20+ Foods That You Have Been Eating Wrong!
By molly atherton
4 months ago
Embarking on a culinary adventure often means mastering the art of savoring every bite, but what if some of our favorite foods have been eluding us? In the realm of gastronomy, there exists a trove of secrets—ways to enhance your dining experience and extract the full potential of every dish.
1. Easy tacos
Did you know there's an easy way to eat tacos that removes all the mess? Well, the trick is instead of buying taco shells, just get yourself a bag of Doritos or other tortilla chips.
(Image/ Sources: All Recipes)Make your meat filling, salsa, and grated cheese separately, then open the Doritos and pile all your taco fillings into the bag. Grab a fork and you're good to go!Sourced from Femanin2. Cupcakes
If you're of the opinion that ALL of it is the best bit, then this hack is for you. The best way to eat a cupcake is actually to slice the cupcake horizontally.
(Image/ Source: No Garlic)Slice through the cake section and stack the bottom of the cupcake on top of the frosting. This way, you get a bit of cake and a bit of frosting in every bite - perfect!3. Oranges
We've all experienced the mess of trying to open an orange and split it into segments. First, you slice it through the middle, but this ends up getting orange juice everywhere.
(Image/ Source: Healthy Fitness)Well, you should actually start by slicing the top and bottom off of the orange with a knife. Then, make one slice through the middle and simply peel the rind off, leaving a perfect wedge.4. Chinese takeout
We love Chinese takeout, but did you know there's actually an easier way to eat it than trying to get all of your noodles out of the box and onto a plate?
(Image/ Source: Unsplash)All you need to do is break up the box that the food comes in to make an easy, portable plate. No washing up needed!5. Cookies
There's really nothing worse than when lovely, freshly-baked cookies start going hard in the container. Well, do you want moist cookies even a week after baking?
(Image/ Source: Twitter @J_Rod03)If you notice that your cookies are going crunchy quick, add a slice of bread to your cookie container. This easy hack will keep your cookies soft and fudgy longer!6. Bananas
Yep, that's right, you've been eating the humble banana wrong all your life. You've probably been taught to crack open the peel at the top of the banana.
(Image/ Source: Business insider)But what if we told you that this is completely the wrong way? Take a leaf from our primate ancestors' books you'll realise that you should be opening a banana from the bottom.7. Candy Apples
Yes, you've been eating candy apples wrong your whole life. There's an easier way than just grabbing the stick and trying to bite the apple from the top.
(Image/ Source: Simple Most)Next time, try turning the stick horizontally and taking a bite out of the apple from the side. This way, you'll avoid getting sticky sugar all over you.8. Strawberries
So, you've bought a delicious, fresh punnet of strawberries from the supermarket, ready for a summer dessert. But how do you get the top off the strawberry?
(Image/ Source: Popsugar)Well, if a knife is involved, then you're doing it wrong. Simply take a straw (you'll probably have some lying around for summer cocktails) and push it through the strawberry to hull it.9. Apples
We bet you always take the core out of an apple, right? Well, that's not the right way to eat this popular fruit. In fact, the entire apple can be eaten, core and all.
(Image/ Source: 5dangkou)That even includes the apple seeds in the center of the apple! Just make sure you properly wash the top and bottom of the apple if you're going to try this next time.10. Cherries
Cherries are another fruit that is probably a once-in-a-while buy, but when it comes to pitting them all you'll probably regret that you ever bought them.
(Image/ Source: Today)Well, an easy way to pit a cherry is to balance the cherry on top of a glass bottle (make sure it's not so wide that the cherry falls in). Then push a chopstick through the cherry!11. Pomegranate
Yes, we've all been opening a pomegranate completely the wrong way. It can be tedious to try and get all the seeds out of the pomegranate.
(Image/ Source: Pexels)First, cut off the crown of the fruit with a knife, then pull each segment apart and bash the outer skin to get all the seeds out at once.12. Kiwi
When cutting a kiwi, there's actually an easier way to get the skin off than the more fiddly method of cutting it off with a knife.
(Image/ Source: the Kitchn)Next time, just cut the kiwi in half. Then, simply just grab a spoon and spoon out the inside of the kiwi, leaving the skin untouched!13. Boiled Eggs
Ever stood there picking tiny bits of shell off of your boiled egg? Course you have. Well, luckily, there's an easier way - and you'll wish you knew about it sooner.
(Image/ Source: eggs)Put a teaspoon of baking soda in the water with your boiled eggs next time. Then, when it comes to taking off the skin, crack a quarter-sized hole at each end of the egg and blow.14. Tacos
Tacos are messy business, everyone knows that. But there's also a way to make traditional tacos less messy. Simply put a lettuce leaf around the taco shell.
(Image/ Source: reddit - logssgetbuilttoo)This way, if the shell breaks, the filling and shell bits will be caught by the leaf - making sure you get to eat every last morsel.15. Grilled fish
Grilled fish is an ideal barbecue food - it's nutritious and tasty and makes a great showy meal for dinner parties, too. But how do you prevent it from sticking?
(Image/ Source: Yummy)Try placing lemon slices on the grill first, then place your piece of fish on top of the lemons. Not only does this prevent any stickage, but it'll also give you fish a great flavour.16. Shredded meat
Ever been craving pulled pork but you just can't be bothered to cook and shred it to get that delicious texture? Well, this is the easiest way to do shredded meats.
(Image/ Source: Pexels)Simply throw your cooked meats straight into a KitchenAid or other powerful stand mixer and blend for a few seconds. Bingo - you've got pulled pork all ready to go.17. Mango
Mango is another fruit that is a bit of a mess to slice. Inevitably, you either get mango all over your kitchen surface or you leave huge parts still on the skin.
(Image/ Source: Unsplash)Well, next time, start by halving the mango with a knife. Then, push a glass into the soft fruity flesh of the mango and scoop it all out. Easy!18. Oreos
Oreos are a ubiquitous childhood snack, so we hate to break it to you but oh yes, you've really been eating Oreos wrong your whole life.
(Image/ Source: Reddit)We all instinctively want to dip the Oreo into a glass of milk with our fingers, but juts stick a fork into the soft middle and use that to dip - this way, you'll get milk on all of the Oreo.19. Chicken wings
The frustration of leaving a half-eaten wing because you can't find a way to get the meat off the bone is VERY real. Next time, try pulling the cartilage off at the wing.
(Image/ Source: She Knows)Then twist it and remove the bones. Do this once more with the large bone and you'll have a boneless wing ready for eating every last bit of chicken.20. Peas
Ever struggled to eat all the peas off your plate at the end of a meal? We need to take a leaf out of a Brits' cookbook for this hack.
(Image/ Source: The Spruce eats)Instead of trying to pierce each pea individually, or have them all fall off your fork, give them a little mash. This will make them easier to grab.21. Hershey's Kisses
Yes, you've also been eating the classic candy completely wrong this whole time. Most of us would open a Hershey's Kiss from the top, right?
(Image/ Source: YouTube)Well, you're wrong. Instead, just try and squeeze the base of the Kiss and the foil will simply slide right off. Less effort for more reward.22. Toast
No, I'm not joking - you've also been eating toast wrong all your life. Most of us would spread a topping on the toast and then take a bite, right?
(Image/ Source: Buzzfeed)We know it sounds strange, but next time try tipping the toast upside down before taking a bite. This way, the topping is the first thing that hits your taste buds.23. Ginger
Ginger is the perfect accompaniment to a stir fry, curry, or even a smoothie. But sometimes, getting the skin off the ginger is a pain
(Image/ Source: Chica and Joe)Graters often can't deal with the hard and uneven edges of a piece of ginger. However, it's much easier if you use a grapefruit spoon to scrape the skin off.24. Corn
So, you've cooked a load of corn and you're looking for a way to shuck it in seconds. This technique will make it easy and mean you utilise all of that corn.
(Image/ Source: Popsugar)Grab a towel and wrap it around the ear of the corn, then slice the bottom part off with a knife. After that, squeeze the top (where the towel is) and the corn will slide out25. Ice cream
It might seem ridiculous but yes, there's actually an easier way to eat ice cream. And it'll prevent you getting painful fingers from freezer burn.
(Image/ Source: Ben and Jerrys)As you eat your pint of ice cream, cut down the cardboard. The lid will fit as normal, but less air will get into the container, reducing the chances of freezer burn.26. Cherry tomatoes
Cutting individual tomatoes is a real pain, especially if they're tiny ones. Next time, flip a plate and place your tomatoes onto the middle of that plate.
(Image/ Source: The yummy life)Then, place another plate right-side-up on the plate, and slide a knife through the middle. There you have perfectly cut tomatoes all at the same time!27. Broccoli
While most of us would think to fry it, boil it, or microwave it in a pinch, there's actually a better way to cook broccoli. We should actually be steaming all our broccoli.
(Image/ Source: Ecooe)Apparently, we've been eating broccoli the wrong way as well. This way, less of the vitamins are drawn out of the broccoli and it's better for us.28. Burgers
We've all experienced the pain of having dressing and salad fall out of our burgers, and the bun sliding all over the place as we try to eat it.
(Image/ Source: Twitter @honeysn0w)To prevent that, flip your burger over so that the bigger section of bread is on the bread. This will help absorb more of the juice and prevent it from getting soggy.29. Soft drinks
Ever wondered what the little hole in the cap of a soft drink can be for? Well, there's a reason it's there, and it makes your life much easier.
(Image/ Source: Twitter @valeriejoeelng)Next time you open a can, instead of breaking the opener right off, twist it so that the hole is right over the open can section. Then, slide your straw through the hole.30. Ice cream sandwiches
Ice cream sandwiches are a godsend in hot weather, and there's a way to make them that eliminates the mess of trying to spoon ice cream into cookies.
31. Add Olive Oil To Your Drained Pasta To Stop It From Sticking Together
Cooking is a balancing act, and sometimes pasta is ready before the finishing touches - but it's already stuck together by the time you've got to it.
Image Source / Daily MailTry adding some olive oil to your pasta after you've drained it and this should keep it nice and separated and stops it from sticking!32. Store Vegetables In Water To Keep Them Crisp
If you're a fan of big, stalky vegetables like celery and asparagus then you can trim the ends off and then store them upright in a glass jar or vase.
Image Source / The Organised HousewifeThen you can put a couple of inches of water in the container. This will help to keep them a lot more fresh, crisp and anything-but-droopy.33. Use Your Pod Coffee Machine (Like A Keurig) For Boiled Water
You can get boiled water on tap if you're rushing in the morning by using your pod coffee machine, with the click of a button.
Image Source / POPSUGARIf you need some boiled water for your porridge, for example, or maybe your lunchtime noodles, then you can use your machine for some speedy boiling.34. Cut Your Fruit And Veggies With An Egg Slicer
Slicing fruit and veg can be so tedious, and just one of the drawbacks of actually trying to eat healthily, it can take such a long time.
Image Source / WikipediaBut luckily with an egg slicer you can make it a whole lot simpler. You can use it to slice those mushrooms or chop up those strawberries!35. Keep Your Ice Cream Container In A Plastic Bag
This is a great hack to make sure your ice cream stays soft instead of hard (because there's nothing worse than trying to get a spoon into a frozen rock).
Image Source / SimplemostIf you store your container in a plastic bag instead, something like a Ziploc bag, then it will be much softer and easier to portion out.36. Use A Cooling Rack To Cut Hard-Boiled Eggs
If you're a hard-boiled egg lover and have loads of them to cut up, don't do it one by one; instead, put a bowl under a cooling rack.
Image Source / HorecaTradersThen, push the eggs through the rack. This way you'll chop delicious little egg cubes, ready to go! It's much more simple and quick to do.37. Use A Waffle Iron For Hash Browns
Anything can be a waffle if you try hard enough! If you want to use a waffle iron for your hash browns, you won't be disappointed.
Image Source / Plant Based GalThe waffle iron also helps with the shape of the hash browns so you can more easily top with other things, like condiments or cheese.38. Make Your Bananas Ripe More Quickly By Baking Them
Is there anything worse than a super green banana that hasn't quite ripened yet, and you're just waiting to be able to eat it, day after day?
Image Source / Clean Green SimpleWell no more! You can ripen your bananas quickly by putting them in a pan and then baking them for around 5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.39. Use A Large Jar For Salad And Grains
We all have those favourite things we like to sprinkle on the top of a lot of different recipes, like seeds, grains, nuts and salad ingredients.
Image Source / Urban SporeWell, if you mix up all the good stuff in a large container, like a glass Mason jar, you can not only easily store, but take it around with you.40. Use Tongs To Squeeze Citrus Juice
If you don't have a juicer, then tongs are going to do the job just as well. Get your slices of lemon, lime or orange and put between the tongs.
Image Source / TwitterThen simply just squeeze away until your heart's content without getting messy! The tongs should be able to get out a good amount of juice.41. Remove Egg Shells By Swirling Them In A Tupperware Container
Peeling eggshells is boring - it's worse than peeling potatoes, and it takes forever. And, sometimes it doesn't peel so easily at all, taking away the egg not the skin.
Image Source / The KitchnIf you want to make it quicker and easier, you can put your hard-boiled eggs in a Tupperware container together and swirl them around. The shells should crack and then break off easily.42. Test The Freshness Of Eggs By Putting Them In A Bowl Of Water
In some sort of bizarre version of the witch trials, you can put whole eggs in a bowl of water and see if they float. If they float, they're a witch - only kidding.
43. Don't Throw Out Those Burnt Cookies!
Did you want to make some deliciously soft cookies only to go and burn them? Don't despair! You can use a grater to get the burnt bits off.
Image Source / RedditAnd then nobody will be any the wiser that you burnt them slightly! Just gently move the cookies against the grater to get off the less-than-appetising bits.44. Freeze Your Mashed Avocado
Avocados can quickly go out of ripeness if you're not using them too often, and maybe you bought a big batch that needs to be used.
45. Make French Toast In Your Slow Cooker
If you have a slow cooker, use it for French toast. If you don't, get one and use it for French toast! You can put the bread at the bottom of the cooker.
Image Source / WikipediaThen put your egg mixture over the top of it - just enough to cover the top of the bread. Keep layering as much as you'd like, then put your slow cooker on and away you go!46. Take Off Your Avocado Stem To Check Ripeness
It can be difficult to tell the ripeness of an avocado, but there is an easy way to check with this stem hack. Simply pull off the stem.
47. Use A Skillet To Reheat That Leftover Pizza
Nobody wants to waste leftover pizza - it's blasphemy, after all - but there's a better way to reheat it than making it all soggy in the microwave.
Image Source / King Arthur BakingYou can heat up in a skillet instead, which will better heat it and should keep the crust's crispiness. Leftover pizza is the best, we all know that.48. Freeze Leftover Sauces With An Ice Cube Tray
If you've made some delicious sauce, like pesto or bearnaise, then don't fret about a huge dollop of it being leftover. You can use it at a later date.
Image Source / Liquor.comYou can use an ice cube tray to portion it out and freeze for later. Then you can reheat it whenever you need it again at your leisure in perfect portions.49. Cut Soft Foods Easily With Dental Floss
If you've got a big block of soft cheese, butter, need to cut up your cookie dough or dish out the desserts, then use a section of dental floss!
Image Source / Cuisine at HomeIt will very easily slide through. This is also perfect for saving on the washing up if you don't want loads to get stuck to a knife!50. Freeze Your Grapes For Homemade Wine Coolers
This is a great hack for summer because you can freeze grapes (which is just great anyway) but you can then also use them as wine coolers.
Image Source / RedditThe frozen grapes won't water down your beverage when they unfreeze, and they'll also add to the delicious taste not like a water ice cube will do!51. Soup Dumplings
Also known as Xiao Long Bao, these soup dumplings are a highly satisfying bite, day or night but it's easy to get spilled broth all over the table.
Image source/ FlickrBecause you're dealing with very hot liquid soup encased in the dumpling dough. You should suck the liquid out of the dumplings before you put them in your mouth.52. Bowl Of Ramen
We tend to plunge right into steaming hot ramen with our spoons and start shovelling away. But there's a lot of liquid in there too.
Image source / FlickrSo, the best way to enjoy ramen is to use chopsticks to pull out a few noodles from the bowl, then dip them back into the bowl to soak up some broth.53. Sushi
What's not to love about sushi? It's tasty, healthy and easy to eat - but are you consuming it correctly? The issue is the way we use the accompanying soy sauce.
Image source / ShutterstockAccording to experts, sushi should be dipped fish side down so the rice can absorb the salty sauce to make the sushi taste exactly as it was intended to be.54. Pizza
When we grab a slice, we usually end up with a foot long string of mozzarella hanging from our mouths and with toppings spilling over.
Image source / The SporkfulThere's nothing quite like a freshly made pizza, piping hot and oozing with cheese. The solution is easy and that is to fold your pizza slice inwards.55. Oysters
It can be quite intimidating eating oysters when there are people around, possibly watching how you are doing it! You'll often see someone slurping an oyster right down.
56. Pistachios
There's a simple shortcut that can cut your pistachio-shucking time in half, at the very least. It's so much simpler when you know how to do it.
Image source/ FlickrWe can be put off eating these delicious nuts because it's so fiddly. Use a discarded shell, to open the pistachios and save your finger nails!57. Thai Food
If you're using chopsticks to eat most versions of Thai cuisine, you may want to think twice. This technique isn't part of the traditional Thai culinary culture.
Image source / QuoraAlthough it's widely assumed that Thai food should be eaten with chopsticks, you will often see the natives using the same method as us, knives, forks and spoons.58. Lobster
When tackling hot lobster, you should eat the tail first because it gets cold the fastest. Chefs also advise to eat the claws last as they stay warm the longest.
Image source / Open Table BlogAnd lobster claws can be tough to break into, requiring food pliers. Eating lobster in this order is cleaner when it comes to disposing of the shell.59. Water
Bottled water is ok for staying hydrated but it doesn't have enough of the one important ingredient that keeps your teeth strong and helps prevent tooth decay and that is fluoride.
Image source / LiquilineThe stuff from your tap will contain it so think again regarding your water habits and maybe choose the tap instead of paying for a plastic bottle.60. Red Meat
Red meat is a great source of protein and it contains its vitamin B12, niacin, zinc, and iron, not forgetting the all important omega-3 fatty acids.
Image source / Cleveland ClinicThe problem is that it can also be loaded with saturated fat which we shouldn't consume too much. Choose lean cuts, trimming off all the fat you can and then cook it.61. Coffee
Along with the caffeine boost, the antioxidants found in coffee can help protect your cells and it can be a low calorie choice instead of sugar-sweetened soft drinks.
Image source / BBC Good FoodBear this in mind when you go to your local coffee chain and avoid the syrup, cream and sugar concoctions. Take the coffee without all of the extras!62. Cantaloupe
Even though you aren't going to eat the rind of a cantaloupe melon, you should give it a good scrub with a brush before you slice into it.
Image source PinterestThis is so you get rid of dirt and bacteria that could be trapped in the rough skin. Unlike other fruits, there isn't enough natural acid to kill them off.63. Canned Veggies
You definitely shouldn't cook them twice. Canning is a great way to keep the nutrition and freshness in your veggies but they do actually get cooked in the process.
Image source Tasting TableAfter you take them out, only heat them long enough to warm them up again. Any longer than that and you may damage the flavor.64. Cabbage
Don't treat cabbage as just being a steamed vegetable and a bit bland at that. Turn it into sauerkraut or kimchi as fermented foods like this have natural probiotics.
Image source / Les MillsThese will nourish the bacteria in your gut. This could help protect against cardiovascular disease such as diabetes which are very serious health conditions.65. Chili-Cheese Fries
Aren't these just the best, taste wise? Fries aren't brilliant at holding on to chilli and cheese so try this hack instead to have more flavor.
Image source / InstructablesGrab the dry end of the fry and with a subtle flick of the wrist, remove the excess chili. Of course, using a knife and fork is the best way to control mess.66. Sloppy Joes
The word 'sloppy' is truly appropriate when eating a sloppy joe so try this trick for a much easier way tackle them. When assembling them, scoop the meat into the center of the bun.
Image source / GE AppliancesThen leave a small empty rim around the outside of the bread. When the contents move around, they've then got somewhere to go before falling on the plate.67. Powdered Doughnuts
Instead of ordering a boring plain doughnut because you're worried about getting powder everywhere when you eat it, change the process. Place the doughnut on a plate or napkin.
Image source / InsiderThen, tear it into two, without lifting it up. This means the powdered sugar can't escape on to your clothes. Next, tear one of the two pieces in half and eat!68. Deli Meat Sandwich
One of the easiest ways to make your sandwich better in every way, is to slice the deli meats in half and lay them facing away from each other.
Image source / Cleveland ClinicThey will then fit the traditional square bread with no bits hanging out and you won't lose out on the taste or the middle parts of the sandwich!69. Hot Coffee
One of the most common complaints with coffee drinkers is that they can't get through a whole cup before it goes cold - and hot coffee is the best.
Image source / Science ABCIf you pre-heat your coffee cup by pouring boiling water into it and leaving for 2-3 minutes, your hot drink should stay that way for longer.70. Beetroot
Beetroot is one of those things people avoid buying as they don't know how to cook it. The great news is that you don't have to cook them!
Image source / Homespun SeasonCut off both ends, peel the beets and slice thinly before seasoning. If you do want to cook them, place on foil and make a pouch, drizzling them with olive oil.71. Black tea
Americans are drinking more tea than ever, almost 20% more than they did 20 years ago, according to market research. Before you pour yourself another cup, DON'T reach for the milk.
Image source NDTV.comIt negates the cardiovascular benefits of the tea. Milk proteins make the tea compounds more difficult for the body to absorb so you lose the natural goodness.72. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are high in fiber, omega-3s and lignans which may contain cancer-protecting properties. Instead, grind the nuts down first to make them easier to digest.
Image source / QuoraYour body may not be able to digest whole flaxseeds so sprinkling them on your morning yogurt might not be as effective as you hoped.73. Lettuce
What is said about lettuce is generally true for most greens. Few people know that by adding a fat source when eating green leafy vegetables it brings out the benefits.
Image source / Business InsiderThis makes the dish tastier and contributes towards more benefits. Lutein, lycopene and beta-carotene become more available to the body if you add avocados, nuts or other fat sources.74. Bacon
You may be shocked to hear that you shouldn't cook bacon in a pan. To get the flat, perfectly cooked slabs, bake your bacon instead.
Image source / Southern LivingSimply place it on foil and stick in a preheated oven. You will also be ale to cook more of it in one go than if you did it in a pan.75. Leftover Mint Candies
Crush up any leftover mints that you have with a mortar and pestle and mix them into your hot cocoa before adding the boiling water.
Image source Fun Money MomAlthough this adds quite a bit of sugar to the drink, mint and chocolate go really well together and makes that hot chocolate more interesting!76. Different Types Of Teas
Different types of teas need to be brewed differently and you probably didn't realise this. White, yellow and green teas should be brewed for around two minutes.
Image source / EaterOolong and black teas should brew for three minutes, Herbal teas take the longest, between four and six minutes. It's all about hitting the perfect brewing time.77. Dried And Fresh Herbs
Lots of you won't even know the difference between fresh and dried herbs and think that they are both equally as good as each other.
Image source / StoreMindFresh herbs are more aromatic and pair perfectly with fresh items like fish or chicken and are great to garnish a home cooked meal. Dried herbs are best suited for sauces and soups.78. Preparing Beans
It can be confusing about whether you should soak beans or not. If you’re using raw beans you should be soaking them as it will tenderise them before you cook them.
Image source / The GuardianA shorter cooking time equates to less vitamins and nutrients being boiled away. So it has much more health benefits if you keep down the cooking time!79. Hot Pepper Seeds
Do you usually throw away your hot pepper seeds in the trash? The flesh and seeds of hot peppers like jalapenos aren’t actually very spicy.
Image source / InsiderYou can get the peppery flavor without the heat this way. You can add just a few seeds until you reach the heat you require.80. Yogurt
A lot of people like to have yogurt for breakfast or as a dessert. When they see the liquid that settles at the top, they tend to drain it off.
Image source / ShutterstockYou shouldn't be doing this as is full of calcium, protein and vitamin B12 and is really good for you. Mix it into the yogurt or shake the carton before opening.