Cheddar is a place

Did you know that these 12 everyday foods are named after places?

Image: Fabrice Thys

From crispy French fries to juicy hamburgers, plenty of everyday eats carry the name of a city, country, or region. Sometimes the connection is real, and other times it’s nothing but a twist of history. Here are 12 tasty examples of foods whose names are rooted in places.

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This is a well-known fact by most, but it is worth repeating: despite the name, French fries likely originated in Belgium, where fried potatoes have been popular since the 1600s.

American soldiers in World War I tasted them there and called them "French" because French was the local language.

Image: amirali mirhashemian

The hamburger’s name comes from Hamburg, Germany, where minced beef patties were popular in the 19th century. German immigrants brought the idea to America, where it was served on bread.

Adding a bun turned it into the burger we know today. Now it’s a global icon, endlessly customizable with toppings, sauces, and even plant-based patties.

Image: Erik Mclean

Bologna, the Italian city, gave its name to this popular deli meat. Early versions were seasoned with peppercorns and fat cubes.

In the U.S., "baloney" became a smoother, milder version. It’s a lunchbox classic, often served in sandwiches, and a nostalgic taste for many Americans.

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The first of three cheeses on the list, Swiss cheese refers to a style inspired by Emmental, from Switzerland, known for its distinctive holes. The holes form during fermentation as bacteria release gases.

In America, Swiss cheese is milder than the original, but it still keeps its nutty flavor. It’s a favorite in sandwiches, melts, and even on Reubens.

Image: Desi Min

This sausage takes its name from Frankfurt, Germany, where pork sausages have been enjoyed since the Middle Ages. German immigrants brought them to the U.S. in the 1800s.

Yes, today, frankfurters are better known as hot dogs, but the original name lives on. Whether grilled, boiled, or topped with chili, they’re a summer barbecue and ballpark essential.

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Cheddar originated in the English village of Cheddar, where it was first made in caves that provided perfect aging conditions.

Over time, cheddar spread worldwide, with varieties ranging from mild to extra sharp. It’s one of the most versatile cheeses, perfect for melting, grating, or snacking.

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Dijon mustard is named after the city of Dijon in France, famous for mustard-making since the 13th century. The recipe uses brown or black mustard seeds and white wine or verjuice.

Its tangy, sharp flavor elevates sandwiches, dressings, and sauces, making it a pantry staple.

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Parmesan comes from Parma, Italy, where Parmigiano-Reggiano has been made for centuries under strict rules. It’s aged for years to develop its rich, savory flavor.

In the U.S., "Parmesan" often refers to a similar style, but true Parmigiano-Reggiano is a protected name.

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Buffalo wings were invented in Buffalo, New York, in 1964 at the Anchor Bar. They were first served as a late-night snack with hot sauce and butter.

Now, they’re a game-day must-have, coated in sauces from mild to blazing. They’re served with celery and blue cheese or ranch for dipping.

Image: Keenan Loo

Belgium might have lost the fries, but it retains the sprouts. Brussels sprouts get their name from Belgium’s capital, where they’ve been cultivated since the 16th century. They grow in clusters on a tall stalk.

Once unpopular, they’ve had a comeback thanks to roasting and creative seasoning. Now they’re a trendy side dish in many restaurants.

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The Philly cheesesteak was born in Philadelphia in the 1930s, combining thinly sliced beef with melted cheese on a hoagie roll.

Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese are the classics. It’s a hearty, flavorful sandwich that’s become a symbol of the city itself.

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Despite the name, London broil is an American creation, not a British import. The name likely came from marketing in the early 20th century to make the dish sound sophisticated.

It refers to marinating and broiling a cut of beef, often flank steak, before slicing it thin. Today, it’s a staple in steakhouses and home kitchens alike.

What science says

It was false after all: 10 health myths that sound true—but aren't

Image: Alicja Gancarz

Health myths are everywhere! These ideas were simply passed down for so long that they became part of what we believed. But now science has stepped in to clear things up. Does cold weather make you sick? Can lemon detox your body? Is reading in low light really harmful? Let's uncover the truth behind 10 common health myths!

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Have you ever been told that cutting your hair will make it grow faster? We're sorry to say that's just a myth. Hair grows from the root, not the ends. So, trimming it won't boost growth, though it does help remove split ends that can make your hair look dry or unhealthy.

Image: Thom Holmes

This is one of the most common health myths. Cold weather often gets blamed, but it's not the temperature that makes you catch a cold. During winter, we tend to stay indoors with others and keep the windows closed, an environment that makes it easier for viruses to spread. That's why colds tend to be more common in winter!

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The idea that eating before bed automatically leads to weight gain is a myth. In reality, it has more to do with what you eat and how much, rather than the time of day. Often, when we eat very late at night, we're tired and more likely to reach for quick, high-calorie, heavy foods. This can disrupt sleep and lead to consuming more calories than we burn, both of which may affect weight. If it's close to bedtime, it's better to have something light and healthy in a moderate portion than to skip a meal altogether.

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Does wearing glasses weaken your vision? Myth! If an eye doctor prescribes glasses, wearing them as directed helps correct your vision; it won't make it worse. Additionally, the right glasses can help prevent or reduce headaches caused by reading or spending long hours in front of a screen.

Image: Amir Balam

This myth is closely related to the previous one. If you love reading and sometimes have to do it in low light because of the situation, don't worry. According to experts, reading in low light doesn't cause permanent or irreversible eye damage. However, it's not recommended because it can make your eyes feel tired or strained, leading to discomfort or headaches.

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We're all different, and so are our bodies. The idea that everyone should drink exactly eight glasses of water a day is more of a general guideline than a rule. Staying well hydrated throughout the day is extremely important, but how much water you need depends on factors like your weight, age, climate, and overall health. We should prioritize staying consistently hydrated instead of obsessing over the number of glasses we drink.

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Some people say drinking lemon water helps eliminate toxins and cleanse the body. While adding a slice of lemon to your water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, it doesn't have any special "detoxifying" powers. The vitamin C in citrus fruits is beneficial, but the body has its own natural detox system. The liver and kidneys are the main organs that filter waste and eliminate toxins.

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Not all fats are bad! Just like other food groups, your body needs fats to function properly. The important thing is knowing the difference between healthy fats and those that can be harmful. Foods like avocados, seeds, olive oil, fish, and nuts are rich in healthy fats. On the other hand, the fats found in processed or fried foods are the ones that can have a negative impact on your body.

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Liver diseases can be serious. While heavy and frequent consumption of alcohol and fats is a major contributor, it's not the only cause. Liver problems can also result from many other factors. These include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, high blood pressure, and exposure to certain chemicals.

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There's some truth to it: breakfast is important because it replenishes our glucose and energy levels and supports proper metabolism. However, the idea that it's the most important meal of the day might be an exaggeration. Everyone's body has different needs, and all meals are important, so we shouldn't skip any of them!