Riya Anne Polcastro - Food Republic

Location

La Paz, BCS, Mexico

School

University Of Oregon

Expertise

Celiac-friendly Foods, Street Food Staples, Fridge Cleanout Meals

In 2017, Riya released a book about her experiences with undiagnosed celiac and how she used food to heal her gut.
As a writer for TriplePundit, she has covered the relationship between the food system and the environment extensively.
She thoroughly enjoys the challenge of cooking while traveling as well as replicating the meals she has eaten abroad after returning home.

Experience

Riya has been writing since she could hold a pencil — longer than that if the stories she dictated to her great-grandmother count. She has also been a big foodie for just about as long. While an autoimmune disease limits her gastronomic choices, she has learned to make the most out of the foods that are available to her. Because of this, she often makes restaurant-quality meals at home. It doesn't hurt that she has also worked in numerous restaurants, steakhouses, bistros, and bars where she learned a variety of techniques and new uses for ingredients. She loves to play around with new foods, take deep dives into the history and culture of her favorite dishes, and be among the first to try recently released gluten-free versions of old favorites.

Education

Riya has a bachelor's degree in sociology and history from the University of Oregon.

Food Republic Editorial Policies

Food Republic’s industry-leading coverage is created by qualified and experienced writers, and is reviewed and fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure everything is accurate and timely. Outside experts are also consulted whenever possible to help deliver factual, up-to-date information.

Our mission is to publish knowledgeable, engaging articles to give readers the information they're looking for, whether that is the news of the day or cooking tips, tricks, and trends. We also bring you recipes you can depend on, as well as reviews and recommendations. In an effort to provide the most comprehensive, current, and accurate content, our team is constantly reviewing and updating articles as necessary. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Riya Anne Polcastro

Cook

Cook By Riya Anne Polcastro

The Salad Spinner Hack To Quickly Defrost Shrimp

The salad spinner is amazing for thawing frozen shrimp, as it does so without the risk of creating rubbery seafood - a common issue with microwave defrosting.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Food

Food By Riya Anne Polcastro

The Accidental 1940s Origin Of Nachos

Without the creativity of a local restaurant worker in Mexico in 1940, we may have never know nachos. Here's the story of Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Drink

Drink By Riya Anne Polcastro

The Best Liquor To Minimize Your Chances Of A Gnarly Hangover

Beyond the alcoholic strength of a drink, there's sneaky factor that influences why certain liquors give you a nasty hangover more quickly than others.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Cook

Cook By Riya Anne Polcastro

Here's How Long You Can Eat Cream Cheese After Opening

As a fresh cheese, cream cheese can be delicate, but learning about its shelf life and how to store it properly can help you use it before it goes bad.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Recipes

Recipes By Riya Anne Polcastro

Potato Candy Puts A Sweet Spin On Leftover Mashed Potatoes

It's easy to dismiss potato candy as a strange and gimmicky idea, but this treat is beloved around the world and even has a special place in American history.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Cook

Cook By Riya Anne Polcastro

The Difference Between Sunny-Side Up And Over-Easy Eggs Is One Flip

Fried eggs are a staple in many a breakfast, but there are different types we should all know, including the difference between over easy and sunny side up.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Cook

Cook By Riya Anne Polcastro

A Thumbprint Easily Prevents Your Burgers From Turning Into Meatballs

To prevent your burger patties from swelling up into meat balloons, make an indent in the middle of the raw patty with your thumb before cooking.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Cook

Cook By Riya Anne Polcastro

Jet Tila's Baking Soda And Needle Trick To Peel Boiled Eggs Faster

If you want to make peeling your hard boiled eggs so much faster (and easier!), then you need to use Jet Tila's tip of poking your egg and using baking soda.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Cook

Cook By Riya Anne Polcastro

Serve Up A Better, Fresher Salad By Chilling The Bowls

For salads that are as fresh, cool, and crisp as ones from a great restaurant, learn how to effectively chill your bowls for both tossing and serving.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Cook

Cook By Riya Anne Polcastro

The Dish Ina Garten Never Serves At Dinner Parties

Ina Garten is just as known for her hosting abilities as she is for her mastery in the kitchen, so when she says to avoid certain dishes, we listen.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Cook

Cook By Riya Anne Polcastro

The Time-Consuming Pork Chop Prep Step You Can Skip Entirely

Pork chops are naturally moist all on their own, so there's really no need to brine them before cooking to end up with deliciously succulent meat.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Cook

Cook By Riya Anne Polcastro

The Tortilla Step You Shouldn't Skip For Perfect Enchiladas

To ensure your enchiladas come out perfect every time, always make sure to fry the tortillas first so that they can hold up to the fillings and sauce.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Drink

Drink By Riya Anne Polcastro

The Unsanitary Way The Screwdriver Cocktail Got Its Name

If you wondered how the screwdriver got its name and assumed it had something to do with real screwdrivers, you're bang on. Or at least that's what legends say.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Food

Food By Riya Anne Polcastro

Your Freezer Is Key For Crunchier Potato Chips

If you want to prevent your open bag of potato chips from going stale, you need to try this hack: Simply put your bag straight into the freezer.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More
Food

Food By Riya Anne Polcastro

Why Canned Fish Comes In Such Small Containers

Small tins of fish make sense for many consumers who want to snack on the go, especially since storing pungent fishy leftovers isn't high on everyone's list.
By Riya Anne Polcastro Read More