The Difference Between Craft Beer and Mass-Produced Beer

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2021-01-26

different types of craft beer vs commercial beer — Taken by Sal Gh via unsplash.com. [Public Domain].

German wheat beer at Oktoberfest; a bottle of a light Mexican cerveza to go with your chilaquiles verdes; a British ale with bangers and mash.

Wherever you are in the world, nothing finishes a meal quite like a glass of beer.

But anyone who drinks beer will tell you that not all beers are created equal. For instance, the difference between craft beer and mass-produced beer has long been the subject of debate.

Are there any real differences? Or is it simply a matter of beer snobbery?

Production Scale

Mass-produced beer refers to beers produced on a mass scale. These are the industrial breweries cranking out millions of barrels a year, such as Budweiser, Heineken, and Coors. Craft beers are typically crafted on a smaller scale in smaller batches. But a brewery can be relatively small and not produce beer that’s considered craft beer. That’s because the biggest differences between craft and mass-produced beer lie not in their production but in their ingredients.

Ingredients

All beers have certain foundational ingredients, namely water, hops, yeast, and grain. But craft breweries tend to put a greater emphasis on the quality of the ingredients. They spend more time choosing the right grain and selecting and comparing hops. Along with this, craft breweries put a greater emphasis on creating a more complex flavor experience. Because of that, craft beer is more likely to include other interesting ingredients such as fruit, spices, or even chocolate.

Color

Beyond taste, both types of beer tend to have a district look to them. Industrial beers are often a pale yellow, and they hold their head for less time than craft beers. On the other hand, craft beers have a darker look, more of a brown than a yellow.

Alcohol Content

Because craft beer flavors tend to be stronger and more complex, makers can add a higher alcohol content than industrial beer brewers can. However, contrary to popular belief, this difference isn’t much. Craft beers tend to have an alcohol content about 1% higher than regular commercial beers. The strength of the beer comes less from the alcohol content and more from its flavor combinations.

Food Combinations for Craft and Commercial Beer

Now that we understand the difference between commercial and craft beer, the only thing left to do is apply this information in a practical way—that is, how to pick the best one to pair with your bangers and mash or chilaquiles verdes.

Commercial Beers

Commercial beers such as American lagers tend to have a less powerful taste. This makes them good options to pair with lighter food without overpowering them. Commercial beer’s light, refreshing nature makes it an ideal choice for washing down spicy dishes as well. Some good food choices include fajitas, buffalo wings, pasta, shellfish, salmon, and salad.

Craft Beers

If you’re drinking a craft beer, you’ll want to be sure to pick a food that the complex flavors of the beer won’t overpower. This includes heavier or richer foods such as desserts or roasted or smoked meats. Some examples include BBQ meat, oysters, mole poblano, steaks, cheeses, and chocolate. The differences between these beers don’t mean one is better than the other. In fact, that’s what makes the experience more exciting. Whether you’re drinking a cold refreshing Miller or a handcrafted artisanal brew, we hope every glass hits the spot.

What Are the Differences Between Regular and Greek Yogurt?

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Becca Polk

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2021-01-18

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Chobani Greek yogurt vs regular yogurt — Taken by Jainath Ponnala via unsplash.com. [Public Domain].

The origins of yogurt go back more than 4,000 years, and while Greek yogurt may seem like a new trend, it has been around for centuries. Originating in the Middle East, Greek yogurt, also known as strained yogurt, is not as Greek as you might have thought. The term is accepted because Greek yogurt was introduced to America by a Greek company.

Cultures worldwide have enjoyed different yogurt types, whether made from the milk of sheep, cows, or yaks. You may have eaten yogurt all your life, but there may be some differences between regular and Greek yogurt you never knew.

How Yogurt Is Made

Like beer, wine, and other fermented products, yogurt was discovered by accident when milk was left out long enough for bacteria to begin growing. During fermentation, lactose converts to lactic acid, which causes the milk to thicken and sour. Straining the whey is also part of the process, but how much straining depends on the type of yogurt. Yogurt makers use a multiple strain process to get rid of the whey, making Greek yogurt more concentrated. Good bacteria or “cultures” are added as well as sugar and other ingredients for flavor.

Differences in Nutrient Density

One of the significant differences between regular and Greek yogurt is that each contains different amounts of nutrients. Since Greek yogurt is so concentrated, it has fewer carbohydrates and more protein, while regular yogurt is hardly strained and still retains much of the original carbohydrate content of milk. Per serving, regular yogurt also has around the same or more calcium than milk, while Greek yogurt has about half the amount.

Plain Yogurt Tastes Better

If health and nutrients are a priority for you, you will want to know about the differences in taste between regular and Greek yogurt. The flavored varieties usually come with added sugar, while plain yogurts can be spruced up with toppings or used as ingredients for your favorite recipes. Greek yogurt is concentrated and is sourer than regular yogurt. Additionally, the high-fat content makes it an unparalleled kitchen staple that is wonderful in dips, desserts, made into ice cream, or swapped out for sour cream.

The Texture of Yogurt

A large part of Greek yogurt’s success is its popular texture. The multiple strain process creates a thick and dense product that many people enjoy. It has a creamy, whipped consistency, while regular yogurt is looser due to the liquid whey still present. This difference is another reason why Greek yogurt is more versatile than regular yogurt and a smart substitute for some ingredients.

Choosing the best yogurt comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for health differences between regular and Greek yogurt, you will find that each offers several benefits. Both taste good and are full of healthy nutrients. Whether you want to stick to your original yogurt or try switching it up, you will enjoy a high-protein, calcium-rich snack.

Three of the Most Popular Diets for Weight Loss & Health

By

Becca Polk

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2020-12-29

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popular diets for weight loss diet — Taken by Louis Hansel via unsplash.com. [Public Domain].

As anyone trying to lose weight knows, you can’t just get plenty of exercise. You must also plan a proper diet so that you don’t hinder your progress. However, as you first begin your weight loss journey, it can be difficult to know how to adjust your diet. To help you consider your options, here are the most popular diets for weight loss.

The Paleo Diet

The idea behind the paleo diet involves eating food like our hunter-gatherer ancestors. However, that doesn’t mean you have to act like a caveman. This diet includes foods like:

Whole foods
Lean protein
Vegetables and fruits
Nuts and seeds

You’ll want to avoid processed foods like sugar, dairy, and grain. This diet will mean fewer carbs. You’ll cut out about 300 to 900 calories, and you’ll have plenty of protein. Unfortunately, eliminating dairy and whole grains means you miss out on their nutritional value as well.

The Atkins Diet

The most well-known low carb weight loss diet, proponents of the Atkins diet believe you can eat as much fat and protein as you like, as long as you avoid carbs. This diet involves four phases:

Induction
Balance
Pre-maintenance
Lifetime maintenance

These four phases guide you toward cutting out carbohydrates almost entirely, and then slowly reintroducing healthy carbs as you approach your goal weight.

Weight Watchers Diet

Weight Watchers adopts a method involving points. Every food is given a point value based on its nutritional value, and you can eat whatever you want so long as you stay within a certain number of points, depending on your weight loss goal. This method, however, requires a lot of self-discipline. It’s easy to focus purely on the points rather than nutritional value, resulting in no progress if you stay within your point limit but only eat unhealthy foods.

How To Pick

In order to best decide what diet works for you, consider your circumstances. There is not truly a “best” diet that works better than all others. The most popular diets for weight loss are simply ones that a majority of people have found useful. Just make it’s what’s best for you.

Warm and Tasty: The Best Honey and Tea Combinations

By

Becca Polk

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2020-12-28

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honey and tea combinations — Taken by Damir Spanic via unsplash.com. [Public Domain].

Who doesn’t love a warm cup of tea on a cold winter day? When cold weather comes along, many households keep the kettle close at hand for whenever they need to fill a festive mug. Of course, everyone prepares their tea a little differently. Maybe you like to add milk, or maybe you’ve developed the perfect way to steep every variety you have in your cupboard.

A spoonful of honey also makes a wonderful and sweet addition to your cup, but you should consider your flavors carefully. After all, not all honey is created equally. Several factors create different flavors of honey, including the flowers from which bees forage and the processes that beekeepers put their product through. When you choose your flavor combinations carefully, you can pick a variety of honey that highlights the flavors of your tea beautifully.

Finding your new favorite drink might take some experimentation, but you can start by trying these best honey and tea combinations for a warm and delicious mug of tea.

Honey for Black Teas

People love black teas for their strong, dark flavors. If you want your honey to stand out in this brew, you’ll need a bold flavor to match. Some black teas, such as Earl Grey, have natural citrus tones that you can highlight with an orange blossom honey. Orange blossom honey works well to brighten and elevate the stronger flavors of black teas.

However, sometimes you want a strong cup of tea. If that’s the case, try a richer, more robust flavor of honey. Buckwheat, sourwood, thyme, or sage honey all add a bold complement to a cup of black tea.

Honey for Green Teas

Green tea is a milder tea that often has earthy or even grassy undertones. That means the natural honey combination for your favorite green tea would be anything with a floral taste. Wildflower honey is always a good option. If you want something more specific, you can use a lavender, clover, or alfalfa honey. You can also experiment with unique flavors, such as blueberry honey, to add a charming touch of something new to your cup. Just make sure you stick to milder flavors that won’t overpower the taste of the tea itself.

Honey for White Teas

Speaking of milder flavors, that’s what you want to stick to when it comes to white teas. People enjoy white teas for their more delicate taste. As such, you need a lighter flavor of honey that won’t drown out the taste of the tea. Acacia honey, with its sweet and classic flavor, is a dependable choice. Alternatively, you can branch out with the complex but mild flavors of fireweed honey. As with green teas, you can also complement your tea with a light floral honey such as clover, alfalfa, or wildflower honey.

Make Your Own Creative Combinations

Of course, the best honey and tea combinations don’t stop there. A variety of different honey flavors can highlight or add to the taste of tea. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and to get creative with your drinks. You can follow a few general rules of thumb, such as matching milder honeys with milder teas, to make sure you end up with a balanced cup. Alternatively, you can throw all the rules out the window and discover a unique blend that perfectly suits your taste buds. As long as you end up with a steaming mug between your hands, you can call it a success.

Top Techniques for Cooking Meat Perfectly Each and Every Time

By

Becca Polk

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2020-11-19

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perfectly cooked steak techniques for cooking meat perfectly — Taken by José Ignacio Pompé via unsplash.com. [Public Domain].

There’s nothing like the savory taste of meat cooked just right—not too rare, not too overdone, not too cold. Meat requires the right timing, cut, technique, and temperature to be its absolute best.

Unlike our ancestors, who simply cooked over an open fire, there’s no one way we must cook meat in modern times. The options are plentiful, and recipes are limitless. Thus, you should know the top ways to cook any type of meat—beef, pork, or chicken. You can cook meat in dry heat or moist heat using methods best suited for its composition.

Choose a technique that reduces moisture loss while also enhancing flavor and tenderness. Start by choosing the right cut, the right meat for the task, and the primary cooking method to create a meal sure to be a hit.

Need some ideas?

Here are the top techniques for cooking meat perfectly:

Bake it, Braise it, Roast it

You can bake, braise, or roast meat in the oven using dry heat. It’s not always the most popular option, but the oven is simple and effective for everyday cooking. Cover your meat as you bake it—chicken is the popular choice for easy dinners. To braise meat, brown the meat first and then cover it in liquid on low heat in the oven. Pork and briskets are well-known candidates for braising.

Roasting is a method many people use for large cuts of meat. It uses a higher temperature and dry heat to cook the meat evenly on all sides. Beef or whole birds roasted in the oven are traditional holiday affairs. Remember that you’ll need to watch your temperatures and cooking times any time you use an oven.

Throw It (Tenderly) on the Grill

Everybody loves to grill—but not everyone has the patience and skill to execute it. It requires care and consideration. Grilled meat is quick to burn, even if you walk away for a quick second. Get to know your grill the same way you get to know your oven—not with deep intimacy but, at least, with some familiarity. You’ll become attuned and well-versed in how to work the grill to your benefit.

Grilling is definitely one of the top techniques for cooking meat perfectly.Handle your meat with care, and it will reward you with incredible flavor. Don’t stab your meat when flipping it over on a grill—whether it’s sausage, hot dogs, burgers, sirloin, or chicken. Limit the flipping, be gentle with the tongs, and let your meat rest a few minutes before serving.

Sauté or Stir-fry it

The stovetop offers a quicker cooking method—consider pan-sauteing or pan-frying in higher heat. Sauteing and frying are perfect for creating crisp, flavorful meat, such as chicken or beef sirloins and tenderloins, using cooking oils and marinades. Cut up meat if for sauteing, or you can fry whole-pieced chicken breast, pork chops, or thinner steaks. If you’re looking to cook thicker steaks, try pan-searing instead.

Give the Multi-cooker a Chance

The combined slow-cooker and pressure-cooker craze has been ongoing for over a decade now. Cooking delicious foods in a shorter timeframe is the primary reason for their increasing popularity.

You can prepare any meat perfectly in a multi-cooker. You can even instant-pot Wagyu beef, the famous gourmet Japanese-originated beef. Utilize a multi-cooker to the benefit of the meat you need for a recipe. Consider changing up your cooking techniques to impress everyone sitting at your dinner table tonight.

Everywhere Fare: Authentic Recipes from Countries Around the World

The Difference Between Craft Beer and Mass-Produced Beer

Production Scale

Ingredients

Color

Alcohol Content

Food Combinations for Craft and Commercial Beer

Commercial Beers

Craft Beers

What Are the Differences Between Regular and Greek Yogurt?

How Yogurt Is Made

Differences in Nutrient Density

Plain Yogurt Tastes Better

The Texture of Yogurt

Three of the Most Popular Diets for Weight Loss & Health

The Paleo Diet

The Atkins Diet

Weight Watchers Diet

How To Pick

Warm and Tasty: The Best Honey and Tea Combinations

Honey for Black Teas

Honey for Green Teas

Honey for White Teas

Make Your Own Creative Combinations

Top Techniques for Cooking Meat Perfectly Each and Every Time

Bake it, Braise it, Roast it

Throw It (Tenderly) on the Grill

Sauté or Stir-fry it

Give the Multi-cooker a Chance