The palate cleanser is an integral element of many haute cuisine experiences: a sorbet, fresh herbs or a simple glass of water are just a few methods of refreshing the mouth, enlivening the tastebuds and preparing the tongue for flavours to come. Unless, of course, you are Heston Blumenthal...

A minor burn somewhere on the outside of the body can usually be helped and soothed by applying ice or various ointments. But you can’t exactly put a Band-Aid on a scald to the tongue from hot food or drink. That said, you may soon be able to apply a soothing medicated strip, instead.

All water tastes different - and water tasting leads to better understanding the type of water you enjoy. And knowing which bottled brand will bring out the best in your whisky or brandy.

Another "Only in America" story! The winner of a cockroach-eating competition has died shortly after eating dozens of the live insects and worms in Florida, according to reports. Roaches are not known to be unsafe to eat.

Liquid nitrogen cocktails may be a hot club trend, but they're potentially lethal - a teenage girl in Britain has had to have her stomach removed in a desperate bid to save her life after she drunk a cocktail containing the freezing liquid gas.

How hard must you work to earn a beer? If you're American, less than five minutes, but you've got to sweat much longer for your pint if you're South African.

Sous vide is a remarkable way to cook proteins. Using an immersion circulator, you set a tub of water to the exact temperature you want to cook your meat. And over several hours, it warms to the perfect amount of doneness. Chefs everywhere are using it, but the technology has not been translated effectively into a domestic appliance. One US company, however, believes it has come up with the perfect solution.

Now here's an "Only in America!" story... a new innovation in popcorn, not the popcorn itself, but in the mechanism of its consumption. Introducing the Popinator!