COMPOUND OF THE WEEK

C₈H₁₀N₄O₂: Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, which are involved in promoting sleep and relaxation. By preventing adenosine from binding to its receptors, caffeine increases alertness and can provide a temporary boost in energy and mood.

ENTERTAINMENT

Billion dollar bottle service for celebrities

Celebrities are increasingly entering the high-end spirits market, launching premium liquor brands. Mark Wahlberg, Kendall Jenner, and Ryan Reynolds are among those whose brands are gaining popularity. The demand for luxury spirits is rising, with tequila sales particularly booming. Celebrities utilize their fame and resources to promote these brands, sometimes even participating in promotional tours. George Clooney's Casamigos Tequila, sold for $1 billion, sets a high standard in the industry. Other spirits like Dwayne Johnson's Teremana Tequila and Ryan Reynolds' Aviation Gin are also performing well. However, the competitive market has led to some brands struggling.

The high-end spirits market is seeing significant celebrity involvement. Ryan Reynolds sold Aviation Gin for up to $610 million. Jay-Z's payout for a majority stake in D’USSÉ to Bacardi is reportedly around $750 million. These figures underscore the lucrative potential of celebrity-backed liquor brands in a booming luxury spirits market. However, the competitive landscape also presents challenges, as not all celebrity ventures succeed.

FOODIE SOPTLIGHT

A Restaurants Journey

Food truck to Franchise: The article by Ariel D. Smith in Whetstone Magazine examines the evolution and significance of Black food truck entrepreneurship, tracing its historical roots and current expressions. It discusses the role of food trucks in providing opportunities for African Americans to earn a living and create a life on their own terms, from past street vendors like Pig Foot Mary to present-day entrepreneurs like Pinky Cole of Slutty Vegan.

Restaurant: After Horn Barbecue in Oakland was devastated by a fire, pitmaster Matt Horn and his team, demonstrating resilience, continued their tradition of giving away Thanksgiving turkeys to the community. Despite the setback, they remain dedicated to Oakland and its people. A Go Fund Me was organized by Horn's wife, Nina, to renovate the space and support staff. The barbecue community, including chefs Nyesha Arrington and Kwame Onwuachi, have shown solidarity. Prior to the fire, the restaurant experienced vandalism. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Barbecue establishments often face fire risks due to the nature of their cooking processes.

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RECIPES

Smothered oxtails like Mama

Smothered Oxtails: The article on I Heart Recipes shares a Southern slow cooker smothered oxtails recipe. The oxtails are cooked until tender in a homemade onion and garlic gravy. The recipe keeps the seasonings simple and uses a slow cooker for convenience.

Old Fashioned Whiskey Cake: The Whiskey Cake recipe is a rich and flavorful dessert that combines the warmth of whiskey with the sweetness of cake. It involves creating a tender and moist cake infused with whiskey, which is then topped with a unique whiskey sugar glaze for an extra kick of flavor. This cake is perfect for those who appreciate the deep, complex flavors of whiskey in a sweet treat. The recipe provides detailed instructions on ingredients and steps, making it accessible for bakers of various skill levels to recreate this indulgent dessert.

Tabasco: Tabasco sauce, originating from Avery Island, Louisiana, over 150 years ago, is a testament to tradition and quality in the food industry. Created by Edmund McIlhenny, the recipe and process have remained largely unchanged, passed down through generations of the McIlhenny family. Despite modern challenges, Tabasco maintains its distinct flavor through traditional methods like handpicking peppers and a unique three-year barrel aging process. This dedication to craftsmanship and consistency has made Tabasco not just a condiment, but a cultural icon, symbolizing the enduring value of heritage and commitment to quality in an ever-evolving culinary landscape.

FOOD DOLLAR

Key Performance Indicator

Stat: In the first half of 2023, there was a notable uptick in M&A transactions compared to the end of 2022, but there was a significant drop in the aggregate closed deal value. The total amount was approximately $3.1 billion, marking the lowest for a semi-annual period in the last five years. Middle market M&A activity increased by 8% from the second half of 2022, with 13 closed transactions. However, the deal values decreased by 32% to $640 million​

Farmers: The article from Capital B News discusses the challenges Black farmers face in adapting to climate change, especially with limited support from federal resources. It highlights the struggles of farmers like Anthony “AJ” McKenzie, who had to cease farming due to severe weather impacting his crops. Black farmers often find it difficult to access crucial USDA resources and equipment needed to combat the effects of climate change. Despite historical discrimination from the USDA, there are efforts to improve relations and increase program participation. The article also covers individual stories of Black farmers adapting their practices and seeking alternative livelihoods due to these challenges.

Journal: The article discusses the potential of functional foods in targeting gut health, focusing on how diet influences digestive physiology and metabolic processes. Key areas impacted by diet include satiety, macronutrient breakdown and absorption, sterol metabolism, colonic microflora, and the gut immune system. The intestinal microflora is a primary focus for functional foods, with probiotics (beneficial live bacteria) and prebiotics (non-digestible oligosaccharides promoting beneficial bacteria growth) being highlighted. Benefits of these include alleviating lactose maldigestion, resisting pathogenic bacteria, stimulating the immune system, and potential cancer protection. However, more research is needed to fully understand and develop these functional foods.

FOOD SAFETY

Outbreaks and Recalls

Active Outbreaks:

• Listeria Outbreak Linked to Cheese, Yogurt, and Sour Cream made by Rizo-López Foods (1/6/24)

  • Illnesses 26, Hospitalizations 23, Deaths 2, States 11

• Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Charcuterie Meats (start 1/5/24)

  • Illnesses 47 (23 new), Hospitalizations 10 (5 new), Deaths 0, States 22 (8 new)

• Lead and Chromium Poisoning Outbreak Linked to Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (start 10/17/23)

  1. Total Cases 413, States 43

Recently Closed Outbreak:

• Listeria Outbreak Linked to Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums (11/20/23-1/30/24)

  • Illnesses 11, Hospitalizations 10, Deaths 1, States 7

• Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupes (11/17/23-1/19/24)

  • Illnesses 407, Hospitalizations 158, Deaths 6, 44 states

Recall Link:

• 2024 Recall Count 46 (14 new)

Clean Grill: To properly deep clean a grill, whether gas or charcoal, follow these steps: Start by cleaning the inside of the lid using a scraper and wire brush, then a dish soap or vinegar solution. Next, clean the cooking grate using the same tools and methods. For charcoal grills, remove ashes and clean the bowl and grate with the solution. In gas grills, turn off the gas supply, clean burner hoods, tubes, and firebox, then wipe them down. After reassembling, wipe the exterior with the cleaning solution. Regular maintenance involves brushing cooled grates after each use and checking ash or grease pans. Cover the grill to protect it from elements.

AGRICULTURE, SCIENCE, AND TECH

Brittany, The Black Food Scientist: Color Changing Cocktail Chemistry

Brittany, known as "the black food scientist," focuses on creating a unique and visually stunning cocktail, a riff on the classic gin fizz. Here are the key points:

1. Introduction: Brittany introduces the concept of cocktail chemistry, specifically a color-changing gin fizz, excluding the traditional egg white.

2. Empress Gin: She uses Empress Gin, which is notable for its vivid blue-violet color. This color comes from the butterfly pea flower, known for its ability to change color based on pH levels.

3. Anthocyanins Explained: Brittany explains anthocyanins, pigments responsible for various red, pink, blue, and violet hues in foods like berries and some carrots. Their unique property is changing colors in response to different pH levels.

4. Cocktail Ingredients: Besides the Empress Gin, the ingredients include homemade thyme-flavored simple syrup (made from equal parts sugar and water), lemon juice, and sparkling water.

5. Making the Cocktail: Brittany mixes two ounces of gin with three-quarters of an ounce of thyme simple syrup and the juice of half a lemon in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. She emphasizes the importance of vigorous shaking.

6. Color Change Demonstration: Upon pouring the mixture into a glass, she highlights the color shift from deep violet-blue to a lighter pink-purple. This change is due to the lemon juice lowering the pH and affecting the anthocyanin in the butterfly pea flower.

7. Finishing Touches: She tops the drink with seltzer water, resulting in a delicious and visually appealing gin fizz.

8. Conclusion: Brittany wraps up by encouraging viewers to impress themselves or their friends with this fun and scientific cocktail creation. She ends with her signature sign-off, promoting both happy eating and drinking.

Overall, the video is a blend of science and mixology, showcasing how chemistry can be applied to create enjoyable and intriguing beverages.

NEWS

What else is cooking?

• Meati Foods gains two athlete investors

• How The Franchise Player provides opportunities for a new generation of diverse franchisees

• So You Want to Start a CPG Company

• Whole Foods forecasts top 10 food trends for 2024

FINDS

🎙️Podcast: Bad Table Manners pushes the boundaries of food storytelling in South Asia. Despite a universal love of delicious food, South Asian communities’ narratives and food practices maintain social hierarchies, caste inequalities, and racial and gender discrimination.

📚Book: The Professional Chef is the quintessential kitchen reference that many of America's top chefs have used to hone their skills and quality standards, and develop a sense of the fundamentals of cooking.

📓Journal: Essential oils, aromatic liquids from various plant parts, are primarily extracted via methods like steam distillation. Widely differing in odor and flavor based on their constituents, they are extensively used in food for their flavoring properties.

📰Article: The article from Ebony highlights several Black-owned whiskey brands worth supporting during Black Business Month and beyond. It features brands like Uncle Nearest, founded by Fawn Weaver, known as the best-selling Black American-founded spirit brand in U.S. history, and Eric LeGrand Bourbon, founded by Eric LeGrand.

💻Webinar: Demand for functional beverages is accelerating. Consumers are looking for added health and well-being benefits from digestion to sleep-aid to cognitive acuity. What’s behind this growing territory and driving demand?