the shrimp contains the eyes, antennae, and mouthparts, while the thorax contains the legs, and the a...

With enough butter, anything is good. What Is Butter? Butter is a delicious and versatile dairy product used in cooking and baking for centuries. Made from the milk fat of cows, goats, sheep, or buffalo, butter has a smooth and creamy texture that adds richness and depth to many dishes. In this article, I'll explore the history of butter, how it is made, its nutritional content, and its many culinary uses. History of Butter Butter has been a staple food in many cultures throughout history. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was often used for medicinal and religious purposes. In Europe, butter became popular during the Middle Ages and was often used as a substitute for expensive oils and fats. Over time, it became a popular ingredient in ma...

With enough butter, anything is good. What Is Butter? Butter is a delicious and versatile dairy product used in cooking and baking for centuries. Made from the milk fat of cows, goats, sheep, or buffalo, butter has a smooth and creamy texture that adds richness and depth to many dishes. In this article, I'll explore the history of butter, how it is made, its nutritional content, and its many culinary uses. History of Butter Butter has been a staple food in many cultures throughout history. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was often used for medicinal and religious purposes. In Europe, butter became popular during the Middle Ages and was often used as a substitute for expensive oils and fats. Over time, it became a popular ingredient in ma...