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Questions and Answers
What type of alkaloid is caffeine considered?
What type of alkaloid is caffeine considered?
Which processing method is used for coffee?
Which processing method is used for coffee?
Which beverage is linked to a potential reduction in Parkinson's disease risk?
Which beverage is linked to a potential reduction in Parkinson's disease risk?
What is the primary beneficial substance in tea that is used for asthma treatment?
What is the primary beneficial substance in tea that is used for asthma treatment?
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What is the scientific name for chocolate?
What is the scientific name for chocolate?
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What was a historical consequence of tea's introduction to Europe?
What was a historical consequence of tea's introduction to Europe?
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What are the processing stages for chocolate?
What are the processing stages for chocolate?
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Which of the following is an ethical issue associated with chocolate?
Which of the following is an ethical issue associated with chocolate?
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What are the primary health effects associated with tobacco use?
What are the primary health effects associated with tobacco use?
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Which part of the plant does cinnamon come from?
Which part of the plant does cinnamon come from?
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Which spice is considered the most expensive based on its native region?
Which spice is considered the most expensive based on its native region?
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What is the primary use for fibers obtained from sisal plants?
What is the primary use for fibers obtained from sisal plants?
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Which spice is native to Mexico and Central/South America?
Which spice is native to Mexico and Central/South America?
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What is the scientific name for the cotton plant?
What is the scientific name for the cotton plant?
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Which family includes aromatic herbs known for potential cancer prevention?
Which family includes aromatic herbs known for potential cancer prevention?
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Which fiber is primarily known for being the strongest natural fiber?
Which fiber is primarily known for being the strongest natural fiber?
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Study Notes
Caffeine
- Caffeine is an active ingredient in many beverages, including coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks.
- It's a type of alkaloid with effects such as alertness, cognition, endurance, mood elevation, and pain relief.
- Caffeine can lead to physiological effects like CNS stimulation, increased heart rate, appetite suppression, and diuresis.
- It's linked to a lower risk of Parkinson's disease.
- Negative side effects include withdrawal, headaches, insomnia, irritability, and birth defects.
Coffee
- Scientific name: Coffea arabica
- Originated in Eastern Africa (Ethiopia).
- Cultivated in Yemen in the 13th century and spread to Europe in the 17th century.
- Played a key role in the Industrial Revolution.
- Processed by hull removal, fermentation, drying, and roasting.
- Shade-grown coffee is better for birds and the environment compared to sun-grown.
- Organic and Fair Trade certifications focus on fair prices and conditions for farmers.
- Decaffeination involves soaking coffee beans in a solvent (ethyl acetate). The extracted caffeine is sold for other uses.
- Coffee is linked to a lower risk of Parkinson's disease.
Tea
- Scientific name: Camellia sinensis
- Originated in Tibet, India, China, and Myanmar.
- Cultivated in China around 2700 BC and introduced to Europe in the late 1600s.
- The Boston Tea Party of 1773 was triggered by tea taxation.
- It's the most consumed stimulating beverage but has less international trade than coffee.
- Processed into black, green, oolong, and white varieties based on fermentation levels.
- Theophylline, found in tea, is used for asthma treatment.
- Tea may lower cancer rates, boost the immune response, and lower LDL cholesterol.
Chocolate
- Scientific name: Theobroma cacao
- Originated in South and Central America.
- Consumed by the Aztecs and introduced to Spain in the 1520s.
- Modern chocolate bars emerged in the 19th century.
- Used in food, beverages, and cosmetics.
- Cultivated on small trees and harvested by hand.
- Processing involves fermentation, drying, roasting, and grinding into chocolate liquor.
- Contains caffeine and theobromine, and has potential health benefits like lowering blood pressure, providing antioxidants, and potentially reducing dementia risk.
- Ethical issues in the chocolate industry are explored in "The Dark Side of Chocolate."
Kola and Soft Drinks
- Scientific name: Cola nitida
- Originated in West Africa.
- Coca-Cola, invented in 1886, originally contained cocaine.
Tobacco
- Scientific name: Nicotiana tabacum
- Originated in the Americas.
- Used by Native Americans and brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus.
- Became popular in England.
- Used for smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes) and chewing tobacco.
- Cultivated in a labor-intensive process that involves careful monitoring and curing.
- Processing involves cutting, blending, and flavoring.
- Nicotine addiction, cancers, heart disease, and harmful chemicals in smoke are associated with tobacco use.
- Tobacco use in developing countries, particularly Indonesia, poses economic, health, and social issues.
Spices
- Spices played a major role in exploration and trade, with Arab merchants controlling ancient spice trade.
- Plant parts used for spices include:
- Bark: Cinnamon
- Berries: Black/white pepper
- Flower Buds: Cloves
- Aril: Mace
- Seed: Nutmeg
- Rhizome: Ginger, Turmeric
- Stigmas: Saffron
- Fruits: Chili peppers, vanilla, allspice
- Spices are also used in medicine, perfumes, dyes, and food preservation.
- Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, has pain-relieving properties.
Old World Spices
- Cinnamon: Native to India and Sri Lanka.
- Black Pepper: Native to India.
- Cloves: Native to the Spice Islands.
- Nutmeg/Mace: Native to the Spice Islands.
- Ginger: Native to tropical Asia.
- Turmeric: Related to ginger.
- Saffron: Native to the eastern Mediterranean and the most expensive spice.
New World Spices
- Chili Peppers: From Mexico and Central/South America.
- Vanilla: Native to Mexico.
- Allspice: From a Caribbean tree.
Herbs
- Aromatic leaves and seeds.
- Mint family: Includes mint, basil, thyme.
- Parsley family: Includes parsley, dill, cilantro.
- Mustard family: Includes broccoli, cabbage, radish.
- Lily family: Includes onions, garlic.
Medicinal Uses of Herbs
- Mint family: May prevent certain cancers.
- Parsley family: Coriander may protect against cancer.
- Lily family: Garlic has antimicrobial properties.
Fibers
- Can be classified botanically, commercially, and nutritionally.
- Sources:
- Seed fibers: Cotton, coir
- Bast fibers: Flax, hemp, jute
- Leaf fibers: Sisal, Manila hemp
Cotton
- Scientific name: Gossypium hirsutum
- Originated in the Americas and domesticated thousands of years ago.
- Used for 50% of the world's textiles, making it economically important.
- Cultivated in warm climates, with major producers including China and India.
- Requires high pesticide consumption during cultivation.
- Processing involves harvesting, ginning, carding, and spinning.
- The boll weevil pest has had significant historical impact, including during the US Civil War.
Other Fibers
- Flax: Used for linen.
- Hemp: Used for ropes and canvas.
- Jute: Used for burlap and clothing.
- Sisal: Used for ropes.
- Ramie: The strongest natural fiber.
- Coir: From coconut, used for ropes.
- Kapok: Used for stuffing.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of caffeine, its effects on the body, and its connection to coffee. This quiz covers caffeine's historical significance, cultivation practices, and environmental impact. Delve into the benefits and drawbacks of caffeine consumption.
