Food.QandAs.com

What is Sodium Benzoate?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:17:01 +0100

Answer: Sodium benzoate (NaC6H5CO2) is a chemical substance which can be created by reacting sodium hydroxide with benzoic acid. Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative, mostly in acidic foods like vinegars, soft drinks, salad dressings, as well as some mouth-wash products and cough-syrups, to mention just a few.

What is Sodium Nitrite?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:51:34 +0100

Answer: Sodium nitrite is a chemical substance (NaNO2) that is used in some food products like fish and meats; as a preservative, and as a color fixative. Sodium nitrite is also used to help prevent the growth of the bacteria which causes botulism (Clostridium botulinum).

What is Teff?

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:04:26 +0100

Answer: Teff, also written as “taf,” is a grass that is native to Ethiopia and Eritrea, in Africa. Teff is a grain that can be made into flour, and is used in such foods as injera, a flatbread found in the cuisines of northeastern Africa. This grain is high in iron, dietary fiber, calcium, and protein.

What is Injera?

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:02:36 +0100

Answer: Injera, or enjera, is a flat bread resembling a pancake, that is made of teff flour. This bread is part of Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, and is also eaten in Somalia, where it is called canjeero or laxoox.

What is Ghee?

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 01:59:58 +0100

Answer: A type of clarified butter from the Indian subcontinent, ghee is used in cuisine from many different countries. In addition, ghee is used in various Hindu and Vedic rituals, as well as in funerals, marriages, and fuel for a Hindu votive lamp. Ghee is actually used in sacrifices in Hinduism, along with the four sacred substances: milk, sugar, honey, and yogurt.