Happy Halloween! Surprising foods that glow

When you hear the phrase "glowing food," we don't really blame you if your immediate word association is something like "unnatural," "radioactive," or "literally, a plate full of chemicals." After all, a dish of phosphorescent penne alla vodka that was cooked up in the kitchen of a nuclear power plant doesn't sound too appealing to anyone.

That's why we're talking about natural, average and totally unremarkable foods: that is, until you switch a black light on. Some of these glowing groceries might even be in your fridge right now.

Harness these foods' hidden powers with a totally spooky Halloween black light party:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

Ice cream (iStock)

The beigey undertones give off a yellowish glow under a UV light. For some extra coolness? Marble the ice cream with black fudge for a zebra stripe effect.

2. Ripe Bananas

Overripe bananas isolated on white background (iStock)

Ready for your daily scoop of science? Studies have shown that aging bananas (great band name, by the way) glow bright blue under a black light due to released chemicals. So this one isn't just a neat party trick: if you've got a UV light handy and a bunch of bananas, whichever one glows brightest is the one that's best to eat.

3. Tonic Water

(iStock)

Tonic water has long been the secret to eerie electric blue cocktails at black light bars. It's the quinine in the mixture that gives it that signature glow: try freezing tonic water in ice cubes, too.

4. Freshly Chopped Lettuce

(iStock)

Remember that science behind the glowing bananas? Well, it turns out that lettuce has a similar situation going on too, but only right after it's cut. The chlorophyll that's released glows a bright pinkish-red under a black light. Use it to decorate a plate.

5. Shredded Coconut

Portion of Grated Coconut on wooden background (close-up shot) (iStock)

There's no fancy explanation behind this one: like anything that's pure white, coconut glows bright under a UV light. Makes for a great garnish too atop non-glowing desserts, like these Milk Chocolate Cups-of-Fluff. Glowing oozy centers, yum.

See more awesome foods that glow under a black light.

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