Culinary Arts: Interesting Facts and Information for Future Chefs

Think you're ready for the heat of the kitchens? If you are considering culinary school to become a chef, you'll need to know more than just how to prepare food. You need to know food's history and culture. Here are some fascinating facts to get you started on your journey to becoming a professional chef.

Is General Tso's Chicken the most Popular Dish in the Hunan Province?

When you think of quintessential Chinese dishes, you might think about General Tso's Chicken. But the dish is virtually unknown in China. The sweet and savory meal became famous in New York when Peng Chang-kuei, a chef from the Hunan province, opened his own restaurant. The history of this dish was so strangely fascinating a documentary was made entitled, The Search for General Tso.

How Many Types of Potatoes are there in the World?

You can probably name a few off the top of your head. Red potatoes, sweet potatoes, russet potatoes. There can't be many more, right? Actually, there are over 7,000 types of potatoes. 4,000 of which are mostly native to the Andes. Choosing the right type of potato can be essential to the success of the meal.

Where did Pumpkins Come From?

Everyone's favorite autumn treat has an unexpected backstory. It's believed the pumpkin, or calabaza in Spanish, dates back over 7,500 years and was an important part of the ancient Mexican diet. While these pumpkin ancestors were far different from the vegetable we know today, the modern pumpkin remains a staple of Mexican foods. It can be incorporated into dishes such as moles and tamales, pepitas, and even the seeds are cooked and eaten.

Why am I terrified of Mushrooms?

The phobia of mushrooms is called Mycophobia. Indeed, there are many types of fears connected with food. Allumphobia is the fear of garlic. Oenophobia is the fear of wine. As a chef, you might find yourself preparing food for someone with a phobia and careful consideration during preparation will go a long way with your guests.

Can you see the Family Resemblance?

When you think of roses you probably think of the beautiful buds and thorny stems. But many common fruits are part of the Rosaceae family. Apples and cherries (and even the ancient fruit the loquat) are all members of the family.

How many Shapes of Pasta could there Possible be?

Although pasta is usually associated with Italian cooking, the oldest noodles were believed to have been discovered in China and were preserved for over 7,000 years. There are estimated to be over 350 different kinds of pasta worldwide. From long pasta, to tubes, and even alphabet pasta, there is a perfect noodle for every meal.

Do you have Room for Dessert?

The origin of caramel is not easily traced back to its roots. While it's believe that honey was the sugary sweet predecessor to caramel, it wasn't until about the late 1600s before there is a recorded mention of the candy. Interestingly, Milton Hershey started out in the candy business making caramels, not the chocolates he would later become so famous for.

If you're ready to expand you knowledge of food, history, and cooking techniques, take closer look at ECPI University's Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts. This program will have you working in the kitchens with experienced chefs to gain hands-on knowledge, and also in the classroom to give you a background in the history and philosophy of cooking and food. If you'd like to learn more about ECPI University, contact a friendly admissions representative today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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