Fun Food Facts

These food facts are sure to satiate your weird and fun food fact appetite!

WTF Fun Fact 13471 – Burger King Thailand Cheeseburger

Burger King Thailand has come up with a new dish – cheeseburger, hold the burger. In fact, 86 everything else too. No condiments, just bun and cheese.

The New Burger King Thailand Cheeseburger

The “Super Cheeseburger,” as it’s called, is anything but a conventional burger. Burger King Thailand debuted this cheese-fanatic’s dream on their Facebook page, with a statement that assured customers, “This is no joke. This is for real.”

Instead of a succulent beef patty, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and fresh tomatoes, this unique creation features a towering pile of 20 slices of melted American cheese. And they’re all tucked neatly between the familiar sesame seed buns.

It’s a cheese lover’s dream, or perhaps, their most extravagant nightmare.

A Cheesy New Trend

The dairy-filled spectacle is part of a growing trend in Thailand, where cheese is taking center stage in dishes of all sorts. The presence of cheese in Thai cuisine is a relatively new phenomenon. Thailand-based travel writer Richard Barrow told HuffPost that the current trend in Thailand is “to put cheese on literally everything.” But this cheese-laden concoction has sparked some mixed reviews.

From a casual diner’s perspective, the “Super Cheeseburger” might seem like a stretch, a tad too indulgent, and perhaps missing the classic balance that a good burger is supposed to have.

The cheese avalanche is available at a reduced price from its original cost of $10.90, and can now be enjoyed (or endured) for a mere $3.10. This significant price drop certainly makes the towering cheese mountain more accessible for curious customers and hardcore cheese enthusiasts alike.

Burger King’s Adventurous Side

This isn’t the first time that Burger King has pushed the envelope with their menu. Remember the limited-edition black Halloween Whopper back in 2015? While it didn’t quite capture the hearts (or stomachs) of the masses, it demonstrated Burger King’s willingness to experiment.

The ‘Super Cheeseburger’ may not appeal to everyone’s palate. But it’s a testament to Burger King’s innovative spirit and their readiness to explore outlandish culinary territories. And one thing is for certain — it has undoubtedly stirred up conversation and curiosity. If you ever find yourself in Thailand and feel the urge to try this cheesy extravaganza, remember — it’s not just a burger, it’s a unique culinary experience.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Burger King Dishing Out 20-Slice Tall, All-Cheese ‘Burger’ In Thailand” — HuffPost

WTF Fun Fact 13465 – Hamburger University

It’s harder to get into McDonald’s Hamburger University than some Ivy League schools.

That’s right, McDonald’s is in the business of education. Hamburger University, or HU as it’s commonly referred to, was founded in 1961 by Fred Turner, McDonald’s former senior chairman and one of Ray Kroc’s earliest employees. He recognized that the success of the rapidly expanding McDonald’s franchise was dependent on consistent quality and service. So, Turner decided to open a training center. The goal? To educate franchisees on the methods of running a successful and efficient McDonald’s restaurant.

The first campus was situated in the basement of a McDonald’s restaurant in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. With only a handful of students, the inaugural class might have been small, but the idea was grand. Today, Hamburger University boasts seven campus locations worldwide, including Tokyo, London, and Shanghai.

What You Learn at Hamburger University

When it comes to the curriculum, HU is not, contrary to what you might think, a place to perfect the art of burger flipping. Instead, the University provides a comprehensive leadership development program. The classes taught at HU are rigorous and cover restaurant fundamentals, business growth strategies, leadership skills, and management systems.

Graduates receive a Bachelor of Hamburgerology degree, a whimsical yet fitting title that encapsulates the unique education provided at the university.

The Global Influence of Hamburger University

The global reach and impact of Hamburger University are noteworthy. In China, for example, getting into Hamburger University is a highly competitive feat, with an acceptance rate even lower than Harvard’s. The demand for HU in China reflects the country’s fast-growing fast-food market and the value placed on the managerial training provided by McDonald’s.

The influence of HU extends beyond McDonald’s restaurants. Many HU graduates have used their skills to start their businesses or move into senior roles in other industries.

Investing in People

The story of HU highlights McDonald’s understanding that its most significant investment is its people. The institution represents the company’s commitment to providing career advancement opportunities for its employees. It’s also dedicated to ensuring uniform standards of quality and service in McDonald’s outlets worldwide.

By investing in employee development, McDonald’s improves its operations and contributes to the broader community by providing valuable business skills.

So, whether you’re munching on a Quarter Pounder in the heart of New York or enjoying a Filet-O-Fish in a bustling Tokyo outlet, remember: the efficient service and consistent taste are likely to have been honed at McDonald’s very own higher education institution, the Hamburger University.

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Source: “Lessons from McDonald’s Hamburger University: Training For Retention” — LA Eats

WTF Fun Fact 13464 – Stolen Cadbury Creme Eggs

You may think the world of crime revolves around daring bank robberies, high-tech cyberattacks, or audacious art thefts. However, sometimes it boils down to an ‘eggstraordinary’ heist involving 200,000 stolen Cadbury Creme Eggs.

This seemingly absurd yet true tale resulted in an 18-month prison sentence for a 32-year-old man named Joby Pool.

The Tale of the Stolen Cadbury Creme Eggs

Referred to as the “Easter Bunny” by the police, Pool had pulled off a robbery that any candy-loving kid might dream of, but with serious real-world consequences. On the 11th of February, he broke into an industrial unit in Telford, UK, belonging to SW Group Logistics. With the help of a stolen lorry cab and a metal grinder, he made away with a haul worth more than £31,000 (over $42,000) – all in Cadbury Creme Eggs.

In late July of 2023, Shrewsbury Crown Court Judge Anthony Lowe passed the sentence of 18 months. Pool is to serve half of this time in prison and the other half on parole. He has already spent six months in custody, which will count towards his jail time.

A Well-Planned Heist

Prosecutor Owen Beale stressed during a previous court hearing that this was not a spur-of-the-moment act. Pool took a tractor unit with him. Beale said, “This is clearly an organized criminal matter. You don’t just happen to learn about a trailer with that kind of value being available.”

Defense lawyer Debra White pointed out that Pool had shown genuine remorse for his actions. He regrets the impact it had on his family and the business involved. However, Judge Lowe was unconvinced that Pool was the sole perpetrator in the planning of the theft. She suggested that inside information or reconnaissance was involved in identifying the valuable trailer.

West Mercia police took to Twitter to describe the incident, coining it an “eggs-travagant theft” of a “chocolate collection box”. They added, “West Mercia police has helped save Easter for Creme Egg fans after almost 200,000 of the chocolate treats were stolen.”

A Lesson Learned

Pool, hailing from Tingley, near Leeds, had previously admitted to theft, causing criminal damage to a lock at the trailer park, and driving without insurance. His conviction serves as a stern reminder of the serious consequences of such actions, however comedic they might seem on the surface.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Man who stole 200,000 Cadbury Creme Eggs jailed for 18 months” — The Guardian

WTF Fun Fact 13459 – Sausage Vending Machine

How would you feel about grabbing your lunch out of a sausage vending machine? It sounds dubious, but convenient!

The Sausage Vending Machine in Germany

You can find all sorts of oddities in vending machines around the world: cupcakes, pizza, even live crabs. However, in Germany, a new trend has emerged that satisfies late-night cravings in a distinctly German way: vending machines that sell sausages and other barbecue meats.

According to a survey by the German Press Agency, these machines are booming outside German cities where shops tend to keep shorter business hours. The convenience of 24/7 access to traditional German cuisine is proving popular, particularly in rural areas.

Satisfying Off-Hour Cravings

“Hearty German fare at the drop of a coin. There is a strong development towards the vending machine, which is used to deliver meat, milk, eggs, and other products to customers outside of core opening times,” says industry spokesperson Heike Richter.

From bratwurst to bockwurst, sausage varieties fill these innovative machines alongside punnets of potato salad for a full, traditional German meal. But the culinary offerings don’t stop at sausages. Some vending machines also stock eggs, milk, butter, and even fruits and vegetables, ensuring that all kitchen essentials are available at any time.

Vending Machine Convenience

With over 570,000 vending machines in Germany, this mode of selling has become a familiar sight. Yet, despite their popularity and convenience, vending machines are not expected to replace traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

“Vending machines will play a complementary role in brick-and-mortar retailing,” Wolfgang Kampmeier of the Berlin-Brandenburg trade association tells the Berliner Zeitung newspaper.

The machines’ real advantage lies in their ability to operate in areas where maintaining a full-service shop may not be economically viable. This way, they ensure that even in structurally weak, rural areas, residents can have access to fresh, wholesome food around the clock.

International Inspiration

Germany’s innovative use of the sausage vending machine may remind some of Japan, where vending machines have long been part of the landscape, selling everything from sake to underwear. Germany, however, has tailored this idea to its own culinary tradition, providing an on-demand service that satisfies its citizens’ penchant for hearty, homestyle cooking.

The German sausage vending machine trend illustrates how traditional cuisine can merge with modern technology, offering an unusual yet effective solution for late-night cravings and daily necessities alike. Whether it’s a bockwurst at midnight or a quick breakfast on the go, Germans have discovered an innovative way to keep their favorite foods at their fingertips 24/7.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Sausage vending machines booming in Germany

WTF Fun Fact 13452 – Canadian Cheeto Statue

Next time you want to salute your snack, you can make a pilgrimage to the Canadian Cheeto statue in Alberta. It’s even a testament to the dust the orange cheese puffs leave on our hands. But somehow, not everyone is a fan of the “art.”

The story behind the Canadian Cheeto statue

In the quaint town of Cheadle, Alberta stands a colossal statue of a Cheeto. Standing at 20-feet tall, the statue is an unexpected sight, to say the least.

This larger-than-life statue was born out of an unusual collaboration between Cheetos Canada and the local community of Cheadle, a town with a population of fewer than 200 residents. The idea was to boost tourism and put Cheadle on the map—literally and figuratively.

The statue features a giant, crinkly Cheeto, intricately designed to mirror the snack’s iconic look, elevated on a stand that boasts the Cheetos logo. The structure even lights up at night!

What’s in a name?

Adding to the whimsy of the project is the fact that the Cheeto statue is not just any ordinary snack. It’s a representation of the “Cheetle,” a term coined by Cheetos to describe the cheesy dust left on your fingers after enjoying a bag of the iconic snack.

As with any novel concept, the public reaction has been mixed. Some locals view it as a quirky attraction that has brought a new sense of vibrancy to the town. Others, however, see it as an outlandish eyesore.

Critics argue that the funds used to erect the statue could have been spent on more practical community initiatives. But whether you see it as an eyesore or an art piece, there’s no denying the Cheeto statue’s buzz-generating power.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “A Small Canadian Town Is Now the Home of a 17-foot-tall Cheeto Statue” — Food & Wine

WTF Fun Fact 13448 – White Crustless Bread

Apparently, the best thing since sliced bread is white crustless bread.

Known as “mujipan,” or “crustless bread,” it has become a staple of Japanese kitchens, popular among both young and old. With its fluffy texture and mild flavor, it’s ideal for making sandwiches, toast, and various other dishes that the Japanese have ingeniously adapted to their cuisine.

Creating white crustless bread

The creation of crustless bread is not merely about slicing off the browned edges. Japanese bakers have perfected the technique of baking loaves where the crust is almost non-existent. This process involves using soft wheat flour, a lot of water, and a precise amount of yeast. The dough is then kneaded and left to rise multiple times before it’s finally baked at a lower temperature compared to traditional bread. The result is a soft, pillowy loaf with a very thin crust that is almost indistinguishable from the rest of the bread.

The crustless bread trend in Japan originated from the desire to create a perfect sandwich. In the Japanese context, sandwiches aren’t just a quick lunch option; they are an art form. The aesthetic appeal of the sandwich is as important as its taste. A sandwich made with crustless bread looks neat and elegant, the filling is the star, and nothing detracts from its visual appeal. This focus on visual presentation extends to all aspects of Japanese cuisine, from sushi to bento boxes.

Cutting off the flavor?

However, the popularity of crustless bread is not without its critics. Some bakers and food connoisseurs argue that the crust is where the flavor is. It’s the part of the bread that caramelizes during baking, creating a complex taste profile that the soft, white interior lacks. Yet, the demand continues to be strong, proving that its appeal goes beyond mere aesthetics.

Another interesting cultural aspect is the practicality of crustless bread. Japanese homes are often smaller with minimal storage space. The compact size of the loaves makes them easy to store. Additionally, they’re also more convenient for children and the elderly to eat.

In recent years, the trend has spread beyond Japan. Crustless bread is now available in various other countries, and the international market is growing. Its appeal lies in its convenience and its suitability for a variety of culinary applications, from breakfast toast to gourmet sandwiches.

Yet, despite its global reach, white crustless bread remains quintessentially Japanese. It encapsulates the Japanese approach to food, where taste, aesthetics, and practicality are all intimately connected. Like sushi, ramen, and matcha, this bread is a culinary innovation that reflects the culture from which it originated. In a world where cuisine is increasingly globalized, these unique cultural expressions provide a sense of connection to a particular place and way of life.

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Source: “Company Develops Bread With White Crust to Decrease Food Waste” — Oddity Central

WTF Fun Fact 13422 – Tom Brown Apple Hunter

Meet Tom Brown, Apple Hunter. He tracks down ancient apple varieties that most people have forgotten.

Why is Tom Brown hunting apples?

Brown’s journey is a love letter to the diversity and richness of apples. He got his start in Clemmons, North Carolina, where a legendary apple called the “Old Fashioned Winesap” sparked his interest. This apple, filled with an intensity of flavor unlike the common supermarket varieties, set Brown on his lifelong quest.

In this pursuit of forgotten flavors, Brown encounters more than just apples. He stumbles upon stories, history, and a myriad of people who are tied to these varieties in one way or another. He also discovers why these varieties are significant and what they tell us about the changing landscape of agriculture.

Brown’s approach to apple hunting is both scientific and adventurous. He frequents old farmsteads, graveyards, and homesites across the southeast. Each location brims with the potential for a forgotten apple treasure.

Brown uses DNA testing to confirm the identity of each apple, but also relies heavily on the tales and memories of the locals to uncover the stories behind the fruit.

The diversity of heritage apples is astonishing. In his travels, Brown has found apples of every conceivable color, taste, and size. There are apples for pies, for cider, for eating fresh off the tree. There are even apples that taste like a banana or a pineapple.

Why is apple hunting important?

This work is about more than just fruit. It’s about biodiversity. Our reliance on a few commercial apple varieties contributes to a lack of genetic diversity, which can have consequences for disease and pest resistance. By resurrecting these heritage varieties, Brown helps maintain the genetic diversity essential for the health of apple orchards worldwide.

But it’s also about a shared heritage. These heritage apples are remnants of a bygone era, a time when every family had an apple tree in their yard, and each apple variety had a story to tell. Saving these apples means preserving a piece of our shared cultural history.

In essence, Brown’s quest is a celebration of apples in all their wonderful variety. It’s a reminder that there is more to this humble fruit than meets the eye. Through his work, Brown tells the stories of these heritage apples, each one a window into our past, a testament to nature’s diversity, and a beacon for the future of sustainable agriculture.

Just like the apples he collects, Tom Brown is unique in his passion and dedication. His journey illustrates the importance of maintaining biodiversity and preserving our shared history, one apple at a time. Through his efforts, we’re reminded of the rich tapestry of apple varieties that exist beyond the few types stocked on supermarket shelves.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The Heritage Apple Hunter: The story of Tom Brown” — The Organic Magazine

WTF Fun Fact 13405 – Robot Pizza Maker

A robot pizza delivery startup that raised nearly half a billion dollars has closed due to technological setbacks. The company, Zume, Inc., had been working on developing a mobile pizza-making machine for years.

There’s big money in future pizza

The failure is surprising, considering the substantial amount of investment capital it received. But this helps highlight the ongoing challenges faced by practical robotics ventures.

One of the key hurdles faced by the robot pizza startup was the difficulty of building a reliable mechanical pizzaiolo. The company struggled for years to prevent melting cheese from sliding off the pizzas while they were being baked in their moving trucks. But this posed too significant of an obstacle. The cheese won.

Does robot pizza have a future?

Interestingly, the robot pizza industry is larger than one might assume. There are several Silicon Valley companies working on automating the pizza-making process. For instance, Stellar Pizza, founded by former SpaceX engineers, is developing a robot capable of making dough, rolling it out, applying various toppings, and baking the pizza.

However, the ambitions of these companies are not focused on recreating the experience of a traditional Italian pizza fresh out of the oven. Instead, they aim to compete with established pizza chains like Domino’s, targeting a more mass-market audience.

Cheesy obstacles

The shutdown of Zume Inc. serves as a cautionary tale in the world of venture investing – and of pizza. Even with significant funding and promising technological ideas, execution and overcoming practical challenges remain critical. This robot pizza startup emphasizes the challenges of trying to merge robotics and culinary endeavors and the difficulties inherent in translating innovative concepts into viable and successful businesses.

Zume Inc. has reportedly engaged the services of Sherwood Partners, a restructuring firm, to facilitate the sale of its assets. The company’s decision to wind down its operations reflects the reality of its financial situation and the inability to sustain its business model in a competitive market.

In the meantime, we’ll just have to appreciate the world’s pizza-makers even more. At least they can keep the cheese in place!

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Robot Pizza Startup Shuts Down After Cheese Kept Sliding Off” — Futurism

WTF Fun Fact 13402 – Woman Survives on Wine and Candy

In May of 2023, a woman referred to by police as simply “Lillian” found herself lost in the dense bushland of Victoria, Australia, after taking a wrong turn during a day trip. She managed to survive for five days by relying on a combination of wine and candy.

Lost

The 48-year-old woman from Cheltenham set off on what was intended to be a short day trip to Dartmouth Dam. However, a wrong turn led her down a dead-end road in the Mitta Mitta bushland. As she attempted to turn her car around, it became stuck in the mud. This left her stranded in an unfamiliar and remote area with no cell service to call for help. Lillian found herself faced with the challenge of surviving on her own.

The unconventional survival strategy: wine and candy

Planning for only a two-hour drive, Lillian had limited provisions with her. These included a few snacks, some candy, and a bottle of wine. Interestingly, Lillian is not a drinker, so the wine actually intended as a gift for her mother.

Of course, when you’re lost in the woods with a bottle of wine and no way out, it’s probably pretty easy to become a drinker.

Lillian eventually consumed the entire bottle of wine, using it as her only source of liquid throughout her ordeal. The candy provided some sustenance, albeit in small quantities.

Found

Lillian’s situation was further complicated by health issues that made it difficult for her to walk very far for help. She utilized her car’s heater during the chilly nights. This ensured she stayed warm in temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lillian’s family reported her missing when she failed to make her daily check-in call. This prompted an extensive search by local authorities. After five long days, a police helicopter spotted Lillian standing on a dirt road, waving her arms for help.

Lillian’s incredible survival in the Australian wilderness serves as a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, a combination of resilience, resourcefulness, and…well, wine, can lead to remarkable outcomes.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “How wine and candy helped an Australian woman survive 5 days in the bushland” — NPR