MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Artificial Lemon Juice Vs. Real Lemon Dishwashing Liquid
Why is it that lemon juice is made with artificial flavor, yet dishwashing liquid is made with “real lemons”?
First, it depends on what what you mean by “lemon juice”. If you’re talking about just raw, unsweetened lemon juice that you might use for cooking, you can actually buy that (“RealLemon” brand) & it really is simply lemon juice (though from concentrate). If you mean LEMONADE, however, that tends to be made with artificial flavors. Artificial flavors are used in a lot of foods in order to get the taste just right (as well as to save money). However, you really can’t make lemonade without some actual lemon juice. And, while a lot of people will complain about how this food is so fake or that food is so artificial, the fact of the matter is you really can’t make a food product without having some of the actual real ingredient in it.
As for the dishwashing liquid, well, you’ll notice that the manufacturer will say it’s made “with” real lemons. They never say it’s made out of lemons. The “made WITH lemons” thing usually means it has some form of lemon product in it (oil, zest, concentrate, etc.).
The difference between the lemon in dishwashing detergent & the lemon in lemon juice is what each is used for. The acidic quality of a lemon, primarily found in the rind, is what’s required for dishwashing soap. So, in that case, they use natural lemons. In lemon juice, it’s the taste that’s important. And, while some companies do use natural lemon juice, a lot of brands ultimately go with artificial flavors to enhance the taste of their lemon juice (since flavor is the main objective). Usually, this is done as a way to either sweeten the juice or remove some of the acidity which can make it bitter.
So, really, it comes down to the purpose behind the lemon that’s most important.
Got a Mundane Mystery you’d like solved? Send me a message via social media (@AndyWebbRadioVoice), or shoot me an email at [email protected].
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Wake Up Crew Highlights: May 18, 2021
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This is Mello. He is a 2 year old male, Pit Bull Terrier Mix. Mello was relinquished to the shelter because a landlord said he could no longer stay. If you would like to make Mello a part of your family call 301-600-1546.
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MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Are There No Windows Inside Grocery Stores?
Most grocery stores will usually have large windows across the front of the store. But, once you’re inside, that natural light all but disappears. Stores rarely, if ever, have windows along their inner walls. Why is that?
It’s actually a facet of retail shopping psychology. Store owners want to create an environment where you feel comfortable spending both your time & your money. It’s the same reason why a lot of stores have tile floors, since they cause carts to make a lot of noise & you’re forced to instinctively slow down & browse more. Or, in some cases, stores will play up-tempo music when they’re busy as a way to try & speed up your shopping.
But, when it comes to windows (or the lack thereof), stores want you to feel like time is suspended. Grocery stores don’t won’t you to notice if there’s bad weather or impending darkness outside, since the longer you shop, the more you spend. (It’s pretty much the same psychology used by casinos, which don’t have windows nor clocks to aid in that feeling of time suspension.)
There are some practical considerations, as well, though. Large windows that let in sunlight can cause packages to fade, which makes them look old & worn. Plus, switching out valuable wall space for windows would reduce the are available for displays & products that retailers hope to be able to sell you.
Who knows, though…this sort of retail theory could eventually go out of fashion. As a matter of fact, Aldi has experimented with letting in more natural light at its stores in Germany. But, their products had to get special UV coatings to prevent sunlight from affecting both fresh food quality & product label fading. So, whether that will become more common in the grocery industry, as a whole, still remains to be seen. But, if you’re ever stifled by the lack of natural light in your grocery store, you could always try out the farmer’s market!
Got a Mundane Mystery you’d like solved? Send me a message via social media (@AndyWebbRadioVoice), or shoot me an email at [email protected].
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