Xan Indigo
School
University Of Nottingham
Expertise
East Asian Cuisine, European Cuisine, Molecular Gastronomy
- Xan has lived in four countries across Eurasia, and has enjoyed a wide variety of food and culture.
- With an interest in historical cooking, Xan has made recipes from medieval cookbooks like "The Forme of Cury" and "Kitab Al-Tabikh."
- Candy making is one of Xan's hobbies, and they've made a variety of recipes from scratch including lapsang souchong fudge, Japanese karintō manju, Appalachian potato candy, and Indian besan ladoos.
Experience
Xan has a diverse, multicultural family, and has traveled extensively while working as a scientist. As a result, they've been lucky enough to enjoy a broad range of food culture from around the globe. Passionate about both food and cooking from a young age, Xan loves to prepare food at home as much as they enjoy dining out, in restaurants and at street food stalls alike. With a background in science Xan has also dabbled in molecular gastronomy, learning about things like flavour chemistry, gelification, and the material science of candy.
Education
Xan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry of materials and a PhD in molecular astrophysics — both interdisciplinary fields which involve finding connections between seemingly disparate concepts and bodies of knowledge.
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Stories By Xan Indigo
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The word caviar can be used to refer to several different types of fish eggs. Imitation caviar, on the other hand, is something else altogether.
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If you've never tried pepper jelly before, here's everything you need to know about it so you can brace your tastebuds for a fragrant and tasty treat!
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Will you really get sick if you eat bay leaves? Are savory dishes the only way to use them? We’re looking at and debunking nine common myths about this herb.
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Ice cubes are simple, right? You freeze water and drop it in your drink. According to our expert, it's not that simple, and you're likely making a few mistakes.
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Few drinks are more refreshing on a hot day as an iced tea. But, for a superior flavor, you should steep tea leaves in hot water and then chill it.
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Samosas are one of the most popular South Asian snacks around. For the most classic version, though, you'll need a certain kind of pastry dough.
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When it comes to how he preferred preparing and cooking a hamburger, Ernest Hemingway was all about packing the meat with immense umami flavor.
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Miracle fruit somehow changes the flavor of what you eat. Find out the science behind this magic, how you can try it for yourself, and more here.
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Cooking a delicious meal doesn't have to cost a fortune. These foods not only won't break the bank, but they're also nutritious, tasty, and last a while.
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Century eggs have certain myths surrounding them, which may prevent the uninitiated from trying them. So, here is the ultimate beginner guide to century eggs.
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Climate change is making it harder to grow food around the world. But certain crops may be able to withstand these changing conditions in the future.
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Did you know there are fruits and veggies that grow just fine in little more than a glass of water? Rather than tossing the scraps, regrow them into more food!
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Leaves can work effectively during cooking, protecting the food from direct heat while trapping steam. Some leaves also impart their own distinctive flavors.
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Chefs and food lovers have been compiling cookbooks for thousands of years. Luckily, a few of those ancient texts have somehow survived the ravages of time.
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In the kitchen, violets can find plenty of culinary uses and, like other edible flowers, they can make attractive garnishes for both food and drinks.
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Bite-sized, spicy, and deliciously moreish, deviled eggs are served all across the U.S. Here's how the classic hors d'oeuvres became a potluck star.
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Did you know that astronauts' favorite condiment is hot sauce? Here's how and why tacos became a staple of space cuisine.
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Modern-day sushi is vastly different from the sushi eaten in ancient times, and rice has not always been such a vital part of the finished dish.
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It's easy to think of ice cream as a modern invention, but nothing could be further from the truth. This is the unexpectedly ancient history of ice cream.
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In kitchens across the world, it's not difficult to find a bottle of olive oil. The history of olives and their oil is long, ancient, and storied.
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Swordfish is a wonderfully delicious and nutritious type of fish. However, for beginners that are new to swordfish, there are several facts and tips to consider
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Soy sauce is used in countless dishes. But did you know this condiment comes in many varieties? Here's our guide to all the different kinds of soy sauce.
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During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset, an act preceded by suhoor, a filling breakfast featuring a number of hearty foods.
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Breakfast is an important part of Japanese cuisine. This meal is usually made up of savory foods, making it a comforting start to the day.
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Scrambled eggs can be enjoyed in so many ways. Here, we explore global varieties of the dish to spice up your breakfast!
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India may be best known for savory dishes, but it's also home to indulgent sweets called mithai. Here are some of the most mouthwatering mithai.
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Rice plays a vital role in dishes, and here's a guide to help you choose the best variety for the meal you have in mind!