Good morning, welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: January 16th, 2022. Did you know today is National Fig Newton Day? I like the Original Fig Newtons while my daughter Suzzane liked Strawberry Fig Newtons. Do you like either of these Cookies?
National Fig Newton Day
You either love Fig Newtons or you hate Fig Newtons. But you can’t deny their popularity. Fig Newtons have remained a much-loved Pastry for over a Century. No wonder they get their own Holiday. January 16th is National Fig Newton Day. I know you can’t wait to enjoy a few Fig Newtons. Fig Newtons came into existence when, in the 19th Century, Physicians began to promote an increase in Biscuits and Fruit in one’s diet as a remedy for Digestive problems. Fig Rolls became a popular food item as a result. In 1891 Charles Roser invented a machine to insert Fig Paste into Dough. After several business deals, the Fig Roll became a product of Nabisco, and the name was changed to “Fig Newton”.
NATIONAL FIG NEWTON DAY ACTIVITIES
- You’ve had store-bought Fig Newtons but why not try making your own Fig Newtons? They are fairly simple to make, and recipes can be found all over the Internet. You just need the standard baking ingredients found in every kitchen and Figs!
- Don’t stop with Fig Newtons. Keep your baking supplies out and whip up a Fig Newton Cake or Pie Crust. There are plenty of recipes for cakes made of Fig Newtons. There are also recipes for Fig Newton Pie Crust which is amazing with Pumpkin Pie.
- You’ve made or purchased which is equally as okay and delicious all these sweets, so eat them! Invite your family over to share in the desserts or you can eat them all alone. No one will judge you.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL FIG NEWTON DAY
- Classics are classics for a reason. We still enjoy Fig Newtons because they’re delicious. But because of how long they’ve been around, Fig Newtons can give us a nostalgic feeling. Maybe you have a particular memory attached to Fig Newtons. We love classic foods and Fig Newtons are one of those that we can’t get enough of.
- Fig Newtons are technically a Cookie, but these Cookies have got Figs in them. Making these Cookies healthy right? We’re all guilty of this type of thinking from time to time. We feel guilty for cheating on our diets or eating more sweets than we should. Should you be eating packs of Fig Newtons every day? Maybe not. But are they perfectly fine in moderation? Absolutely!
- Have you ever had a Fig Newton with a hot cup of Tea or Coffee? If you haven’t, you probably have not enjoyed Fig Newtons to their full potential. Fig Newtons are great in the morning with Coffee and are easy to take on the go. Afternoon Tea? Fig Newtons are the perfect snack to accompany your drink. Warm drinks, like Hot Cider, go great with Fig Newtons as well. Especially during this chilly time of year.
International Hot and Spicy Food Day
January 16th is International Hot and Spicy Food Day, a Holiday where you get to celebrate and devour spiciest dishes in the world. Every Country on the globe has its own cooking style and recipes. While some Nations eat mild food, others enjoy hot food dishes that will make you gulp down a jug of Water. There are some super spicy dishes available and, guess what, people aren’t afraid to consume them. Here’s a tip before you head out on a Spice-eating spree. Make sure your stomach can handle the Chili.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL HOT AND SPICY FOOD DAY
Spices have been consumed for over 6,000 years to add flavor to a dish and for their health benefits. For instance, Spices can combat Inflammation and have healing properties. It’s due to these reasons that Spices grew popular in ancient times.
Ancient Greeks imported Eastern spices such as Pepper, Cassia, Cinnamon, and Ginger to the Mediterranean since Spices and Herbs played a role in Medical Science. According to sources, around 460 to 377 B.C. Hippocrates wrote of Herbs and Spices that included Saffron, Cinnamon, Thyme, Coriander, Mint, and Marjoram. The “Father of Botany,” as Theophrastus was known, in his two books, and he wrote about 600 Spices and Herbs in the period between 372 B.C. and 287 B.C. Romans created another use for Spices often utilizing them in Spice-flavored Wines and Spice-scented Balms and Oils. Spices also were used in Poultices and healing plasters due to their healing properties. Curcumin too was used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions like Arthritis, Autoimmune Disorders, Headaches, and Nausea.
That is not all. Capsaicin, an active component of Chili Peppers, is known to destroy Cancer Cells. A 2015 U.S. and China study found that eating spicy food six or seven days a week lowered mortality rate by 14%. If you never liked spicy food, it is about time you change your diet.
Five things to know about Hot and Spicy Food:
- People who are regularly eat spicy food are considered Pyro-Gourmaniacs.
- People have been using hot and spicy seasonings in their food for more than 6,000 years according to Archaeologists.
- Christopher Columbus discovered Chili Peppers when he discovered Americas in 1493.
- Capsaicin, the chemical in Peppers that makes them hot, isn’t found in any other plant and is potent enough that people can identify it even when the concentration is as little as one part per million.
- The best way to ease the burn of flaming hot Peppers or overly-spicy Mustard of Horseradish is with cold Milk or Yogurt. You should avoid Water which won’t mix with the Oil and will only result in moving the heat to other parts of your mouth.
CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL HOT AND SPICY FOOD DAY
- To celebrate the Holiday experience different types of spicy food, by heading out to a restaurant that serves Mexican or Indian food dishes.
- Don’t want to eat something too spicy? Cook a dish of your choice and adjust the Spice level. How about Chilies stuffed with Chicken and Cheese?
- Host a Chili eating contest spicing things up and see who can eat the most Chilies in 10 minutes.
5 FUN FACTS ABOUT SPICY FOOD
- Did you know Mexico has over 60 species?
- You can eat hot and spicy food to reduce weight and boost metabolism.
- Carolina Reaper is the world’s hottest Chili stated, by the “Guinness World Records.”
- Japan’s Pepper is known as ‘shishito.’
- A cup of Chili Peppers has about 107 mg of Vitamin C.
INTERNATIONAL HOT AND SPICY FOOD DAY IS IMPORTANT
- This Holidays highlights spicy food and bring business to Mexican and Indian restaurants. International Hot and Spicy Food Day means more tips for the waiters too!
- Spicy food has some advantages for the Immune System and Digestive Health. This Holiday plays an essential role in highlighting them.
- On International Hot and Spicy Food Day, interesting dishes one might not have ever heard of come to the forefront. It’s a cultural experience.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
