The AnswerBank Articles

Where did HP Sauce get its name

A. HP Sauce was invented at the end of the 19th century by Mr FG Garton, a Nottingham grocer. He was down on his luck and couldn't pay his bills, so when Edwin Samson Moore, owner of the Midlands01:00 Mon 15th Apr 2002

Where does the word 'paella' come from

A. Paella is the generic name of the 200 or so distinctive rice dishes of the Valencia region of Spain. There are all sorts of theories about the dishes' origins. The most romantic is that the dish01:00 Mon 15th Apr 2002

How should you handle fresh horseradish

A. With care. Grow your own horseradish with caution, as it is rampant and self-seeds from the smallest piece left in the soil. Handle the root with care, as once it is cut or grated it gives off01:00 Mon 15th Apr 2002

How easy is it to avoid nuts in food

A. Nuts, particularly peanuts, are used in a surprisingly large number of products, including breads, desserts, yoghurts, chocolate and vegetarian products. If a production line is used for a food01:00 Mon 08th Apr 2002

Why does wine sometimes cork

A. If you've opened a bottle of wine to discover it smells like a musty old hymn book, it's the chemical compound called 2,4,6-trichloranisole. TCA, as it's known in spitting circles, is responsible01:00 Mon 08th Apr 2002

What's the most popular diet around at the moment

A. The nation has been obsessed with the idea of dieting since the early 20th century. Then it was called "Banting" after the obese William Banting was put on a weight loss regime by his doctor.01:00 Mon 08th Apr 2002

Where is the festival devoted to lard

A. While lard is something generally avoided in the UK, abroad it's a delicacy worthy of its own festival. Lardo di Colonnata is one of Italy great foodstuffs, revered like its olives, creamy goats'01:00 Mon 01st Apr 2002

Is it best to boil or simmer

A. Boiling as a cooking technique works by heating food with liquid convection streams. Since this means cooking at a maximum temperature of 100C, it precludes browning as caramelisation requires a01:00 Mon 01st Apr 2002

What does the 'extra' mean on an olive oil bottle

A. Virgin oils can be single estate or a blend of oils from sought-after producers - the most sought after are labelled 'First Cold-Pressing Extra Virgin'. First cold-pressing tells you this is the01:00 Mon 01st Apr 2002

Which foods will make my hair more shiny

A. Changes in the condition of your hair and problems such as hair loss can be a sign of nutrional deficiencies. You need to ensure your diet is rich in certain types of vitamins. Make sure you01:00 Mon 25th Mar 2002

How many different types of Dijon mustard are there

A. Mustard made in the French city of Dijon is sold worldwide in dozens of flavours, varying from mild to hot, sweet to spicy. Some include whole grains of mustard seed, others are flavoured with01:00 Mon 25th Mar 2002

How is it legal to use hemp in cooking products

A. Hemp has become notorious as the plant from which cannabis is derived. But it has been used for thousands of years to make clothing and sails, and more recently as an alternative building01:00 Mon 25th Mar 2002

Why are port grapes crushed between your toes

A. Port grapes are gradually squashed between toes, not just to release the juice, but to coax the colour, flavour and tannins out of their thick black skins. Fine port should be rich and powerful,01:00 Mon 18th Mar 2002

How do I make a Ruby like they drink in Sex and the City

A. The new cocktail called the Ruby has been taking New York by storm since it was featured in a recent episode of Sex and the City in the US. A Ruby is traditionally made from gin, grenadine and01:00 Mon 18th Mar 2002

Do people in other countries eat Easter eggs

A. More than 250,000 tons of chocolate will be sold worldwide this Easter. That's equivalent to more than 36 billion inch-long chocolate eggs. Although 43 per cent of British people have no idea what01:00 Mon 18th Mar 2002

How much caffeine is there in a cup of coffee

A. The average cup of instant coffee contains around 75 mg of caffeine, while an average cup of brewed coffee contains 100mg. An average cup of tea contains 50mg, regular cola contains 40mg,a regular01:00 Mon 11th Mar 2002

What kind of herbs can you use in desserts

A. Too many people restrict herbs to savoury dishes: basil and tomatoes or chicken and tomatoes. But herbs can liven up desserts too. Basil and mint, lemon balm and thyme, rosemary and lavender can01:00 Mon 11th Mar 2002

Is fougasse the new ciabatta

A. Fougasse is a rich-flavoured flattish bread, which is identifiable by four finger-like slashes across its centre. The fougasse is the Provencal version of focaccia. Both names derive from the01:00 Mon 11th Mar 2002

Is rhubarb a fruit or a vegetable

A. Rhubarb is in fact a vegetable, one of the most unusual because it is eaten with sugar. The identity of rhubarb has vexed gardeners and chefs for years, so much so in fact, that a in 1947 a US01:00 Mon 04th Mar 2002

How do the experts appreciate a good malt

A. The key to appreciating - and enjoying - a good Scotch is sniffing or 'nosing' the whisky. Generally, experts concur malt whiskies nose and taste better than blended whiskies. Blends differ most01:00 Mon 04th Mar 2002