From the ArcaMax Publishing, The Culinary World, with Chef James Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/chefjames/s-344473-235285
1) Superstition about this herb held that it its leaves had the power
to turn into scorpions, and even smelling it might bring a scorpion
into the brain! What is this curious herb?
2) This cheese has been made since the 15th century, is made in giant
wheels that can weigh well over 200 pounds, and is Switzerland's
oldest cheese. What is the name of this cheese (other than 'Swiss
cheese')?
3) When and where is the "Night of the Radishes"?
4) What is the difference between the liquid in a can of salmon and
the liquid in a can of tuna?
5) Portobello mushrooms are actually the mature, fully opened form of
what mushroom?
6) What aromatic herb is a member of the parsley or carrot family,
indigenous to the regions around the Black and Caspian Seas, and is an
essential ingredient of 'fines herbes'?
7) Chopsticks originated in China almost 4,000 years ago. What concept
did the replacement of knives for chopsticks supposedly represent?
8) What 3 seasonings are most frequently found in American homes?
(Besides plain salt and pepper).
9) What country uses about half of the world production of cloves, and
what is it used for?
10) What percentage of cola beverages are consumed with or instead of
breakfast?
Answers
1) Basil.
2) Emmentaler, Emmenthaler, Emmental, or Emmenthal.
3) In Oaxaca, Mexico, Christmas Eve is also the Night of the Radishes,
when large radishes are cut into animal shapes.
4) The 'juice' in canned salmon comes from the fish itself, whereas
tuna has oil or water added in the canning process.
5) A Portobello is a mature, fully opened crimini mushroom. It has a
lower moisture content, which gives it more flavor and a dense, meaty
texture.
6) Chervil (Anthriscus cereifolium).
7) The replacement of chopsticks for knives for eating at the table
supposedly indicates the increased respect for the scholar over the
warrior in Chinese society.
8) Cinnamon, chili powder and seasoned salt.
9) Indonesia uses half the world production of cloves. The cloves are
mixed with tobacco to make kretek cigarettes, two parts tobacco to one
part cloves.
10) More than 12% of the total quantity of colas sold are consumed
with or instead of breakfast.
Courtesy of FoodReference.com.