June 5, 2016

Did you know that agave tequila is not only good for making tequila, but for the making of escamole as well? Escamole is a dish made from ant larvae and pupa. They are harvested from the tequila plant's roots. But be careful, the ants are known to be aggressive (which apparently adds more thrill to the harvest). The larvae are usually pan fried in butter and spices, and served in tacos and omelets. They are light in color, look like corn kernels, and have a nutty taste.

June 4, 2016

Did you know that there are grapes in the sea? Sea grapes (海ぶどう) are actually a type of green algae that is served in the Japan (specifically Okinawa), Philippines, and Malaysia. The leaves are more like little bubbles. So biting into them releases bursts of saltiness along with a nice crunch. In Japan, this sensation is called puchi-puchi. Sea grapes are usually served with soy sauce and vinegar.

June 2, 2016

Did you know that there is a mockingbird that eats sea lion placenta? Like the vampire finch, the Española mockingbird also feeds on blood. In fact, it eats just about anything it can get its beak on. Fruits, insects, eggs, lizards, and other birds...sea lion placenta... These guys have also been seen landing near human camps to eat their food and peck at their water bottles. A lot of guts for a tiny bird...

June 1, 2016

Did you know that there are vampire birds too? The vampire finch is a small bird found on the Galapagos Islands. Because of the dry climate and lack of freshwater, the birds have resorted to drinking the blood of larger birds. They peck at base of the tail feathers of their host until blood is drawn. In addition to blood, the vampire finch also feeds on other birds' eggs. Just roll them off a cliff and...CRACK! Snack time!

May 31, 2016

Did you know that centuries before Listerine came about, urine was used as mouthwash? The Greeks were the ones who began the fad. Why? Urine contains ammonia which not only kills bacteria, but can also whiten teeth. The Roman aristocrats purchased theirs from far away places, like Portugal. The more exotic the urine, the whiter your teeth will be...or so they believed.

May 30, 2016

Did you know that there is a tree that bleeds? Well...maybe not blood but it sure looks like it. The dragon's blood tree is native to Socotra, an island located in the Indian Ocean. Its name comes from the fact it produces a red sap, which has been used in traditional medicine. However that's not the only unique characteristic of this tree. Its appearance resembles an upside umbrella because only the youngest branches produce leaves.

May 10, 2016

Did you know that the Kasugai Flower's Kiss candy not actually made of flowers? It is actually made of plum and condensed milk! Despite the ingredients, the candy does give off a flowery scent and the delicious sweetness always reminds me of spring. But be careful! Three bite size pieces is a serving and each serving is 70 calories...I won't say how many I've eaten already. >.<