Question 1

What is the chemistry of cooking?

Accepted Answer

The chemistry of cooking is about understanding what happens to food when we cook it. It's like a science experiment with heat making the ingredients change in taste, color, and texture.

Question 2

Why does bread rise when we bake it?

Accepted Answer

Bread rises because of something called yeast. Yeast is a tiny living thing that makes bubbles when it eats sugar, and those bubbles make the bread puffy and light.

Question 3

Why do onions make you cry?

Accepted Answer

Onions make you cry because, when you cut them, they release a gas. This gas mixes with water in your eyes and causes a stinging effect, like tiny tears.

Question 4

Why do apples turn brown after being cut?

Accepted Answer

Apples turn brown because a chemical reaction starts when their inside is exposed to air. This reaction makes the surface of the apple change color.

Question 5

What happens when we cook an egg?

Accepted Answer

When we cook an egg, the heat changes the liquid parts inside to solid. This is because the proteins in the egg change shape and stick together.

Question 6

Why does popcorn pop?

Accepted Answer

Popcorn pops because there's a little water inside the kernel. When heated, this water turns to steam, and the pressure builds up until the kernel bursts open.

Question 7

Why does chocolate melt in your hand?

Accepted Answer

Chocolate melts in your hand because it's made up of fats that get soft and gooey at warm temperatures. Your hand is warm enough to make it melt.

Question 8

Why does ice cream melt outside the freezer?

Accepted Answer

Ice cream melts outside the freezer because it's warmer outside, and the heat makes the ice turn into liquid. That's why it turns soft and runny.

Question 9

How does baking soda work in recipes?

Accepted Answer

Baking soda is like magic powder that makes things rise. It releases gases when mixed with wet ingredients, making cakes and cookies fluffy.

Question 10

Why do we add salt to pasta water?

Accepted Answer

We add salt to pasta water to make the pasta taste better. Salt also helps the water to boil at a slightly higher temperature.

Question 11

What makes spicy food feel hot?

Accepted Answer

Spicy food feels hot because it contains special compounds that trick your mouth into feeling heat. It's not really burning, but your mouth thinks it is.

Question 12

Why do cookies smell so good when they bake?

Accepted Answer

Cookies smell good because, as they bake, they release yummy-smelling compounds. These compounds float into the air, making your nose happy.

Question 13

Why does butter turn solid in the fridge?

Accepted Answer

Butter turns solid in the fridge because it's colder there, and the fats get firm. That's why we usually keep butter cool to keep it from getting too soft.

Question 14

Why do we use lemons in some recipes?

Accepted Answer

Lemons have a sour juice that can add a fresh taste to dishes. They also help balance flavors, making sweet things taste even sweeter.

Question 15

Why does boiling water make pasta soft?

Accepted Answer

Boiling water makes pasta soft because the heat breaks down the hard parts of the pasta. This makes it easier to chew and eat.

Question 16

Why do fruits get sweeter as they ripen?

Accepted Answer

Fruits get sweeter as they ripen because they produce more sugars. This is their way of getting ready to spread seeds when animals eat them.

Question 17

How does baking powder help cakes rise?

Accepted Answer

Baking powder helps cakes rise by making bubbles when wet. These bubbles make the batter expand, so the cake gets big and fluffy.

Question 18

Why is vinegar used in cooking?

Accepted Answer

Vinegar is used in cooking to add a tangy taste. It's also good for keeping some foods fresh and balancing flavors in a dish.

Question 19

Why do some foods change color when cooked?

Accepted Answer

Some foods change color when cooked because heat changes their chemicals. These changes can make them look more appetizing and different.

Question 20

What happens to cheese when it melts?

Accepted Answer

When cheese melts, the heat makes it soft and stretchy. The proteins and fats change so they turn gooey and yummy.

The Chemistry of Cooking: Understanding Reactions in the Kitchen - 20 FAQs Explained Simply