Gary S. wrote:

> A heat calorie, usually with a small "c", is the energy required to
> raise 1 gram of water 1 degree Centigrade at normal atmospheric
> pressure.

Exactly. I vaguely remember they turn whatever into a slush and burn
it. Then they see how many degrees the water is. I think. Ask in
rec.food.cooking, there may (I don't know it's been a while) be a fellow
named Shankar there who's a food chemist.

B/