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Look. Rationally, I understand that if I swallow a watermelon seed, a full-size watermelon is not going to grow inside of me. And yet, it’s still something I think about every time I accidentally swallow one. Myths about food (probably because consuming it is an unavoidable necessity of, you know, staying alive) seem to have a way of rooting themselves deep in our subconscious, staying there no matter how silly they are. What are the food myths you just can’t let go of?

Whether you still suspect that swallowed gum stays in your body for seven years, or that the five-second rule is proven to be superior to the six-second rule (spoiler: both myths!), we want to hear about it. Tell us about your favorite food myth via the form below. We’re especially interested in hearing about food myths that might be specific to certain regions or cultures.

We’ll select some of our favorite responses and share them in an upcoming article. Also, I’m serious about those watermelon seeds. Don’t eat them. Just in case.

If you have an amazing food myth of your own to share, head over to our community forums and tell us about it!

Gastro Obscura covers the world’s most wondrous food and drink.
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