National Horseradish Month
Month of July
Horseradish is a plant that comes from the mustard family. The sharp and piquant flavor and the penetrating smell of horseradish become apparent when the root is grated or ground. This is because the root contains highly volatile oils which are released by enzyme activity when the root cells are crushed. Sales of bottled horseradish began in 1860, making it one of the first convenience foods. In the American South, horseradish was rubbed on the forehead to relieve headaches. Horseradish is added to some pickles to add firmness and “nip”. Before being named “horseradish,” the plant was known as “redcole” in England and as “stingnose” in some parts of the U.S. Horseradish has only 2 calories a teaspoon, is low in sodium and provides dietary fiber.
National Junk Food Day
July 21
The term “junk food” was first popularized in the 1960s, but only really caught on following the release of the top radio hit, “Junk Food Junkie” in 1976. The average American eats about 24.5 pounds of candy per year, with almost half of that made with some variation of chocolate. Americans eat 13 billion hamburgers each year, which is enough to circle the earth more than 32 times. Over 1 billion pizzas are delivered in the United States every year. More pizzas are delivered on Super Bowl Sunday than on any other day of the year. The average American eats over 4 pounds of potato chips a year.
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Ernest Hemingway – Novelist – born in Oak Park, Illinois
Robin Williams – Actor & Comedian – born in Chicago, Illinois
