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Pepper is a common household spice. It comes in a number of varieties and can be ground or come as whole pepper corns. It grows on a flowering vine and when mature is approximately 0.2 inches (5mm) long and red in color. Pepper is native to India and is mainly cultivated in tropical regions. It has a spicy flavor and is found alongside table salt on many tables around the world. Pepper is often added to dishes to enhance the flavor and give the dish more spice. Have you ever wondered why pepper makes people sneeze? This article has the answer.

The tomato is a typically red fruit that originated in South America and are part of the nightshade family. Tomatoes are grown in many parts of the world and were introduced into these areas during the Spanish colonization of the Americas. There are many varieties of tomatoes and the colors vary depending on the type. Tomatoes are a main part of many dishes and can be eaten both raw and cooked. Whilst biologically tomatoes are in fact fruit, much debate has occurred on the subject and it is now also commonly accepted to classify a tomato as a vegetable for all practical purposes.

Cookies are a delicious baked treat that are popular all over the world. Interestingly, the name cookie is only used in the United States and Canada, in most of the other English speaking countries cookies are called biscuits. The name cookie came from the Dutch word for “little cake.” Cookies are made from a mixture that contains mostly flour, eggs and sugar. However, they also contain other ingredients to help them rise and add to the flavour. If you have ever wondered what makes cookies rise, continue reading.

Canola oil is one of the most popular cooking oils on the planet. This versatile oil can be used in many cooking situations; from deep frying to baking a cake. However, it is also used in many non-food applications and is used in products such as; cosmetics, candles, inks, lubricants and biofuels. Canola oil is a popular choice in cooking because it is low in saturated fat and contains beneficial omega 3 fatty acids. It also contains a toxic substance known as erucic acid, but the levels in canola oil are well below the safety threshold. You might be wondering how this versatile cooking oil is made? Read on to find out.