_Why is cabbage rendered more wholesome by being boiled in two
waters?_

Because cabbages contain an oil, which is apt to produce bad
effects, and prevents some persons from eating "green" vegetables.
When boiled in two waters, the first boiling carries off the greater
part of this oil.

1789. Domestic Hints (Just-Scraped Horseradish).

_Why should horseradish be scraped for the table only just before it
is required?_

Because the peculiar oil of horseradish is very volatile; it quickly
evaporates, and leaves the vegetable substance dry and insipid.

1790. Domestic Hints (Mint with Pea Soup).

_Why is mint eaten with pea soup?_

The properties of mint are stomachic and antispasmodic. It is
therefore useful to prevent the flatulence that might arise,
especially from soups made of green or dried peas.

1791. Domestic Hints (Apple Sauce with Pork and Goose).

_Why is apple sauce eaten with pork and goose?_

Because it is slightly laxative, and therefore tends to counteract
the effects of rich and stimulating meats. The acid of the apples
also neutralizes the oily nature of the fat, and prevents
biliousness.

1792. Domestic Hints (Thunderstorms Souring Milk).

_Why does milk turn sour during thunderstorms?_

Because, in an electric condition of the atmosphere, ozone is
generated. Ozone is oxygen in a state of great intensity; and oxygen
is a general acidifier of many organic substances. Milk may be
prevented from becoming sour by boiling it, or bringing it nearly to
boiling point, for, as the old proverb says, "Milk boiled is milk
spoiled." Heating the milk expels the oxygen.

1793. Domestic Hints (Butter from Churning).

_Why does the churning of cream or milk produce butter?_

Because the action of stirring, together with a moderate degree of
warmth, causes the cells in which the butter is confined to burst;
the disengaged fat collects in flakes, and ultimately coheres in
large masses.

1794. Domestic Hints (Blue Mould on Cheese).

_What is the blue mould which appears sometimes upon cheese?_

It is a species of fungus, or minute vegetable, which may be
distinctly seen when examined by a magnifying glass.

1795. Domestic Hints (Tenderness in Birds).

_Why are some of the limbs of birds more tender than others?_

The tenderness or toughness of