I thought I knew a lot about salt and pepper. Pepper came from faraway places and turned up in round corns or ground, while salt made you have heart attacks and die. Plus it's much cooler to ask for "freshly ground pepper" at a restaurant. Who asks for freshly ground salt?
Wrong. Here's what I learned this morning while reading the labels. If you thought pepper was a healthy substitute for bad guy salt, in fact 100 g of pepper has: 7.2 grams of FAT, 278 calories, and 40.5 grams of carbohydrates. Admittedly, it does also have 13 g of protein. However, despite the nutritional risks, "Freshness of Catch Pepper is retained by this smart container, which is so handy and so modern." Once again, it's appearance vs. common sense.
Salt, on the other hand, at least "Catch" brand salt, has 77 g of Calcium and 33 grams of sodium per 100 gms (wait, that doesn't add up), but you don't have to worry about those calories, carbs, or fats. Also, the label reminds you twice - once in a text box and once in italics - that you need to use Catch iodized salt "to prevent iodine deficiency disorders like goitre, stunted growth, etc." And here's more that I didn't know before coming to India. Catch salt "remains Free Flowing even in rainy season." Given all of this info, I recommend salt for you weight-watchers out there and pepper for those who wish to live recklessly and are vain about container appearance.
I see you've had an exciting day over there in Delhi...
ReplyDeleteThe cultural bridge you are building will be very powerful. (FYI: don't go praising that salt too much. It's the sodium in the salt that kills you, and apparently there are 33 g of sodium in every 100 g of Catch salt -- with the remaining 77 g (?!?) being calcium -- which doesn't leave much room for the iodine or chlorine that HAVE to be there. I'm thinking this is pretty special salt, with something like 200 or 300 g of stuff packed into every 100 g of ever-free-flowing salt! Those Indians must be pretty savvy.)
ReplyDeleteI look forward to keeping up with your blog! I already enjoyed your FB pics, although your Day #3 post didn't sound all that welcoming.
-- Mike R
I remember in residency that the kids undergoing bone marrow transplants weren't allowed to have pepper in their condiment options, dangerous stuff! We have salt here that works in damp weather - good old Mortons "When in rains, we pour!" Glad you arrived safe and sound! Sally
ReplyDeleteI am missing the connection I believe between your salt vs. pepper analysis and your wonderful time in New Delhi...
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn, I see that your salty personality still has a bit of pepper sprinkled in.
ReplyDeleteoh, please do not get sick. RM
ReplyDelete