It’s game time!

Do you speak “food Latin”? Let’s see if you guess these kitchen classics!


Published on November 22, 2025


Image: Hobi industri

Think you know your fruits and veggies better than the back of your hand? Let’s put that to the test. Scientists love fancy names, but behind all that Latin, you’ll find foods you probably have in your kitchen right now. Here’s a little guessing game: We’ll give you some clues about the origins, uses, or traditions tied to a food. Then we’ll reveal the answer. Let’s see how many you can get right!

1

Scientific name #1: Allium sativum

Image: Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra

This little bulb has been keeping kitchens fragrant for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians swore by it for strength, while Italians turned it into a must-have for sauces. Love it or hate it, its smell lingers long after dinner. Any guesses in the room?

2

Scientific name #2: Malus domestica

Image: Markus Winkler

This fruit has been part of human history since biblical times. It’s been baked into more pies than anyone can count. Just one bite every day, and you won’t be making any more doctor’s appointments. A crisp bite in autumn just can’t be beaten.

3

Scientific name #3: Citrus paradisi

Image: airci K

This tart beauty first appeared in the Caribbean, but today it’s a breakfast table regular. Its zingy flavor divides people: some swear by it with a sprinkle of sugar, others can’t stand the bitterness. What do you think this is?

4

Scientific name #4: Cucumis sativus

Image: Ashley Winkler

Cool, crunchy, and packed with water, this veggie is a summer favorite. It sneaks into sandwiches, salads, and pickling jars across the globe. Ancient civilizations grew it thousands of years ago, and it hasn’t lost its charm. Wanna find the answer? Keep scrolling!

5

Scientific name #5: Fragaria ananassa/vesca

Image: Daniel von Appen

Sweet, red, and heart-shaped, this fruit screams summertime. Wimbledon even made it a tradition, serving it with cream for over a century. You’ll see it on shortcakes, jams, and plenty of cereal boxes, too. You know it by now, don’t you?

6

Scientific name #6: Cucurbita pepo

Image: Henrique Sosa

Farm stands overflow with this one in the fall. You’ll see kids carving it, bakers turning it into pies, and health nuts roasting its seeds. Native to the Americas, it’s been part of diets for thousands of years.

Below, you’ll find all the answers. Let’s see how many you got right!

7

Food #1: Garlic

Image: team voyas

Did you guess this one? Allium sativum is garlic. Packed with flavor and believed to boost heart health, garlic is grown worldwide, but China leads the harvest. Whether roasted, minced, or sliced, it’s the soul of countless dishes. Are you team garlic or not?

8

Food #2: Apple

Image: sydney Rae

Malus domestica is none other than the apple. Did the "doctor’s appointment" reference give it away too soon? The United States, especially Washington State, is a top grower. From cider to applesauce, it’s hard to imagine an American table without it, right?

9

Food #3: Grapefruit

Image: freestocks

Citrus paradisi is grapefruit! Florida is famous for its juicy varieties, loved for their vitamin C punch. Grapefruit even got its name because the fruits grow in clusters that look a lot like grapes. Now the debate stands: Sugar or no sugar?

10

Food #4: Cucumber

Image: Eric Prouzet

Cucumis sativus is a cucumber. India is its original home, though now you’ll find it growing just about everywhere. Whether sliced fresh or turned into pickles, it’s the definition of refreshing. And it also

11

Food #5: Strawberry

Image: Natasha Skov

Red, heart-shaped… This one is the strawberry, of course! The United States, especially California, grows tons of them every year. Fun fact: strawberries aren’t true berries botanically, but don’t let science spoil dessert.

12

Food #6: Pumpkin

Image: Maddy Baker

That’s Cucurbita pepo, the pumpkin. From lattes in October to jack-o’-lanterns on Halloween, it’s an American seasonal icon. And yes, the seeds, called pepitas, are as nutritious as they are tasty.


TIMELESS TREASURES

Let's Remember These 10 Popular Toys From Our Childhood!


Published on November 22, 2025


Image: Michael Fousert

We all have some nice memories from our younger years. While you may forget things like doctor's appointments or last night's dinner, we're sure you still remember those beloved toys that made your days great when you were just a little kid. Today, we're taking a little trip to the past, remembering 10 iconic toys that won the hearts of past generations. We bet one of these treasures was once in your hands!

1

LEGO

Image: Mourizal Zativa

What was your preferred creation when building with toy blocks? Did you enjoy making towers, castles, robots, or cars?

The potential to manifest whatever your imagination comes up with and transform it into reality thanks to blocks was sent to worldwide fame by the Danish toy company LEGO.

Since the 1930s, LEGO has enriched the lives of many children, evolving from traditional wooden blocks to the plastic bricks known today. In fact, the company's name originates from the Danish expression leg godt, meaning "play well."

2

Care Bears

Image: Alicia Christin Gerald

Most of us were lucky enough to hug a teddy bear during childhood. But among the different types of soft stuffed bears, there is undoubtedly a highlight: the famous Care Bears. With their catchy name and nice colors, these stuffed animals arrived in the 1980s to transform the world of plush toys.

Originally conceived as illustrations for greeting cards, these adorable bears quickly won the public's hearts, evolving into toys and later becoming the stars of numerous TV shows and movies. You're remembering your favorite teddy bear right now, aren't you?

3

Game Boy

Image: Nik

In 1989, Nintendo launched the Game Boy, one of the most recognized handheld game consoles by those who lived their childhood or adolescence in those years.

Aimed at a diverse audience, the Game Boy provided the freedom to transport your favorite games wherever you went! You probably know a Tetris fan who loved this iconic console, or maybe you are one of them yourself!

4

Hot Wheels

Image: Alex Zabavsky

Playing with miniature toy cars has an undeniable appeal for children and, let's admit it, adults too. Made from different materials and designs that were once far simpler than those of today, these tiny vehicles have been a staple for centuries.

However, the world of miniature cars changed dramatically with the arrival of Hot Wheels in the late 1960s. So much so, that many renowned car brands have forged partnerships with Hot Wheels to produce scaled-down models of their real-life cars.

5

Play-Doh

Image: Julietta Watson

One of the most successful toys of all time, Play-Doh started to enchant children in the 1950s, and more than 70 years later, its popularity is still high.

But there's something you may not know: Play-Doh wasn't originally created for playing. It was actually invented as a wallpaper cleaner!

Yes, you heard that right. So, the next time you're facing household chores, picture yourself playing with Play-Doh, and suddenly, cleaning becomes a great adventure.

6

Atari console

Image: Boris Langvand

Introduced in the late 1970s, the Atari console was one of the earliest home video game systems to reach widespread success. Bringing the world of video games to the comfort of our living rooms, the Atari remains a fond memory for those who love virtual adventures.

This pioneering device introduced several legendary games, including "Space Invaders," "Pong," and the classic "Pac-Man." Did you have the pleasure of experiencing its magic?

7

Rubik's Cube

Image: Olav Ahrens Røtne

Among the many trends that emerged in the 1980s, one stood out: the Rubik's Cube. Since then, this cube-shaped puzzle has challenged the intellect and skills of young and old alike.

The small cube serves as a great tool for exercising the mind. Its popularity was so strong that, over the years, it has given rise to a multitude of tournaments and competitions dedicated to its solution.

The Rubik's cube is today an icon of pop culture and has even evolved into a decorative object in the home of many young adults.

8

G.I. Joe

Image: Stijn Swinnen

Despite technology's presence in our lives, the appeal of action figures and dolls among children remains unbeatable. And a great example of this is the G.I. Joe.

Presented in the 1960s, this iconic action figure was the favorite toy of many generations.

G.I. Joe can be seen as a modern version of the classic toy soldier. With its larger size and mobility, this figure offers children a more dynamic and detailed experience, leading to more and better adventures for the little ones who imagine fighting like him.

9

Barbie

Image: Elena Mishlanova

When discussing dolls, it's impossible to overlook the icon of toys: Barbie. Created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, and introduced in the late 1950s, Barbie revolutionized the toy world.

Despite the numerous controversies surrounding her figure, Barbie has always been among children's favorites.

Over the years, Barbie has evolved to reflect changing trends and fashions, having different roles, professions, and friends. To this day, Barbie remains a preferred choice not only for children but also for some adults who collect the many versions of the doll.

10

Twister

Image: Nick Fewings

As straightforward as a carpet adorned with colorful circles, Twister, introduced in the 1960s, became a sensation in the last century. Children and adults delighted with the joy of contorting themselves into peculiar positions and struggling to maintain balance.

If you don't have plans this weekend, we encourage you to gather a few friends and revisit this fun game. Though, unlike in childhood, joints may complain a bit the morning after!

Looking for an extra scoop of literary fun?

Learn more with our Word of the day

embroil

/ɛmˈbrɔɪl/