Once upon a time, coffee was believed by some Christians to be the devil's drink. When Pope Vincent III heard about this, he decided to taste it before banishing it. He enjoyed coffee so much that he decided to baptise it, saying, "Coffee is so delicious, it would be a pity to let the infidels have exclusive use of it."

It's not really a food story, but today we'll take a step away from the culinary to take our hats off to packaging.

A certain 'pop' culture icon has just turned 50, with Bubble Wrap celebrating its golden anniversary on January 26.

While Australians are very familiar with their world sporting heroes, not many know that we also have a world class baking team.

In fact, last year the Australian Baking Team came second only to the Italians at the Sigep Bread Cup, a world class event open to only 10 international teams which the Australian Baking Team's captain, Brett Noy, says is the toughest in the world.

As Australia Day approaches, many Australians will start to stock up their fridges with sausages, steaks, chicken and plenty of beer.

On January 26, friends and family gather in backyards across Australia,listen to Triple J's top 100 hits and drinking lots of beer, eyes hungrily on the centrepiece - the BBQ.

When I think of markets I think of the open-air sort that spring up in every Asian and European town. Wander through any unfamiliar mid-sized town of, say, 5000 people or more and anyone can tell you exactly where the markets will be and when. Twice a week, every night after 6pm, Saturday mornings, early evenings during summer – the locals will know not only when but where.

It was, predictably enough given ours is a foodie household, an impressive achievement to lay siege to the mountain of food that was laid on over the Christmas New Year period. In the smallish kitchen of our house, and using two fridges, one chest freezer, a hooded barbeque and a dodgy oven, we prepared, shared and consumed food over a series of feasts that lasted three days.

Tassal is launching a major marketing campaign this month, which aims to change the way people think about and consume salmon.

Miss Indian Tonic Water may have been inspired by Elizabeth Taylor.

I'll never be sure, of course, as the knowledge behind the picture has been lost to the ages, but it could be her.

Is it possible to save the world based on the foods you eat, while supporting local industries?

It is, according to the concept of Locavorism.

I carry my toothbrush on dates. It's not because I have poor dental hygiene, or that I'm a clean freak.

I carry my toothbrush around because I want to be ready to fight red teeth, in case my date orders red wine.