Not only are these delicious berries packed with nutrition, but there is also so much to learn about their history and cultivation. In this blog post, we’ll share with you so many interesting facts about cranberries to keep your kids entertained. We’re certain that these fun pieces of trivia will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this vibrant berry!

1. Cranberries are botanically classified as true berries, unlike strawberries

The botanical classification of fruits sometimes differs from their culinary or common classification, most commonly in berries. However, cranberries are an exception to this fact as they’re botanically classified as true berries, unlike strawberries and raspberries.

2. The term “cranberry” is derived from “craneberry”

Cranberry is such a pretty name for a fruit, don’t you think? However, these berries weren’t always called that. In the early 1600s, Dutch and German traders called them craneberries, and there’s an intriguing reason behind this.

During the spring, pink blossoms appear on cranberry plants which resemble the head and bill of a crane, resulting in the berries being named craneberries.

Over time, the name of these berries was shortened to cranberry, which rolls off the tongue much more easily.

3. Cranberries were domesticated in the early 1800s

The domestication of cranberries is a very recent development; it happened less than 200 years ago. Before that, these berries were only found in the wild in North America.

Henry Hall, an American Revolutionary War veteran, was the first to cultivate cranberries in 1816 in the Cape Cod town of Dennis, Massachusetts. By the 1820s, he was shipping his cranberries to New York City, Boston, and even Europe!

4. There are more than 100 commercial varieties of Cranberries in North America

If you’ve ever been to a cranberry market, you must’ve noticed how they’ve separated these berries according to their varieties. Even though they all look more or less the same, there are about 100 commercial varieties of cranberries!

5. Cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America

Only three to four fruits we commonly consume today have truly originated from North America, cranberries being one of them. These tart berries are found along the northern United States from Maine to Wisconsin.

6. The United States is the leading producer of cranberries in the world

As cranberries are native to North America, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the United States is the largest producer of cranberries worldwide. The country produces nearly 400,000 tonnes of cranberries every year!

Canada and Chile are the second and third largest cranberry-producing countries, but their combined production volume is slightly more than half of the USA’s production!

7. Wisconsin is the largest cranberry-producing state in the US

Wisconsin produces the most cranberries in the US, followed by Massachusetts. However, Massachusetts’s production is nowhere near close to Wisconsin’s.

Wisconsin produced a whopping 4.64 million barrels of cranberries, blowing Massachusetts’s 2.05 million barrels straight out of the water! These berries are also grown in large amounts in New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington.

8. Cranberries are the state fruit of Wisconsin

Since Wisconsin is the largest cranberry-producing state, it makes sense for cranberries to be the official state fruit there.
Still, the fruit part doesn’t really make sense, does it?

Even though cranberries are botanically classified as berries, they are often called fruits in general English, which is the reason behind this mix-up.

9. Cranberries are the state berry of Massachusetts

The history between cranberries and Massachusetts is one of pride and love, which is why cranberries were declared the official state berry of Massachusetts.

If you remember, these berries were also cultivated for the first time in Massachusetts! Even today, the state grows an excellent crop of cranberries, with 14,000 acres in production.

10. Only 5% of the worldwide Cranberry production is sold fresh

Although cranberries benefit our health, most people cannot look past their tart flavor, which is why processed cranberries are the preferable choice in markets.

Only 5% of the worldwide cranberry production makes it to picnic baskets, dining tables, and lunch boxes. The rest 95% is processed and turned into sauces, jams, and juices. A good percentage of cranberries are also dried and sweetened to be used in pies and as snacks.

11. During World War II, the American troops required a million pounds of dried cranberries each year

If you don’t like eating cranberries solely because of their taste, this fact might help you. During the second world war, the American troops consumed around one million pounds of dried cranberries every year. The soldiers realized that despite their taste, these little berries have numerous health benefits, and so should you!

12. Cranberries are classified as a superfood

Foods that offer maximum nutritional benefits with minimum calories are referred to as superfoods. When consumed regularly on a moderately healthy diet, these foods help prevent several serious health problems, including heart diseases.

The high amount of flavonoids present in berries, including cranberries, is known to lower the risk of heart attacks.

13. Cranberries are only in season from October to December

Although you can usually find dried berries and processed cranberry products in markets all year round, fresh berries are only available for a few precious months. After mid-January, there’s little chance of you finding fresh cranberries locally.

14. Cranberries do not grow in water!

It’s a common misconception that cranberries grow in water. One of the main reasons behind this is the Ocean Spray commercials which generally feature two employees knee-deep in water with floating cranberries around them.

However, cranberries actually grow on vines in bogs (wetlands rich in acidic, organic, or sandy soil with a peat or clay base). When ready to be harvested, those bogs are filled with water, which makes it seem like these berries are grown in water.

15. Harvesting cranberry is a tedious task

There are two methods of cranberry harvesting: the dry method and the wet method. Almost 90% of cranberries are harvested using the wet method.

Cranberries have four air pockets which allow them to float on water. In the wet method, when these berries are ripe for harvest, the berries are cut from their vines, and the bogs are flooded with water. Farmers then corral them towards a giant elevator that loads them on trucks using suction.

The dry method sounds exactly like it is. Instead of flooding the bogs, farmers hand-pick the berries. This method is less efficient but prevents the berries from being damaged. Dry-harvested berries are used for fresh consumption.

16. Seven out of ten cranberries come from Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray is an American agricultural cooperative consisting of cranberry farmers. It is headquartered in (surprise, surprise) Plymouth County, Massachusetts. It currently has 700 member farmers.

Ocean Spray is such a large-scale cooperative that seven out of ten cranberries sold worldwide today come from its members’ farms!

17. Cranberries are a storehouse of antioxidants

Cranberries contain the highest levels of phenols, a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants may reduce the risk of several diseases, especially heart problems. They might also lower the LDL or bad cholesterol levels in your body.

18. Cranberries are 90% water!

Did you know that those tiny cranberries are made up of almost 90% water? It’s true!

Besides water, cranberries primarily contain carbs and fiber. They are the perfect munching snacks for you as they’re healthy and hydrating. That is if you can stomach the tart, mildly sweet flavor.

You can also get sweeter varieties in the market that have been genetically engineered. However, remember that those sweet cranberries might be expensive, so don’t buy them without your parent’s permission.

19. Cranberry juice might prevent UTIs

Besides their high water and antioxidant content, cranberries have several health benefits.

Drinking cranberry juice regularly might reduce the risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in children and adults, according to a few scientific studies.

However, processing can affect the efficiency of the UTI-preventing phytonutrients in cranberries, so it’s best to rely on fresh juice or supplements.

20. Cranberry juice contains a chemical that prevents tooth decay

Cranberry juice has a natural chemical that prevents cavity-causing bacteria and pathogens from sticking to the teeth. So, if you drink cranberry juice three to four times a week, your dentist will be really pleased with you.

However, this is no excuse for you to eat dessert after dinner every day!

21. The seeds of cranberries are both edible and nutritious

Cranberry seeds are located inside the berries, unlike those in strawberries which are visible from the outside.

Cranberry seeds are perfectly safe for human consumption; they’re even really beneficial for our health! Although the seeds are a little hard to crack and have a bitter taste, they’re rich in antioxidants and fiber, so fair trade, right?

If the taste is a deal-breaker for you, you can grind these seeds up and add them to smoothies to eliminate their flavor.

22. Cranberries are used to flavor wine!

The tart tang of cranberries is perfect for flavoring wines that are generally acquired tastes. However, since these berries don’t undergo fermentation like grapes, they cannot be used in the traditional winemaking process.

23. Cranberries can also be used as a fabric dye

If you’ve ever spilled cranberry juice or a cranberry pie filling on your clothes, you know how hard it is for your mother to get the stain out. But have you ever wondered if cranberries could be used to dye clothes?

The answer is yes; they can. Although it isn’t the most suitable fabric dye, cranberries can certainly dye clothes. You can even try it out yourself! However, don’t forget to get an adult’s supervision and help before turning on the stove.

To make cranberry dye, combine two cups of cranberries with one quart of water in a pot. Let it simmer for about fifteen minutes. Then, crush the berries with a wooden spatula and simmer for another fifteen minutes.

Your cranberry dye is ready. Strain the mixture and save the berries for another recipe!

24. Benjamin Franklin loved cranberries

Founding Father Benjamin Franklin was a fan of cranberries, especially cranberry tarts.

When living in England in the mid-1700s, he’d often get homesick for his favorite snacks and ask his wife Deborah to ship barrels of cranberries to him! He also asked for the same of her while living in France from 1776 to 1778.

25. November 23 is celebrated as National Eat A Cranberry Day!

If you’re a cranberry enthusiast or this article piqued your interest in cranberries, we have great news for you.

November 22 is celebrated as National Eat A Cranberry Day every year! Cranberry lovers from around the world prepare delicious desserts with these berries to celebrate them.

People also come together on online forums about cranberries to discuss the significance of these berries and exchange never-heard-before facts. Join in if you don’t want to miss out on all the fun!

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From their scientific name to their unique health benefits, pears certainly have a lot going on under their smooth skin. Plus, you’ll have plenty of fun trivia questions for future family game nights! So whether you’re hoping to surprise your kids with a scientific fact about pears or simply share some intel among friends, these 25 pear facts will come in handy.

Read on to be amazed!

1. Pears have originated from Southeastern Europe

Pears were a snack-time favorite of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Originating in Southeastern Europe, these juicy fruits were all the hype back in the 7th century.

In fact, the famous ancient Greek author Homer, best known for The Odyssey, even went as far as to call them the gift of the gods. Thousands of years later, even though we aren’t all fans of The Odyssey, we still agree with Homer on this.

2. Pears belong to the Rose family!

Even though pears and roses don’t look like they’re related in any way, they both belong to the Rosaceae family!
Pears are related to apples, quince, and loquats. They are members of the rose family, along with almonds, apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, and strawberries.

3. There are two distinct groups of pears

Although there are many varieties of pears, they can be classified into two categories on the basis of their region of origin: Asian (Oriental) Pears and European (Occidental) Pears.

The Oriental Pears are primarily grown in China and Japan, while Italy and Spain contribute the most Occidental Pears.

On the other hand, the European Pears are the ones that generally come to mind when we hear the word pear: smooth-skinned and curvy with a round bottom and slightly elongated top. Asian Pears are somewhat different, with an apple-like structure and relatively rough skin.

4. There are around 3,000 cultivars of pears

The Asian (Oriental) Pears and the European (Occidental) Pears are further divided into about 3,000 cultivars, each modified to better suit our needs and wants.

Anjou and Bosc Pears are the most commonly consumed varieties; the pears on your dining table are probably Bosc Pears.

5. Pears are one of the oldest cultivated fruits

Since pears have been around for so long, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they are one of the oldest fruits cultivated by humans. The first official mention of pear cultivation in history goes back to 5,000 BC. A Chinese diplomat, Feng Li, gave up his powerful position to pursue full-time commercial pear cultivation.

6. China is the largest pear-producing country in the world

Since the cultivation of Oriental Pears began in China, it’s only fair that the country should produce the highest number of pears worldwide, right?

China produced about 16.5 million metric tons of pear in the year 2020! Italy and United States are second and third among the largest pear-producing countries list, but their combined production is less than China’s.

7. Pears have great cultural significance among the Chinese

Fruits were our companions long before we could even talk or walk. Their influence is so strong that some fruits have significance in religions and cultures around the world.

For example, pears symbolize immortality in Chinese culture and are a very common gift at family shrines. This symbolism is even depicted in Chinese art and literature from more than a thousand years ago!

8. Washington is the largest pear-producing state in the United States

Six main states in the United States produce almost the entirety of the country’s global pear contribution: Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, New York, California, and Michigan.

The largest pear-producing state in the United States is Washington, with almost 300,000 million tons of pears to its name!

9. “Kelseyville” is the Pear Capital of the world!

Also called Pear-adise in Lake County, Kelseyville was dubbed the Pear Capital of the World by USA Today.
The town hosts an annual Kelseyville Pear Festival, with several activities like Wine and Beer, Family Fun, Community Event, Live Music, and much more!

The festival is held on the last Saturday of every September, in case you’d like to join in this year.

10. The heaviest pear in the world weighs over 6 pounds!

If you were to guess, how much would you say the average pear weighs? The answer is approximately 6 ounces. Was your guess close?

Well, even if it was, you’d never be able to guess how heavy the heaviest pear in the world is: 6 pounds and 8 ounces (2.94 kilograms). That’s almost the weight of 17 medium-sized pears put together.

This pear was grown by JA Aichi Toyota Nashi Bukai, a Japanese farmer, in 2011 and was of the Agato variety, one of the largest pear varieties cultivated in the country.

11. Pear harvesting season lasts from late August to early October

Even though you can find exported and preserved pears in the markets all year round, the harvest season for pears in North America only lasts roughly two months.

It starts in late August, and the last pears are plucked in early October. You’ll still find fresh, local pears for another twenty days or so, but after that, it’s most probably exported or overripe.

California, Washington, and Oregon have a much longer harvesting period as they grow several more varieties of pears. They produce fresh pears almost all year round.

12. Pears mature and ripen even after being harvested!

Pears will continue to mature and ripen even after they are harvested. This is because they are climacteric fruit, meaning that they continue to ripen even after they are picked. Pears can be stored for a few weeks to allow them to ripen further.

Fruits like mangoes and bananas are also plucked well before ripening because their shelf life after ripening is very small. Similarly, pears must be plucked early, or they won’t ripen properly. In fact, the pears plucked when slightly immature and then ripened at room temperature taste better than those overmature at harvest.

For best results, store your fresh-brought pears for at least a week to ten days at room temperature before eating.

13. You can control the ripening of pears!

Have you ever brought fresh pears home, only to see that there’s already another batch of pears on your dining table?
Fortunately for you, there are a few tips and tricks that you can apply to speed up or slow down the ripening of pears slightly.

To speed up the ripening, place the pears next to a few bananas in a fruit bowl. On the other hand, refrigerate the pears to slow the ripening process.

14. The oldest pear tree in the world is estimated to be 458 years old!

Did you know the average pear tree can live for about 250 years, and some can live for more than 450 years? In fact, a Manchurian Pear tree in the ancient pear garden of Gansu, China, was estimated to be 458 years old in 2013! According to the Guinness Book of World Records, this exceptionally old tree is currently the oldest pear tree in the world.

15. It takes 3-10 years for a pear tree to bear fruits!

Did the average lifespan of a pear tree surprise you a bit? Well, it makes more sense when you find out that the average European pear tree doesn’t bear fruits until after 3-10 years of planting!

However, after these trees start flowering, they bear many fruits in a very short time, so it looks like the result is worth the wait after all. Asian pear trees mature a little earlier, about 3-5 years after being planted.

16. Pear wood is used in musical instruments, furniture, and kitchen appliances

Besides their fruits, pear trees have a lot to offer. Pear wood is used in manufacturing high-quality woodwind musical instruments, like the flute and the bassoon, and in furniture and woodcarving.

Moreover, it also acts as excellent firewood, giving off a fragrant aroma when burned, and is used for smoking meat and tobacco.

Pear wood is preferred for kitchen appliances like spatulas, spoons, and stirrers because it does not add color, flavor, or smell to the food. It is also resistant to warping and splintering, even after repeated soaking and drying.

17. Perry is the pear equivalent of apple cider

You’ve probably seen your mother use apple cider in desserts and might have tasted it. But did you know what it’s made of? Just fresh-pressed apples!

Apple cider has a pear equivalent, too: Perry. The fresh pears are pressed to release all that juicy, sweet goodness straight into a bottle.

The alcohol content in perry varies depending on the manufacturing company; you can find both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties in the market. If you’re going to buy some of this fruity goodness for yourself, remember that non-alcoholic perry is commonly called pear cider.

18. There are several ways to preserve and enjoy pears

There are many preservation techniques for pears to ensure that people worldwide can enjoy these fruits for the entire year.

They are canned, frozen, and added to jellies and jams. There’s also pear juice and perry, two of the most refreshing drinks for a hot summer night.

But when these fruits are in season around you, don’t eat them all straight out of hand! To fully utilize the pears’ flavor, add them to your pies, salads, cakes, smoothie bowls, and sandwiches.

19. Pears are highly nutritious fruits

Besides their sweet taste, pears are also really good for your health. Even if you’re not crazy about these fruits, try to eat at least one pear every two-three days when they are in season.

Pears are a good source of polyphenol antioxidants, which might reduce the chances of cancer and protect against oxidative damage. However, if you’re in the habit of peeling pears, it has to stop because the skin of pears contains six times more polyphenols than the flesh.

Pears are also packed with nutrients like copper, potassium, folate, and Vitamins K and C.

20. Pears relieve constipation and promote weight loss

If you suffer from constipation, eating pears regularly is a surefire way to treat it. Pears contain soluble and insoluble fibers, which promote digestive health.

A study done with 80 adults over four weeks showed that the fiber in pears relieves constipation and increases healthy gut bacteria. Again, the peel contains a substantial amount of fiber, so don’t skip out on those!

Pears have very few calories and a high fiber and water content. This combination is perfect for weight loss if consumed regularly. This is because fiber and water give a feeling of fullness in your gut, which makes you less prone to binge-eating.

And because of the low calories in pears, you can easily add two pears to your daily diet without hesitation!

21. The Asian Pear is the National Fruit of South Korea

Asian Pears are one of Asia’s favorite snacks. South Korea took this a step ahead by even naming the Asian Pear as their National Fruit!

22. Pears are the state fruit of Oregon!

In 2005, pears were declared the official state fruit of Oregon. If you think about it, it does make sense seeing how Pear is the top-selling tree fruit crop in the state. Oregon is also one of the six chief pear-producing states in the United States.

23. Renaissance painters loved drawing pears

If you’ve been to ancient museums, particularly in Rome or Greece, you must’ve noticed the occasional painted fruit bowl. Even if you haven’t, you must’ve seen a painting of a pear in your textbook or on the television.

It might look funny, but these fruit paintings have received high critical acclaim and appreciation. Their rounded shape and subtle coloring are hard to capture, and the slight shadow due to the elongated top only enhances its beauty.

As a famous example, Vincent Van Gogh has also painted pears and drawn several paintings of the flowering pear tree!

24. Pears can float on water!

Have you ever wondered whether pears can float on water? Let us first tell you that floating on the water depends on density.

If any fruit has a lower density than the density of water, it floats, or else it sinks. For example, lemons and bananas always float on water because their density is less than water’s, while avocadoes and potatoes sink in water.

Pear is one of those fruits which can either sink or float depending on how much it has ripened. A soft, fully-ripe pear will float on water, while a tight pear won’t.

25. December is celebrated as National Pear Month

Has this article piqued your interest in pears? We certainly hope so because National Pear Month isn’t going to wait for anyone!

These juicy, flavorful fruits are celebrated annually for the entire month of December. One of the best ways to celebrate pears is to incorporate them into the most basic recipes in new and innovative ways.

For instance, if you like pineapples on your pizza (don’t worry, we are not the judgmental sort), you’d love pears on your pizza.

Turkey leftovers are a common scene in most households during the holiday season. This year, wow your friends and cousins with the most amazing turkey cranberry sandwich by just adding a few slices of pear in there. Trust us; you won’t regret it.

Check out online forums and subreddits to learn unique and interesting facts about pears during National Pear Month!

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In this article, we have created a comprehensive collection of fascinating facts that will amaze both adults and children alike. From discussing the differences between varieties of mangoes to detailing their nutrient-rich benefits and even highlighting recipes for delicious treats, this list provides countless ways to explore this amazing tropical fruit.

Let’s get started!

1. Mangoes have been around for 4,000 years!

Considered one of the oldest fruits in the world, mangoes have been around for over 4,000 years! Mangoes are a fruit that originated in South Asia and the Indian subcontinent. They were cultivated there for the first time and were brought to other parts of the world by traders and travelers. Mangoes are now grown in many tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, the Americas, and Australia.

2. The term “mango” has Portuguese origins

Doesn’t the name of mangoes sound funny to you? Man-go, as if you’re asking a man to leave! If you’ve ever been curious about how this term came into being, we have the answer right here for you:

The term “mango” has Portuguese origins, as the Portuguese were the first Europeans to encounter the fruit during their travels to India. Mango is derived from the Portuguese term manga, which was taken from the Malay term mangga. This Malay term finds its roots in two Tamil words: man, which was the Tamil name for mango tree, and kay, which means fruit.

In other words, the fruits that grow on mango trees were called mankay in the Tamil language, and our current name for these fruits has been derived from it.

3. India is the land of mangoes’ origins

Since mangoes are warm-climate fruits, it’s natural to assume that they’ve originated in a tropical area, but do you know exactly where did these fruits first grow?

Evidence indicates that these fruits were first grown in the heart of Southeast Asia; the region between north-eastern India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, to be more precise. It is from this area that these tropical fruits spread to the rest of Asia and later to other continents.

4. There are thousands of recognized mango varieties in the world!

When it comes to varieties, mangoes offer more than you could ever handle! There are thousands of mango varieties cultivated around the world. India, the land of this fruit’s origin, boasts of cultivating over 1,500 mango varieties, out of which 1,000 are commercially recognized.

Even in America, where these fruits were not cultivated until the 19th century, you can find over 100 different mango varieties!

5. Mangoes and cashews are relatives

Who would ever have thought that large, juicy fruits like mangoes would be related to a dry fruit? It might seem surprising, but it’s true.

Mangoes are related to not one but two different nuts: cashews and pistachios. All three of these fruits belong to the Anacardiaceae family and are, therefore, botanically considered cousins.

6. Unripe mangoes have a higher Vitamin C content than ripe ones

While you might enjoy mangoes that are sweet and juicy, there are many who would rather have them raw. In their raw form, these fruits are extremely sour due to the high amount of citric, malic, oxalic, and succinic acids in them.

But did you know that there’s one more acid that has a higher concentration in unripe mangoes? We’re talking about Ascorbic acid, the purest form of Vitamin C. Because of its presence, unripe mangoes are more nutritious than ripe ones.

7. Unripe mangoes have various culinary uses

We just learned about the nutritiousness of unripe mangoes, despite their sour taste. But did you know that these sour fruits are warmly welcomed in Indian and Thai cuisines? They’re a common ingredient in salads, drinks, pickles, and chutneys.

8. Mangoes continue to ripen after they’re harvested

Have you ever brought home sour grapes and regretted it almost instantly? Well, in the case of mangoes, that’s nothing you’ll need to worry about, because even if they’re sour today, in a couple of days, they’ll turn sweeter.

This is because these tropical fruits are climacteric in nature, which means they continue to ripen after they’ve been plucked from their trees. When mangoes are picked, they’re not yet ripe. The ethylene gas that they produce speeds up the ripening process, so they continue to ripen after they’re harvested.

9. The Alphonso variety is called “the king of mangoes”

Mangoes are considered the king of fruits by many, but do you know which mango holds that position among other mango varieties? We’re talking about Alphonso Mangoes.

Named after the first Duke of the Indian state of Goa, Alfonso de Albuquerque, these mangoes are quite expensive and sought after in the international market for their soft, juicy pulp and rich and creamy flavor.

These bright fruits have a taste that seems like a combination of various other fruits, such as peaches, melons, and apricots dipped in honey.

10. Miyazaki Mangoes are the most expensive mangoes in the world

We just talked about one of the most expensive mangoes in the world above. Has that made you wonder which variety tops the list? We’re glad it did because here’s your answer: Miyazaki Mangoes.

Named after the Japanese city where it was cultivated in, this mango variety is also referred to as taiyo-no-tomago, which translates to eggs of sunshine in English. This is because they resemble dinosaur eggs in shape.

Each year, the Miyazaki Mangoes are auctioned off to the highest bidder in the market. In 2019, these fruits made their highest sale record, when a pair of them was sold at 500,000 yen. That’s close to $4,000. Imagine paying that much money for a couple of fruits!

11. Mangoes were first introduced in America in the 16th century

While mangoes have been on Earth for at least 4,000 years, not all of us have enjoyed in for that long. The Americans were unaware of the existence of these juicy fruits until the 16th century. Wondering how mangoes found their way into our continent?

It all started in the 14th century when the Portuguese explorers brought mangoes to Africa. On their later voyages, these explorers introduced these fruits to Brazil, from where they were spread to Mexico and the Caribbean.

It wasn’t until the 1800s that the fruits found their way into the United States, where the first mango tree was planted in Florida in 1833.

12. Mangoes were the muse behind the famous paisley pattern

Have you ever seen people wearing bandanas with paisley patterns drawn on them? We’re talking about the teardrop-shaped pattern, which has a curved end. This pattern, which originated in Persia in the 16th century and is now popular throughout the world, was inspired by the shape of mangoes!

The paisley pattern was highly popularized by the Beatles in America around the 1960s when they were considered a psychedelic style.

13. Mango trees can fruit at the age of 300 years

It is common knowledge that mangoes can last 2 to 3 days at room temperature and about 7-12 days when stored in a refrigerator. What comes as a surprise to many is the incredibly long lifespan of the trees on which these fruits grow.

The mango trees, which are about 120 feet tall, generally tend to live well past 100 years, with some trees bearing fruits even at the age of 300 years!

14. Mangoes can tenderize meat

You might have heard about papayas being used as a meat tenderizer, but did you know that mangoes can do it as well? Much like papayas, these fruits also contain enzymes that help break down the protein of meat into amino acids, which makes them softer and lesser chewy.

The next time you’re cooking meat and have mangoes sitting on your table’s basket, don’t forget to use them to your advantage!

15. Mango leaves are toxic to cattle

The leaves of mango trees, which are considered auspicious in Indian culture, are highly toxic to cattle! These leaves have a high concentration of Mangiferin, which is a phenolic compound that can cause poisoning in all cattle animals if they ingest in high quantities.

16. Touching mango leaves can make you itchy!

We learned earlier that mangoes, cashews, and pistachios come from the same family. But did you know that many popular trees with poison in their names – poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac – are all mango’s cousins as well?

Besides their shared family, these three plants have another similarity with mango plants: Urushiol, an oily chemical that induces a severe itch in humans upon touching it. This chemical runs in the sap of mango trees just as the other poison plants, which is why touching their leaves or bark can make you itchy.

17. The heaviest mango in the world weighs over 9 pounds!

If you’re interested in reading world records, you might already know that the record of the heaviest mango in the world was set at 7 pounds and 57 pounces. We’d like to update your knowledge by telling you how this record was broken very recently.

In April 2021, a farmer couple in Guayata, Columbia, set the new world record of the heaviest mango in the world, which weighed 9 pounds and 36 ounces!

18. India is the leading producer of mangos in the world

Considering how India was the land of mango’s origin, it’s not difficult to imagine the Asian country being its leading producer in the world. India accounts for 45% of the total mango production in the world. Indonesia, which falls second on the list, has a total production that’s merely one-eighth of India’s.

What’s even more surprising is that despite its incredibly high numbers of production, the country has less than 1% involvement in the global trade of mangos.

It only highlights how most mangoes grown in the country are consumed by its citizens, making India the largest mango-consuming country as well. It is for these reasons that the country is called the Mango Capital of the World.

19. Mangoes hold a special place in the Indian culture

We’ve already gathered by now that India and mangoes go way back. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that these fruits are significant in the country’s culture as well.

In Tamil Nadu, a South-Indian state, mango is considered one of the three royal fruits, alongside jackfruits and bananas. Mango leaves are used to decorate doors and entrances in festivals, while their blossoms are used to worship Goddess Saraswati.

Ambika, the Jain goddess, is also represented as sitting under a mango tree!

20. The Buddhists see mangoes as a symbol of prosperity

Mangoes have a special place in the hearts of all Buddhists, and it’s not merely because of their taste.

There’s a popular Buddhist legend that says that Buddha was once gifted a grove of mangoes to rest and meditate. Because of this legend, the Buddhists started seeing mangoes as a symbol of prosperity and faith. These fruits also became a symbol of diplomacy since they were exchanged as gifts among various Buddhist rulers.

21. Thailand is the largest exporter of mangoes in the world

We learned above how India grows the most mangos in the world and consumes them, too, having lower than 1% involvement in the global mango trade. Doesn’t that make you wonder which country exports most of these fruits? If it does, we have the answer right here for you: Thailand is the largest exporter of mangoes in the world, accounting for about one-third of the global mango trade. The country exports mangoes to more than 50 countries, with the majority of exports going to the United States, Europe, and Japan.

22. China is the largest importer of mangoes in the world

Now that we’ve learned about mango’s largest exporter, let’s move on to talk about the country that imports the highest numbers of these fruits: it’s China.

Despite being the third-largest producer of mangoes itself, this Asian country imports them from ten different countries. Perhaps its large mango production isn’t enough for its even larger population.

Mangoes are a popular fruit in China and are often eaten fresh or used in juices and desserts. The fruit is also becoming increasingly popular as a decorative element in fruit platters and as a garnish on cocktails and other drinks.

23. Mango is the national fruit of three Asian countries!

Because mangoes have originated in Asia, three Asian countries have declared them their national fruit: India, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

24. Mango trees can grow up to 100 feet tall

The average height of a mango tree is about 45 feet, but some trees can grow over 100 feet. Mango trees have a wide, round canopy and a dense network of branches and leaves.

25. Mango is considered a drupe

A drupe is a fruit with a stone or pit inside, surrounded by flesh. Mangoes are drupes because they have a large, hard seed in the center, surrounded by juicy flesh. The skin of a mango is thin and can be eaten, but it is often discarded. The flesh of the mango is sweet and creamy, and it is often used in desserts or eaten as a snack. Mangoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.

26. July 22nd is celebrated as National Mango Day

Because mangoes are considered the most delicious of summer fruits, it seems appropriate that they’re celebrated right in the middle of summer, on July 22nd.

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In this article, we’ve put together lots of fun facts about raspberries that will keep your little ones entertained for hours. So, without any further ado, let’s begin!

1. Raspberries are not true berries but aggregate fruits!

Most people assume that fruits like raspberries and strawberries are berries, and it’s understandable. After all, that’s what they’re called, right? However, berry isn’t just a common English term; it’s also a botanical term. And botanically, raspberries aren’t true berries at all.

Instead, they belong to an entirely different category called aggregate fruits. The fruits in this category are formed by many ovaries coming together to form one flower.

2. The small buds that make a raspberry are called drupelets

If you’re an avid raspberry eater, you might’ve noticed the small buds that make up a raspberry. In general, a raspberry is composed of about 50 to 150 of those small buds, which are called drupelets.

But did you know that those small buds are actually tiny fruits? It’s true; drupelets even have seeds, too!

3. Raspberries belong to the Rose family!

Roses and raspberries belong to the same family, Rosaceae. Fruits like peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, apples, pears, and strawberries are also part of this family, making it one of the six most economically important crop plant families in the world.

4. The term ‘Raspberry’ has Latin origins!

The word raspberry has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

You’d be surprised to learn that raspberries get their name from the Anglo-Latin word raspise, which means a sweet, rose-colored wine.

The name could’ve also been influenced by the fruit’s rough surface, leading to the use of the Old-English word rasp, meaning rough berry.

5. There are more than 200 varieties of raspberries!

If you’ve ever seen a raspberry bush, you must’ve noticed the sharp thorns on the stem. The vines these fruits grow on also require vertical support.

To improve upon these issues, various raspberry breeding programs were held. Recent breeding has resulted in new and more efficient raspberry varieties. These produce large yields, don’t have thorns, and can grow without staking (support).

More than 200 varieties of raspberries are grown today, most of which are cross-bred with other berries.

6. Raspberries were first cultivated in the 4th century

Raspberries have been around for much, much longer than you’d imagine. Archaeological evidence suggests humans consumed raspberries even in the Paleolithic Era!

According to the writings of the Roman agriculturalist, Palladius, the Romans started cultivating raspberries in the 4th century.

The cultivation of raspberries in England began in the 16th century. Although the Americans were already eating the black raspberries native to the region, full-fledged cultivation only started in the early 1800s.

7. Raspberries commonly occur in 4 different colors

Yes, Red Raspberries are great, but have you ever had Black Raspberries?

Raspberries mostly occur in four colors: red, black, purple, and yellow/golden. The difference in fruits’ pigments doesn’t make much difference in their taste, except for sweetness. In other words, all raspberries have the same flavor regardless of their color; only some are sweeter than others.

The most common of these is the Red Raspberries, which you can find in almost every fruit market and online.

8. Golden Raspberries are highly rare!

Golden Raspberries look vibrant, but they taste even better. They are sweeter than Red Raspberries; their taste is often compared to honey and apricots.

If you’ve ever had these naturally-occurring variants of raspberries, count yourself among the fortunate ones because they’re very rare. Even if you find them, they’re sold as novelty items and are extremely (often bordering on unreasonably) expensive.

9. Raspberries have hollow insides!

Have you ever noticed that raspberries have hollow insides?

This is another factor that distinguishes raspberries from blackberries: blackberries have flesh on the inside, while raspberries are completely hollow.

If you’ve ever picked raspberries, you might’ve noticed the white-colored receptacle that’s left behind when the fruit is plucked out. And it’s a good thing that it doesn’t come with the fruit because those receptacles are inedible.

10. Water makes up for over 85% of raspberries’ mass

Raspberries are composed of almost 85% water, which is why it feels like they’re exploding all their sweet juices into your mouth: they literally are!

11. Raspberries can float on water!

We just told you how water makes up for 85% of raspberry’s mass. Did that make you wonder if these fruits can float on water?

First, let us tell you what floating on water is all about: density. If a fruit’s density is less than water’s, it floats; otherwise, it sinks. The density of raspberries is quite low, as they’re hollow from the inside. This means they generally float on water.

12. Raspberries are a storehouse of antioxidants

Raspberries don’t only taste and look good; they also work wonders for your health when consumed regularly!
For example, these berries contain powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C, which help prevent oxidative stress on your cells.

Research also suggests that they have anti-inflammatory properties, which might prevent the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and obesity.

13. Raspberries promote weight loss

If you’re worried you’ll grow fat from eating raspberries, you’re in for a surprise.

The fiber and water content of raspberries together make these berries the perfect snack. As long as you’re eating them in moderation, raspberries might even help you lose weight!

This is because fiber binds your stomach and makes you feel full even after eating just a few of them. They satiate your sweet tooth while reducing the urge to binge eat.

14. Experts call raspberries “anti-aging fruits”

The antioxidant content of raspberries might help reduce the signs of aging by fighting the free radicals in your body.
Vitamin C in them is also necessary for healthy skin, as it reverses damage caused to the skin by UV rays.

15. Raspberries have various culinary applications

Raspberries taste juicy and sweet when eaten fresh, but that’s not all they’re good for. These fruits are a wonderful addition to almost every dessert, and there are many ways to preserve them for a longer time, too!

When fresh, you can add raspberries to pies, cakes, muffins, cupcakes, tarts, puddings, smoothies, and shakes. They’re used to flavor liquors, champagnes, and spirits.

Raspberry wines are a delicacy in the wine industry, and these berries are also added to grape wines to sweeten them.
Raspberries are dried, canned, frozen, and made into jams to preserve them for a longer time.

16. Blue raspberries don’t exist in Nature!

Blue raspberries do not exist, even if the label on your 100% natural fruit drink tells you otherwise.

If you’ve bought a blue raspberry product, let us tell you that no such fruit exists, and even if it does, it hasn’t been discovered yet. Products that claim to have Blue Raspberry juice generally contain extracts from lesser expensive fruits like oranges and apples.

18. Russia is the leading raspberry-producing country in the world!

Russia produces the most raspberries out of all other countries, with a yearly production of approximately 174,000 tons. That’s almost 20% of the worldwide raspberry production!

The second, third, fourth, and fifth places are currently occupied by Mexico, Poland, Serbia, and the United States, respectively.

19. California is the largest raspberry-producing state in the United States

California produces the most Raspberries in the United States; the Golden State accounts for almost 80% of the country’s total raspberry production!

Oregon and Washington are next in line, but their combined production is far less than that of California.

20. The Raspberry Special transported raspberries from Scotland to London in the 1950s

Scotland is often said to produce the finest raspberries in the world. Looks like the people in London firmly believed in this saying! In the 1950s, Scotland shuttled raspberries to London on a steam train called the Raspberry Special.

21. Blowing a raspberry doesn’t actually involve a raspberry!

Blowing a raspberry is a way to display derision and ridicule. To blow a raspberry, you make a sound by putting your tongue out and blowing. The sound thus created resembles a fart. It is generally taken as a sign of insult and also makes you come across as childish.

22. The Golden Raspberry Awards aren’t a big honor

If you like watching the Oscars, you’ll love the Golden Raspberry Awards.

The Golden Raspberry Awards or the Razzies are a parody of the Academy Awards. Some nominations include Worst Picture, Worst Screen Combo, Worst Actor, and more.

They are called so in reference to the rhyming slang, blowing a raspberry.

23. Raspberries have a cultural significance in the Greek mythology

As you already know, raspberries have been consumed in Europe, particularly in Rome and Greece, since the 4th century. Therefore, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the fruit also strongly influenced the region’s culture.

According to Greek mythology, all raspberries were white until Ida, baby Zeus’s nursemaid, pricked her finger on the thorny raspberry bushes. Her blood stained the raspberries, and they’ve remained red ever since.

Rubus idaeus, the scientific name for raspberries, also means bramble bush of Ida. Raspberries are also seen as a symbol of fertility in Greek culture.

24. Astronomers claim the Milky Way “could taste of raspberries!”

How cool would it be if the Milky Way tasted like raspberries?

While looking for amino acids (the basic elements from which life is created) in space, scientists came across one giant dust cloud at the heart of the Milky Way.

And while they didn’t find any amino acids in there, they did find ethyl formate, the chemical responsible for the flavor of raspberries.

However, it looks like we’re still far from space raspberries. According to astronomer Arnaud Belloche, there are many other molecules that are needed to make space raspberries.

25. Raspberries are the national fruit of Nepal

Raspberries are also the national fruit of Nepal and are widely grown in this country. In fact, there’s a particular raspberry variety that grows only in this  Asian country. They’re called Nepalese Raspberries (rubus nepalensis), are golden in color and slightly sour in taste.

26. Minnesota hosts a Raspberry Festival every year!

If you are a raspberry enthusiast and live somewhere near Hopkins, Minnesota, you’re in for a treat: literally!

The small town of Hopkins has been hosting a three-day Raspberry festival every year in July. The events include a Search for the Golden Raspberry, a Grande Day Parade, a Family Day, and much more!

You’ll be able to try the different, rare varieties of raspberries as well.

27. 31st July is celebrated as National Raspberry Cake Day annually

We all love desserts, especially if they’re fruit flavored, right?

Someone thought it would be a great idea to celebrate raspberries and fruity desserts together on National Raspberry Cake Day. And we don’t know about you, but we surely agree!

To celebrate National Raspberry Cake Day, put your own spin on this dessert! You can add in chocolate, strawberries, blackberries, and maybe some lemon zest. Just go into that kitchen and create something completely original!

Raspberry festivals are also common in places where these berries are grown. If you cannot attend such an event, you can also host one with the help of your friends and family!

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1. The term “pomegranate” has Latin origins

Do you know what the term pomegranate means? Yes, it’s the name of a fruit, but how did this fruit come to be named pomegranate? Well, it has been derived from two medieval Latin terms: pomum, which means apple, and granatum means seeded.

So, pomegranates were basically called seeded apples, which makes sense because of two reasons:
• Apple was a generic term for all fruits (other than berries) up until the 17th century.
• The inside of the pomegranate is indeed filled with seeds.

2. Pomegranates have originated in the Middle East

Being tropical fruits, it’s no surprise that pomegranates originated in the Middle East, where the climate was ideal for their growth. Some historians claim that Persia is the kingdom of their origin, but there’s little substantial evidence to verify that.

Wherever these fruits might have originated, they quickly spread throughout the Mediterranean and were soon found in China, Arabia, Afghanistan, and India.

3. Pomegranates are botanically categorized as a berry

The image of berries in your head might consist of small, brightly-colored fruits with juicy pulp. But that’s not how the botanists define it; according to them, true berries originate from a single-ovaried flower and have many seeds. Pomegranates fit this description perfectly and are, therefore, botanically categorized as berries.

4. A single pomegranate can have as many as 1,400 seeds!

Many of you might already know this, but it is the seeds of pomegranates that are primarily edible to us. These bright red seeds are also referred to as arils and have a juicy, sweet taste with an occasional touch of tart.

A single pomegranate can have anywhere between 200 and 1,400 seeds. Did you know that the thin white flesh that surrounds these seeds is also edible? But because they taste so bitter, most people throw them away.

5. Pomegranates are a storehouse of antioxidants

Pomegranates are a potent antioxidant, having a rich source of fructose, sucrose, punicic acid, flavonoids, alkaloids, anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and simple organic acids.

These antioxidants lend these fruits anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, and anti-hypertensive properties, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

6. The pomegranate trees can live as long as 200 years!

Pomegranates are durable fruits and can last up to 2 months in the refrigerator. What if we told you that their durability is nothing when compared to that of the trees on which they grow?

The pomegranate trees have a very long lifespan and can live up to 200 years. However, they don’t bear fruit for that long; their peak fruition period lasts only 12-15 years.

7. Pomegranate seeds have a long history of use in traditional medicines

This might come as a surprise to many of you, but long before pomegranates were consumed as fruits, they played an indispensable role in the traditional medicinal practices in Asian countries. In fact, humans’ first association with these fruits was significant for their use in medicine and not direct consumption as a fruit.

8. The Spanish name of Pomegranates is also the name of a Spanish city

The capital city of the Province of Grenada in Spain is named Granada. Oddly enough, grenada is also the Spanish name for pomegranates. It could perhaps be because of this reason that these fruits are the heraldic device of the city.

9. Pomegranates are explosive fruits!

Yes, pomegranates don’t always need your help to crack them open. But if you’re thinking they’d explode randomly with all their seeds flying haywire, that’s not how it works.

Calling it split open would be more appropriate. Many pomegranate farmers have reported that these fruits are often found split open while hanging on the trees a little before their harvesting time. Some of them believe that this happens when they become overripe, which is not true.

The real reason behind pomegranates splitting themselves open is irrigational irregularity. Here’s how it happens:

When the trees get lesser water than it needs, the outer peels of their fruits stop growing. And later on, when ample water is provided, the seeds inside the fruits continue to expand and can end up rupturing their leathery peel, resulting in a split.

10. The Ancient Romans used to dye clothes using pomegranates

In addition to enriching their diet, the pomegranates fulfilled another important purpose for the Ancient Romans. To them, pomegranate juice was also a potent dye!

This worked well for the Romans (and many others who came after them) because pomegranates have a high tannin content (19-26%) and can dye cotton and other plant-based fibers quite well. You can also use it on silk and wool, but the result might not be as impressive.

11. Romans also used the rind and root of pomegranates to treat tapeworm

We’ve just discussed a peculiar use of pomegranates by the Romans. Want to hear another one? This one doesn’t involve the fruit’s juice but its rind and root.

Ancient Romans had a special recipe that could treat diarrhea and tapeworm. And while we cannot extract the original recipe, it was found that the roots and rind of pomegranates were its primary ingredients.

More proof of this being true lies in the Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical papyrus from 1550 BC. It has the record of the herbal knowledge used at the time of the Egyptians and also talks of pomegranate rind being an effective treatment for tapeworms.

12. The pomegranate bonsai is one of the most popular bonsais in Japan

Do you know how tall the pomegranate trees grow? Well, their height generally ranges between 16 and 33 feet. However, what if we told you that these trees come in much smaller sizes as well? Say, 1-2 feet?

We’re talking about the pomegranate bonsai. These bonsais are quite popular throughout Japan, which is considered the homeland of bonsai. Pomegranate bonsai trees are majestic! Despite being so tiny, they have thick trunks, lush green leaves, and even bear fruits! Wouldn’t it be amazing to grow one in your home?

13. The Chinese saw pomegranates as a symbol of fertility

Pomegranates were introduced to China during the ruling period of the Han Dynasty and were seen as symbolic of fertility by the people of the country, a tradition that remains prevalent even today. Many Chinese households hang paintings of bursting pomegranates to bless their offspring with wisdom and positive energy.

14. The Greeks called pomegranates “the fruit of the dead”

The Greeks seemed to see pomegranates in a much different light than the Chinese. The main reason behind it lies in their mythology.

Greek mythology conveyed that the pomegranates had originated from the blood of Adonis as he was dying in the arms of his immortal lover, Aphrodite. Due to the nature of their origin, the Greeks called these fruits the fruit of the dead.

15. In Hindu mythology, pomegranates are associated with the Earth Goddess

Much like in China, pomegranates are also seen as symbolic of prosperity and fertility in India. In fact, Hindu mythology links these fruits to Bhoomidevi or Vasundhara, the Earth Goddess who holds pomegranates in one of her four arms.

16. The heaviest pomegranate in the world weighs 5.7 pounds!

Could you guess how much would an average-sized pomegranate weigh? About 9 ounces. Would you believe us if we said that a Chinese farmer once grew a pomegranate that weighed ten times its average weight? No, we’re not lying.

In 2017, Zhang Yuanpeng, a Chinese farmer, grew a pomegranate that weighed 5.7 pounds (2.6 kilograms)! The fruit was entered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest pomegranate ever grown.

17. Pomegranates are the national fruit of two Asian countries

You’d be surprised to learn that not one but two Asian countries have declared pomegranates to be their national fruit: Azerbaijan and Iran.

18. Every October, the people of Azerbaijan celebrate the Pomegranate Festival

The people of Azerbaijan take their national fruit very seriously, so much so that they hold an elaborate festival to honor this fruit every October. This festival, held in the district of Goychay, is called the Goychay Pomegranate Festival.

The Pomegranate festival here is celebrated with much vigor, music, and dance, wherein you’ll find fancy fairs of all the pomegranate varieties grown in the country as well as their byproducts. Alongside these, you’ll also notice exhibitions of folklore paintings, potteries, sculptures, and other handicrafts.

The Goychay Pomegranate Festival has gained such wide popularity over the years that UNESCO included it in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.

19. A pomegranate was depicted in the official logo of the 2015 European Games

The 2015 European Games were hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan. And because pomegranates are the national fruit of the country, the official logo of this international event was shaped like these fruits!

20. Pomegranates are an important part of the Yalda Night celebration in Iran

We just learned how much significance pomegranates hold to the people of Azerbaijan. But what about the other country that has declared them as their national fruit? Yes, we’re talking about Iran, and you’d be happy to learn that pomegranates are significant in Iranian culture as well.

On Yalda Night, an Iranian festival celebrated on the winter solstice every year, all families in the community come together to feast and read epic poetry. Pomegranates and watermelons are both important parts of this feast, as their color symbolizes the hues of dawn.

21. India is the largest pomegranate-producing country in the world

Among all the countries where pomegranates are cultivated, India takes the lead. This Asian country produces more pomegranates every year than any other country in the world, followed by Iran, China, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

22. Iran is the largest exporter of pomegranates in the world

On the list of the largest pomegranate-producing countries in the world, Iran follows India closely, bagging the second position. However, if there’s one area in which Iran has left India behind, it is in the export of this fruit.

Although India produces the maximum number of pomegranates annually, it’s an equally significant consumer of the fruit. On the other hand, the pomegranate export business of Iran is larger and more extensive, making them the leading exporters of these fruits globally.

23. Afghanistan is called “the country of the pomegranate fruit”

Although Afghanistan doesn’t rank as high as India and Iran on the list of the largest pomegranate-producing countries in the world, it is still called the country of the pomegranate fruit.

Wondering why? It is because the diversity of pomegranate varieties that you can find here isn’t found in any other place. Because of this unparalleled variety, the leading botanists of the world believe the country to be the cradle of pomegranate production.

24. Pomegranates were introduced to America in the 16th century!

Pomegranates’ introduction into America was much later than that of the European countries. It was in the 1700s that the Spanish settlers first brought these fruits to the continent.

25. California is the largest pomegranate-producing state in the United States

Many states of the United States – including Texas, Arizona, Utah, Florida, and North Carolina – grow pomegranates. But none of them can match the vast production of California, which is the leading pomegranate-producing state in the country.

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Let’s get started!

1. Kiwis have Chinese origins

The origins of kiwis can be traced back to the central and eastern parts of China. Researchers have found mentions of these fruits dating back to the 12th century, during the rule of the Song dynasty. During those days, kiwis were not cultivated for consumption but merely collected from the forests for their medicinal use.

2. “Kiwi” is the name of the bird, too!

If you look up kiwi on the web, you’ll find two different kinds of results: the fruits and the birds. Does that make you wonder which of the two was named after the other one? Find its answer in the next fact!

3. Kiwis were earlier called “Chinese Gooseberry”

Did you know that the fruits that you commonly call kiwifruits today were once called Chinese Gooseberries? Yes, we’re telling the truth.

Chinese Gooseberries were the first name of these fruits, which made sense seeing as they have originated in the country. However, in 1959, the similarities between these fruits and the Kiwi bird were first noticed. Both had a brown, fuzzy appearance.

Keeping these similarities in mind, the people of New Zealand decided to name the fruits after kiwi birds, that was the national bird of the country.

4. Kiwis are beneficial for your eyes

Do you know why eating a kiwi can do wonders for your eye health? It is because these fruits contain two carotenoids – Lutein and Zeaxanthin – which are also referred to as eye vitamins.

These carotenoids can absorb all the extra light in our eyes, preventing our retinas from any damage, which could eventually lead to eye diseases like Cataracts in the long run.

5. 80% of kiwifruit is just water!

The water content of kiwifruits is higher than our own bodies! The nutritional breakdown of these fruits has revealed that water accounts for 83 grams of a total of 100 grams of kiwis.

6. All parts of kiwifruits are edible to us

Most of the fruits that we eat today need some kind of preparation. You’ll either need to peel them off, remove their seeds, or chop off their rind. However, when it comes to kiwifruits, you can bite into them right away (as long as you’ve washed them first).

This is because all parts of these fruits, including their skin and seeds, are both edible as well as nutritious. That being said, it’s best to purchase organic kiwis if you plan to eat them whole since the commercially-grown fruits could potentially contain pesticides on their skin.

7. “Baby Kiwis” are separate fruits in the Kiwi family

When you hear the term Baby Kiwi, what’s the first thought that comes to mind? Perhaps you’d guess that these fruits are simply the immature version of the fuzzy kiwifruits we eat, like baby corn, wouldn’t you? Well, if that’s your guess, it’s wrong.

Baby Kiwis, more commonly known as Kiwi Berries and Dessert Kiwis, are separate fruits whose plants belong to the same family as the fuzzy kiwifruits. However, they’re much smaller in size (almost similar to a large grape) and have smooth, green outer skin.

Another difference between Kiwifruits and Kiwi Berries is that the vines of the latter grow much faster than the former.

8. Kiwis are strongly recommended for pregnant women

Women, when they’re pregnant, take a daily supplement of folic acid. But why is folic acid so important? This nutrient facilitates cognitive development in their baby and prevents the risk of neural tube defects.

However, research has shown that the kiwis have such a rich folic acid content that including the acid in their daily diet can be just effective as taking the supplements.

9. Kiwi skin is an effective meat tenderizer

We just learned that all parts of kiwifruits, including their outer skin, are edible. Would you like to learn about another interesting use of kiwi skin?

Just rub it on meat a couple of hours before cooking it, and your dish will turn out tenderer than ever! Wondering how it happens? It is because kiwifruits have a special soluble protein called Actinid, which can help break down the collagens of meat, thereby making it juicier and tenderer.

10. Not all kiwis have green flesh!

It is common knowledge that kiwis are green-fleshed fruits, isn’t it? Well, this might come as a surprise to many of you, but there’s a kiwi variety with yellow flesh!

These are called Golden Kiwifruits, and have a sweeter taste than the regular kiwis. They were first introduced in the Japanese markets in 1998; their export to the European and American countries began in 2000.

11. Some people are allergic to kiwifruits

Kiwis are such delectable fruits that it’s difficult to imagine how anyone could be allergic to them. But if you look at it scientifically, you’ll learn that these fruits have as many as 13 different kinds of allergens!

Kiwi allergy is also quite common in the country. Studies have shown that about 60% of the children who are allergic to other fruits or vegetables are also allergic to kiwifruits.

12. If someone is allergic to kiwis, they’d also be allergic to latex!

Have you ever heard of the latex-fruit allergy syndrome? It is a theory based on clinical observations which indicate that people who are allergic to latex are also allergic to some fresh fruits.

The fruits that are included in this list include bananas, avocados, pineapples, papayas, and kiwis.

13. China is the leading producer of kiwifruits in the world

China, the country where the origins of kiwifruits lie, is also the leading producer of these fruits in the world. This Asian country is followed by New Zealand, Italy, and Greece; however, none of them are even close to matching their numbers.

14. Kiwis are the national fruit of China

China has declared kiwifruits to be the national fruit of their country. It makes a lot of sense these fruits have both originated in their country and are produced in the largest numbers there.

15. Kiwis were first introduced in America in the 1900s

We discussed earlier how evidence of kiwis’ existence in China could be dated back to the 12th century. But did you know that it took these fruits another 8 centuries to find their way to America?

During World War II, the American soldiers stationed in New Zealand tasted kiwis for the first time. Soon, these fruits became popular among them, which led to their first export to America in 1906.

16. California is the leading kiwi-producing state in the United States

The United States of America ranks 10th on the list of the kiwi-producing countries in the world, and it’s all thanks to California. The Golden State accounts for 98% of total kiwi production in the nation and is, therefore, the leading kiwi-producing state.

17. December 21st is celebrated as “National Kiwifruit Day”

Because Kiwis are winter fruits, National Kiwifruit Day is celebrated on December 21st every year, which also marks the onset of winter (the Winter Solstice). Isn’t that a beautiful symbolism?

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20 Blueberry Facts For Kids That Are Fun To Know

What do you know about cantaloupes? Chances are, you know at least a few things. But even if you think you know a lot about these delicious and nutritious fruits, we’re betting there are some things here that will surprise you!

In this article, we’ve put together a bunch of fun facts about this delicious fruit. You might be surprised by some of the things you learn. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!

1. Cantaloupes have been named after an Italian city

Have you ever thought about how cantaloupes were named? These fruits have been named after Cantalupo, a small town in the Lazio region of Italy, where they had first arrived from the Asian country of Armenia.

2. Cantaloupe is a muskmelon!

Most people consider Cantaloupes a melon variety, which isn’t true. While these fruits are categorized as melons, they have a narrower subcategory as well. They’re actually a muskmelon variety, just like Persian Melons, Santa Claus Melons, and Honeydew.

3. The Australians call Cantaloupes “Rockmelons”

While we call cantaloupes cantaloupes, that’s not the name the Australians use for them. To them, these fruits are called rockmelons, which is also the case for the people of New Zealand. Moreover, cantaloupes are also referred to as Sweet Melons in some parts of the world.

4. Cantaloupes have originated in the Middle East

When it comes to determining the origins of cantaloupes, there’s a lot of conflict among people. While experts claim that these tropical fruits must have originated in the Middle East, there are multiple theories about which place to pinpoint it.

Some historians trace their roots back to Persia, whereas others point toward Egypt. Yet others believe they originated in ancient Greece.

5. Christopher Columbus first brought cantaloupes to America in the 15th century

Although the origin of Cantaloupe is difficult to trace, its introduction to the Americas was quite significant and memorable. Cantaloupes, along with other fruits and melons, were brought to America by Christopher Columbus on one of his westward voyages towards the end of the 15th century.

6. The seeds of cantaloupes are both edible and nutritious

While eating fruits like apples, apricots, plums, and avocados, you’re always extra careful about removing their seeds, aren’t you? This is because these seeds contain amygdalin, that’s toxic to us.

But when it comes to cantaloupes, you needn’t be as careful, as the seeds inside them aren’t just edible but also nutrient-dense. In fact, roasted cantaloupe seeds are a healthy snack with global popularity and are sold in countless online and offline stores.

7. The color of the Cantaloupe’s rind changes as it ripens

All fruits undergo changes in their appearance as they ripen; the same is true for Cantaloupe. When the rind of these fruits leaves behind its greenwash and takes on a creamy shade instead, it’s a sign that they’re ripe.

Another way of telling when a cantaloupe is ripe is by giving the fruit a nudge; if the vine gives easily, it means that your fruit is ready for feasting!

8. The heaviest cantaloupe in the world weighs 67 pounds!

The weight of an average-sized cantaloupe ranges from 3-8 pounds. But can you imagine a cantaloupe weighing 12 times more?!

Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? What if we told you that this seemingly impossible feat had been achieved by a Kentucky resident who made the world record of growing the heaviest cantaloupe?

This cantaloupe, grown back in 2019, weighed 67 pounds, 1.3 ounces (30.47 kilograms! Surprisingly, this is close to the weight of an average 9-years-old, perhaps even your own.

9. North American Cantaloupes and European Cantaloupes are not the same!

It is no surprise that cantaloupes are grown in both North America as well as Europe. But if you think that the cantaloupes grown on both these continents are the same, you’re in for quite a surprise.

The North American Cantaloupes are different from the European ones in both their appearance as well as taste. The former has a netted texture on its green and yellow rind with moderately sweet flesh. On the other hand, the latter has a smoother rind and a sweeter flesh.

10. China is the leading producer of Cantaloupes in the world

Among all the countries that produce cantaloupes, China ranks first. And while this Asian country is followed by Turkey, Iran, and Egypt on the list, none of them can come even close to matching China’s numbers.

11. California is the leading cantaloupe-producing state in the United States

There are seven major Cantaloupe-producing states in the United States, among which California takes the lead, accounting for 58% of the total cantaloupe production in the country. The Golden State is followed by Arizona, which contributes another 26% to it.

12. The Africans have named Cantaloupes after the Spanish Bacons!

Do you know what names the Africans have given to the cantaloupes? They call them Spanspek. Curious about what the term means? It translates to Spanish Bacon in English. But why would someone name a fruit after bacon, you ask? Here’s your answer:

Behind this strange naming is the story of the 19th-century Governor of Cape Colony, his wife, and their breakfasts.

Governor Harry Smith enjoyed having eggs and bacon for breakfast, whereas his wife, the Spanish Juana Maria, preferred to eat cantaloupes. This seemed so fascinating to the Africans that they decided to name these fruits Spanish bacon.

13. The most expensive fruit in the world is a Japanese Cantaloupe!

Would you believe us if we told you that cantaloupes have also been bought at the price of $13,000? Perhaps not at first. But when you read further, you’ll have to.

In the Japanese culture, melons were seen not just as a fruit but as a luxury gift that people exchanged with each other in Chugen or the Ghost festival.

And the Yubari King Cantaloupes, a hybrid cantaloupe variety renowned for its extraordinarily smooth rind and perfectly round shape, is particularly pricey among other melons. In 2017, a couple of Yubari King Cantaloupes were sold at $27,000, setting the sale price record of the year!

14. Pope Innocent XIII enjoyed sipping wine in a hollowed cantaloupe rind

The green/golden rind of cantaloupe is an inedible part of the fruit, which is why it is always sliced off while preparing cantaloupes to eat. In other words, they are pretty much useless to us.

Who knew that a certain head of the Catholic Church would be able to find a use for it; quite a fascinating use at that? Pope Innocent XIII, who ruled the Papal States between 1721 and 1724, had a peculiar habit.

He used to pour his port wine into a partially-hollowed melon half and then sipped it as an aperitif. If that isn’t the finer taste of the 18th century, we don’t know what is.

15. Cantaloupes are celebrated on Melon Day in August every year

We were very disappointed to learn that no separate day was attributed to celebrating cantaloupes until we found out about Melon Day. Celebrated on the second Sunday of August every year, this day celebrates all the melons and their delicious goodness.

The tradition of Melon Day was initiated in Turkmenistan. This Central Asian country has introduced over 400 different melon varieties to the world. The fruits have been a part of their culture and heritage for decades, which is why they celebrate this day so vigorously.

25 Grape Facts For Kids You Likely Didn’t Know

20 Blueberry Facts For Kids That Are Fun To Know

22 Pumpkin Facts For Kids That Are Just Plain Awesome

There’s a lot of awesome information surrounding grapes, and in this article, we’ve put together a list of interesting facts about grapes that will amaze you. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!

1. Grapes are a kind of berry

Any fruit that has a thin outer cover, fleshy inside, and one or more seeds, is considered a berry. Grapes are also botanically categorized as berries. But aren’t these seedless fruits? Find out the story behind it in the next fact!

2. Parthenocarpy is the secret to growing seedless grapes

Ever heard of Parthenocarpy before? Don’t worry; it’s not as complex as it sounds. Parthenocarpy is the process of producing seedless fruits.

Naturally, all grapes are seeded because the seeds help them reproduce. But when you use a stem cutting of a grape plant to grow a new one (vegetative propagation), the process involved is asexual reproduction.

For this reason, the resultant grape vines will only produce seedless fruits. Isn’t that fascinating?

3. There are over 10,000 different grape varieties in the world!

If we told you that grapes are grown on all continents of the planet except for Antarctica, would you believe us? Because they are.

Being one of the most widely grown fruits, the grapes have a lot of diversity when it comes to their variety. There are as many as 10,000 different grape varieties grown in different parts of the world today!

4. Grapes are more than 80% water!

We all know that the human body is about 60-70% water. But what you might not know yet is that grapes beat us in this competition. The flesh of these little fruits is basically semi-solid, with a water content of 80%!

5. Grapes come in a range of colors

Most of you must have already known about green and dark grapes, as they’re a part of your diet. But are these the only colors you can find in grapes? Not at all! These cluster fruits can occur in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, crimson, pink, and dark blue.

6. White Grapes are actually green in color!

If we ask you which grape you eat at home most often, we’re sure most of you would answer green grapes. But did you know that these green-skinned grapes are named white grapes?

And if you did know that, weren’t you curious as to why? Why would people call green-colored grapes white? Well, the reason behind it is that green grapes lack pigments that lend these fruits their color. This is why they appear light, almost transparent, and green in color.

So, the white in their names is the result of a lack of pigments and not the color of their skin!

7. Raisins and Currants are not exactly the same

Because both raisins and currants are dried fruits that come from grapes, people are often confused between the two. If you’re one of them, we’re here to clear it up for you!

The major difference between raisins and currants is that raisins are dried form of White Grapes, while currants are dried form of the Black Corinth Grapes. As a result, raisins are brownish in color and have an oblong shape, while currants are smaller and black in color.

Their taste varies as well; raisins are soft and juicy, whereas currants have a more intense, somewhat tangy taste.

8. There’s a Greek dish that’s cooked using grapevine leaves!

If you’re someone who appreciates Greek cuisine, we’re sure you must have heard of Dolmades, a vegetarian Greek dish that’s popular globally for its stuffing.

While the term itself means stuffed vegetables, the dish is cooked slightly differently, with meat and rice wrapped in grapevine leaves! Some people also make Dolmades using cabbage leaves, but the more popular and traditional practice involves grapevine leaves.

9. Viticulture is the official term for the cultivation of grapes

Since grapes serve us as both fresh and dried fruits and can be used to make juices, vinegar, and wines, the business of cultivating and harvesting these fruits is quite serious.

To emphasize the seriousness of the trade, a special term has been used for it for a long time: Viticulture. So, the next time you see someone invested in this business, you can confidently call them a Viticulturist.

10. It is pointless to wait for grapes to ripen after they’ve been plucked

When you bring home green bananas or hardened peaches, you can simply wait for a couple of days for them to ripen fully. However, the same doesn’t happen in the case of grapes.

Because grapes are non-climacteric fruits, they will only continue to ripen for as long as they’re attached to their vines. After they’ve been plucked, these fruits will only rot if left unrefrigerated for long.

11. Even diabetic patients can eat grapes!

Yes, that’s right. Grapes are one of the diabetes-friendly fruits, mainly because of the presence of resveratrol in them. But do you know what resveratrol is?

Well, it’s a plant compound that occurs naturally in grapes and also acts as an antioxidant. If you’re wondering how resveratrol helps diabetics, let’s tell you about its other trait: it can modulate the blood glucose level of our bodies, thereby decreasing our insulin resistance. Other diabetic-friendly fruits include blueberries and cranberries.

12. Grapes are good for your eye health

According to a study conducted by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Orlando, it was found that a diet rich in grapes can play a key role in maintaining eye health by protecting your retina from any kind of deterioration. So, if you want to keep your eyes healthy, don’t forget to eat a handful of grapes daily!

13. If you suffer from knee pain, add grapes to your diet today

The polyphenols present in grapes are known to improve and promote joint flexibility and overall mobility. They can also help alleviate arthritic knee pain.

For these reasons, you should not just eat plenty of grapes yourself but also recommend them to those who suffer from knee pain.

14. China is the leading producer of grapes in the world

Over 90 countries in the world grow grapes, with China the one that leads the world in grape production. This Asian country accounts for 18% of the total global grape production and is followed closely by Italy, Spain, and France.

15. Kyoho grapes are the most widely grown grape variety in the world

If we were to ask you which grape variety is the most common in the world, what would you say? Whichever variety you go with, we doubt you’d know the right answer. Wondering why? Let’s tell you.

Kyoho grapes, a Japanese grape variety, are the most widely grown in the world. Despite originating in Japan, this variety is more popular throughout China, being cultivated there as well.

Now, the reason why we assumed you wouldn’t be able to answer our question correctly is that Kyoho grapes aren’t widely found in the Americas. So, there’s little chance that you might have seen them or know about them.

16. California is the leading grape-producing state in the United States

According to the data collected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 47 of the 50 states of the United States grow grapes, with California topping the list.

The Golden State alone accounts for over 82% of the total grape production in the country. Washington comes second on the list but is not anywhere close to matching California’s grape production.

17. California’s Napa Valley is one of the premier wine regions in the world!

We just discussed above that California leads the grape production in the United States. What we might have overlooked is that most of the grapes grown here are wine grapes.

Some of you might also not know this, but the Napa Valley in California, which is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world, is a major contributor to making state no.1. It was established in 1981 and is the leading enotoursim (wine tourism) destination in the country.

18. The oldest winery in the United States is in New York

In 2021, there were over 11,000 wineries throughout the United States. We agree that these are big numbers, but have you ever thought about which of them was the first?

We’re here to fulfill your curiosity by telling you that the oldest winery in the United States lies in the heart of New York. The Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville was founded in 1839 and is still operating. The wines produced here include Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, White Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon.

19. In Greek mythology, Dionysus was worshipped as the God of Grapes

If you think wine is only consumed by men, you’re wrong. If you flip through the mythologies and legends of the past, you’ll find that these drinks were equally enjoyed by the gods and goddesses in different cultures.

Take Greek mythology, for instance; they have a specific deity of wines. Dionysus, also referred to as Bacchus, was worshipped by the Greeks as the Greek God of the grape harvest and wine-making.

He is also regarded as the deity of festivity, theatre, ritual madness, and insanity. Don’t you find it a little strange for a god to be praised and worshipped for such peculiar traits?

20. You can’t make wine using just any grape

It is common knowledge that wines are made by fermenting grapes. But will just any grape do? Not really. Grapes are broadly divided into two categories: table grapes and wine grapes.

Table grapes are larger in size, have thinner skin, grow abundantly on vines, and are fit for raw consumption. On the other hand, wine grapes are smaller in size and have thicker skin, which is responsible for the wine’s stronger flavor and more concentrated taste.

If you’re wondering if wines can be made from table grapes, the answer is yes; they can be. But don’t expect the same finesse in those wines.

21. It takes over 600 grapes to make a single bottle of wine!

As we mentioned earlier, wine grapes are considerably smaller in size than table grapes. Have you ever thought about how many grapes can make a bottle of wine? The answer might blow your mind; it’s 600!

Yes, you read that right. The juice of over 600 grapes is used in making just a single bottle of wine, with every glass containing 75 grapes.

22. Italy is the leading grape wine producer country in the world

While most of the grape in the world comes from China, when it comes to grape wine, the second name on the list ranks higher. Italy is the leading wine-producing country in the world and is followed closely by Spain, France, and the United States.

23. Grapes are harmful to your furry pets, fresh and dried

Who knew that the fruits that are so healthy and delicious for you could be bad for your furred pets?

While grapes are harmless for our consumption, they’re highly toxic to dogs. Ingesting these fruits could lead to kidney failure. For this reason, it is essential that you keep your pet away from both grapes and their dried versions (raisins, sultanas, and currants).

24. Grapes are the national fruit of three countries

Grapes are so well-liked globally that not one or two but a total of three countries have declared them as their national fruit.

The first country on the list is Spain, which also happens to be the third-largest grape-producing country in the world. The second is Turkey, which has declared Sultana Grapes as their national fruit. This makes sense as the grape variety has originated in the country and is still mainly grown there.

Lastly, Kosovo, a southeastern European country, also has grapes as its national fruit. Because grape and grape wine production is integral to the country’s economy, these fruits seem like an ideal choice for their national fruit.

25. May 27th is celebrated as National Grape Popsicle Day

While fresh grapes are a delightful snack, if you want to crank it up a notch, go for their popular frozen treats: Grape popsicles.

These frozen on-the-stick desserts are a favorite American summer treat, so much so that they have a special day dedicated to them: May 27th, which is celebrated as National Grape Popsickle Day every year.

Summing it up

And there you have it: a bunch of cool facts about grapes. We hope you’ve learned a lot about grapes and you’ve discovered some new grape facts that you didn’t know before. Grapes are truly nature’s special fruit which is as nutritious as it’s delicious. They’re a refreshing snack that supports physical health as well as brain development and overall wellness.

Thanks for reading this article. Hopefully, your kids have enjoyed learning about all that grapes have to offer. When you take them grocery shopping for their next week of meals, be sure to grab a few extra grapes for a snack. It’s all in the name of research!

Also, feel free to share it with others, so they can learn from it and enjoy it as much as you hopefully did!

20 Blueberry Facts For Kids That Are Fun To Know

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28 Coconut Facts For Kids That Are Actually Amazing

These blue-colored berries have been a part of the American diet for a long, long time. Today, we’ll explore plenty of awesome blueberry facts for kids to learn more about this delicious fruit! Let’s get started!

1. There are about 30 commercial varieties of blueberries

The blueberries that we commonly eat today have been growing in the wild for a long time, and have over 150 different wild relatives, too. However, not all of them are edible. When it comes to edibility, there are roughly 30 varieties of Blueberries grown commercially around the world for human consumption.

2. Blueberries show great diversity in size

With over 30 different recognized varieties of blueberries being cultivated around the world, do you expect all of them to look the same? You won’t, because when it comes to size, these little berries show a lot of diversity, with the smallest varieties being as tiny as a pea and the larger ones sized like a marble.

3. Blueberries are one of the rare blue foods!

If you really look at the fruits and veggies we eat on a daily basis, you’ll notice how the variety of the color shown among them is quite rich. There’s red in tomatoes, green in avocados, yellow in potatoes, purple in eggplants, white in radishes, orange in melons, and so on.

However, when it comes to blue, you’ll need to scratch your head a bit before coming up with a name, unless, of course, you’re a blueberry fan. The rare color of these berries makes them even more unique in the world of fruits!

4. Blueberries have urn-shaped flowers

All of you must already know what urns are; they’re rounded vases with a separate base and stem and a curving opening wherein the ashes of the deceased are stored.

However, if you’ve ever seen a blueberry flower closely, you’ll realize how similar its shape is to the urn. While some people call them bell-shaped, their opening isn’t broad like a bell. Instead, they’re small-mouthed, with the petals curved naturally to resemble urns.

These flowers grow in clusters and are colored in varying shades of white and pink.

5. Blueberries originated in North America

Due to the cold climate of North America, not many fruits have originated here. However, blueberries are one of the few fruits on that list. These berries have been growing in the wilds of the continent for over 13,000 years!

It is their cultivation for commercial production that took place much later, in the 1900s.

6. There are two different kinds of blueberry bushes

You must already know that blueberries grow on bushes and not on trees. But did you know that the bushes these berries grow on have varieties as well?

There are two different kinds of blueberry bushes: highland and lowland bushes. The former, as their name indicates, are the taller variety that grows up to 6-8 feet. The fruits produced by these bushes are larger too. However, they can’t beat the latter in taste.

If you’re looking for sweeter and rich blueberries, you’ll find them on the lowland blueberry bushes. These bushes are no taller than 2 feet and produce a lesser number of fruits, but the small berries that grow on them have an intense flavor and rich taste.

7. European Blueberries aren’t actually blueberries!

Blueberries are North American fruits that are now cultivated in almost every part of the world, including Europe. But do you know that there’s another berry found in Europe?

While the Europeans refer to these fruits as European Blueberries, they aren’t actually blueberries but different shrub-grown berries from the same family. They’re officially called Bilberries and have been named after blueberries because of their similar size and coloration.

8. Experts call blueberries anti-aging fruits

Blueberries are super rich in antioxidants that fight the free radicals in our bodies. And since these free radicals are the major cause of aging, eating a blueberry-rich diet can actually keep you younger and healthier for longer. This is also why these berries are often referred to as anti-aging fruits by experts.

9. Legacy Blueberries are the sweetest blueberry variety in the world

It is no secret that blueberries are juicy, moderately sweet, and have a slightly acidic touch. But have you ever wondered about which blueberry variety is the sweetest of all?

The answer to your curiosity is Legacy Blueberries. These blueberries are a hybrid developed on a research farm in Maryland and are admired for their adaptability to all kinds of climates and the sweetness of their fruit.

10. Harvesting blueberries is a tedious task

While various fruits and vegetables nowadays are harvested mechanically, some are delicate and can only be picked manually to keep them intact. Blueberries are one such fruit.

They’re small and grow on bushes that can’t be shaken without being damaged. And because a single bush produces fruits in thousands, it takes a significant amount to pluck them.

Then there’s the added effort of trimming, pruning, and weeding the bushes. All these factors result in making these fruits expensive for us.

11. Washing refrigerated blueberries with vinegar can make them last longer

If you’re a blueberry lover, you must already have realized that these fruits thrive in cold climates. Once you take them out of the refrigerator, there’s no telling when they start going bad.

But if you want refrigerated blueberries to last longer, washing them in a water and vinegar solution can do the trick. This wash will kill all the mold that grows on the fruit’s surface, thereby extending its life.

However, make sure you use vinegar in moderation; otherwise, their taste might turn sour. Mixing one tablespoon of it with two cups of water should be enough.

12. The bloom of blueberries is an indication of their freshness

While eating blueberries, you must’ve noticed the white, powder-like coat that covers these berries. This coating is called bloom. Ever wondered what they’re there for? Let’s tell you.

This coat is Nature’s own pest control gifted to the blueberries. They cover the outer surface of blueberries, acting as a protective shield against all insects and pests. They’re also an indication of the fruit’s freshness.

Blueberries aren’t the only fruits that have a natural bloom; many other fruits, including apples, pears, and plums, have them as well.

13. The United States of America is the leading blueberry-producing country in the world!

Because blueberries are endemic to North America, it is only natural for the USA to be the leading producer in the world. The United States of America leads the blueberry production in the world, accounting for 38% of the total global production of these berries.

14. Blueberries are the national fruit of the USA

Seeing the United States lead the production of blueberries, it is only sensible for them to be the country’s national fruit. But wait! There’s another country with the same national fruit, and we’ll read about it next.

15. Blueberries are also the national fruit of Canada

While the United States tops the list of blueberry-producing countries in the world, Canada isn’t far behind either. Ranking third on the list, this country has declared blueberries their national fruit, just like the United States. This makes sense as they’re the most exported fruit in the country.

16. Washington is the largest blueberry-producing state in the country

Now that we know that the United States of America is the largest blueberry producer in the world, don’t you want to know which state is responsible for it? Here’s your answer: Washington.

The capital state of the country also happens to be its blueberry capital and is closely followed by Georgia, Michigan, and Oregon.

17. Florida Blueberries have an earlier fruiting season

On the list of the blueberry-producing states of America, Florida ranks eighth. If you saw the state two decades ago, you’d find no trace of a blueberry bush there. The cultivation of these berries began here 20 years ago.

But there’s one special thing about the Florida Blueberries that sets them apart from the blueberries of other states: their early fruition. The fruiting season for the Florida Blueberries takes place a couple of months early.

While the blueberry season in the other states occurs between May and July, in Florida, it comes between March and May. So, the next time you crave blueberries a little before their season, you can just go to Florida to buy yourself some!

18. Blueberries are also used to make wine!

You must’ve eaten blueberry pies, jams, and jellies, but do you know these berries can also be used to make wine? Yes, just like grapes, blueberries can also be used to make wine.

In fact, it is so easy to make blueberry wine that you can do it yourself at home with just three ingredients: blueberries, sugar, and vinegar.

19. The Native Americans called blueberries ‘Star Fruits’

As we’ve discussed earlier, blueberries grew in the wilds of North America for a long time before their commercial production began. During this time, these delectable fruits played a key role in the diet of the Native Americans.

These indigenous people even had their own names for blueberries; they called them star fruits or star berries after the five-pointed star formed at their base (blossom end).

20. July 18th is celebrated as National Blueberry Day

Blueberries are dense with both taste and nutrition, which is why they’re called superfoods. These superfoods are celebrated on July 18th every year, which is observed as National Blueberry Day.

And just like these fruits have multiple uses, they’re celebrated in different forms as well:
• Pick Blueberries Day: July 10th
• National Blueberry Cheesecake Day: May 26th
• National Blueberry Pie Day: April 28th
• National Blueberry Muffin Day: July 11th

Wrapping it up

With this, we’ve come to the end of our article. Hopefully, you’ve learned something new about blueberries. We’ve uncovered so many interesting facts about the national fruit of the USA. We also learned in detail about its origins, uses, and importance.

Thanks for reading. Perhaps now you’ll be more eager to incorporate them into your breakfast, or maybe you’ll want to grow a few blueberry bushes of your own. Whether you eat them by the handful, mix them in with your favorite cereal, or enjoy them in your muffins, it’s certain that blueberries will be a delicious part of a healthy, active lifestyle for years to come.

Have a nice day!

22 Pumpkin Facts For Kids That Are Just Plain Awesome

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From carving them into spooky jack-o-lanterns to using them in delicious recipes, there are so many fun things to do with pumpkins. Therefore, in this article, we’ve put together a bunch of interesting facts about Pumpkins that every kid should know. So keep reading to learn all about these orange fruits!

1. Pumpkins are fruits, not vegetables

It’s a very common misconception that pumpkins are vegetables, and there’s a good reason behind that.

In various cuisines around the world, pumpkins are prepared as vegetables and added to savory dishes because they aren’t as overly sweet as other fruits.

However, since they grow from flowers and contain seeds, they’re botanically categorized as fruits, no matter what culinary experts say.

2. Not all pumpkins are orange!

Have you ever seen a pumpkin in any color other than Orange, like a green or a blue pumpkin? And if so, did you ever wonder why there aren’t more of them? Here’s why:

The color of a pumpkin ultimately depends on the genetic makeup of the fruit. In the case of natural and artificial cross-breeding and hybridization, the resultant fruits can be red, white, orange, yellow, or bluish-grey with mottled and speckled stripes.

However, it’s difficult to find these exotic colors in most markets, as they’re low in supply and high in demand. If you do find them, don’t buy them without your parent’s permission, as they can be quite expensive.

3. Pumpkins are among the first domesticated plants in the world

Pumpkins are one of the first fruits grown by early humans, as pumpkin domestication started as early as around 7,000 to 5,500 BC! If it weren’t for those ancient farmers, there would probably be no butternut squash, pumpkin pies, or jack-o-lanterns.

4. Pumpkins are native to North America

Recent studies show that the first pumpkins originated in North America, specifically in northeastern Mexico and the southern United States. The oldest pumpkin seeds were found in Mexico, dating from around 8,000 years ago. How exciting is that?

5. There are more than 100 varieties of pumpkins!

As they have been cultivated since very early (10,000 to 7,000 years ago; 7000 to 5,500 BCE), it’s no surprise that there are more than a few hybrids and cross-breeds of the traditional pumpkin today.

There are around 100 varieties of pumpkins, but not all of them are edible. Some are only used as decorative pieces or jack-o-lanterns during Halloween. However, most are all-purpose, meaning they can both be eaten and used as decoration.

6. Indian pumpkins are the national vegetables of India

According to the books written by old explorers like Ibn Battuta, who explored India a long time ago, pumpkins were already domesticated in India in the sixth century.

However, these pumpkins were slightly different than those found in the United States. Most Indian pumpkins have white or yellowish-green skin rather than orange.

Indian pumpkins are the national vegetables in India, despite the fact that they’re fruits. This is because their culinary use in the country is in the form of a vegetable (curries) rather than fruit.

7. China is the biggest producer of pumpkins worldwide

Even though pumpkins originated from North America, China is the leading producer of this fruit worldwide. China produced approximately 7.4 million tons of pumpkins in 2020, accounting for 27% of the total global pumpkin production.

8. Illinois produces the most pumpkins in the United States

The biggest producer of pumpkin in the United States is Illinois. The state supplies about 90-95% of the processed pumpkins in the country.

Although California is in second place, Illinois produced 564 million pounds of pumpkin in 2020, more than the other top five states’ production combined. So, it’s safe to say that California and Illinois aren’t exactly neck-to-neck in pumpkin production.

9. Pumpkins can be found almost everywhere on the planet

Pumpkins are fairly popular fruits, but did you know that they’re found almost everywhere?

It’s true! Pumpkins are found on every continent except Antarctica, but not much is found there anyway, seeing how it’s a frozen tundra.

10. Carving pumpkins on Halloween was an old Irish tradition

Can you ever imagine jack-o-lanterns being carved out of anything other than pumpkins? No, right?

But originally, these demonic faces weren’t carved on pumpkins; it’s a very recent tradition to carve out these fruits.
According to an old Irish folk tale, Stingy Jack was a greedy man who tried to trick the Devil for his own gain. When he died, he wasn’t given a place in either heaven or hell, which is why he still wanders the earth to haunt other people.

To scare Jack away, Irish people started carving demonic faces into turnips. When the Irish immigrated to America, they started doing the same on pumpkins, as they were native to the region and larger in size.

Now you know why your jack-o-lantern needs to be the best, right?

11. Unusually large pumpkins are grown for competitions

Besides decoration and consumption, there’s another reason pumpkins are grown: for competitions!

Pumpkin weigh-offs are one of the best places a pumpkin enthusiast can be. Proud farmers who’ve spent months nourishing their plants to grow the largest pumpkins are excitedly telling everyone about the new thing they did this time.

The largest pumpkin ever was grown by Stefano Cutrupi, an Italian farmer. Weighing about 1,226 kilograms, it was nearly as heavy as 17.6 adult men!

12. Pumpkin plants have really long vines

Now that you know pumpkins are botanically classified as fruits, have you wondered how they hang from trees, seeing their large size?

Thankfully, you don’t need to because they don’t grow on trees. Pumpkins grow on vines that can grow as long as 30 feet!
The vines have twisty tendrils that cling to fences, poles, and other structures near the plant.

13. Pumpkins are highly nutritious

Pumpkins aren’t only delicious; they also work wonders for your health!

They’re rich in Vitamins A, C, and E, iron, folate, potassium, and antioxidants. All these nutrients work to strengthen your overall immune system, help you sleep better, and ease inflammation which brightens your skin.

Pumpkins also contain fiber, which helps digestion and promotes fat loss.

14. Almost all parts of a pumpkin are edible

Pumpkins are one of the culinary experts’ favorite ingredients because all the fruit parts are edible, except the stalk.

Depending on the variety, you can easily eat the outer skin of a pumpkin. For example, onion squashes have delicious rinds, and so do butternut squashes.

The inner, moist flesh is the best part of the fruit and is largely used in soups, curries, and pies. You can also make broths and drinks from the string-like substance in the innermost flesh.

Pumpkin seeds are also edible and are used as anytime snacks around the world.

15. A single pumpkin can have up to 500 seeds!

Since pumpkins are ginormous in size, it’s only fair that their seed count is, too.

An average, medium-sized pumpkin has about 500 seeds. An interesting way to guess the number of seeds a pumpkin might have is to count the number of sections on the fruit and multiply it by 16.

Still, the most accurate way to know the number of seeds in a pumpkin is to open it up and count it by hand.

16. Pumpkin seeds are a delicacy around the world

Pumpkin seeds are often called pepitas, which is Spanish for little seed of squash. How on-point is that?

If you’ve bought a pumpkin, don’t let the seeds go to waste because they’re highly nutritious and versatile.
They contain nutrients like manganese, zinc, phosphorus, fiber, and protein, which are important for proper digestion, bone health, and immunity.

You can add these seeds to your homemade green salads or granola bars with nuts and dried fruits. However, the most common preparation of pumpkin seeds is to roast them first, brush them up with olive oil, and season with your favorite spices.

17. Even pumpkin flowers are edible!

If you’ve ever tasted roses or carnations, you know exactly how richly flavored some flowers are. Pumpkin flowers also belong to this category, as they’re widely used in traditional Indian cuisine.

They’re cooked both as a curry best served with rice and deep-fried to make tea-time fritters.

18. Traditional pumpkin pies used to be quite different from modern-day pumpkin pies

The pumpkin pies we eat today are a tame version of the pies that were originally cooked by the Native Americans way back.

Their pumpkin pies were made by hollowing out the pumpkins first, as you would do for a jack-o-lantern.

Then, they filled it with milk, honey, cinnamon, and various spices. The lid was then popped back on, and the pumpkin was roasted in ashes to prepare the traditional pumpkin pie.

We’ve got to hand it to them; their technique sounds much more delicious than ours.

19. The largest pumpkin pie ever made had a 20 feet-long diameter

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers made the largest pumpkin ever in the USA at the New Bremen Pumpkinfest.

The pie measured around six meters or twenty feet in diameter and weighed 3,699 pounds! Around 440 sheets of dough were used in making this giant dessert, along with unbelievable amounts of sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, cinnamon, salt, and pumpkin spice.

20. Pumpkins can make a great treat for your dog

We’ve got the best idea for their Halloween present if you have a pet dog! Pumpkins are a holiday special on the dogs’ menu as they’re both highly nutritious and delicious. They contain vital nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, iron, potassium, and soluble fibers.

However, remember only to feed them fresh pumpkins or canned plain pumpkin puree. Preservatives and spices are a strict no-go for any dog breed.

If you have a giant breed dog, feed them one tablespoon of pumpkin puree once or twice a day. On the other hand, medium or small-breed dogs should only be fed one to two teaspoons of this treat.

21. Pumpkins can float in water

Seeing the size of these gigantic fruits, who could imagine that they float on water?

Pumpkins have a lower density than water, as they’re mostly hollow on the inside. So, if you put them in a tub of water large enough to fully accommodate them, they will float.

However, don’t expect them to float at the very top. Chances are, they’ll be half submerged but still well above the bottom of the tub.

22. National Pumpkin Day is celebrated on 26th October in the United States

Every year on October 26th, pumpkin enthusiasts from all over the country come together to thank pumpkins for the delicious thanksgiving meals and somewhat controversial lattes. Oh, and the creepy but fun jack-o-lanterns, how could you forget those! Join any pumpkin forum online and meet like-minded people to celebrate this day!

Bottom line

Now that we’ve reached the end of this article, we hope you found something funny and interesting in this compilation of Pumpkin facts. These fruits have a rich history and even richer nutritional content, so don’t skip out on them at Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Thanks for reading! We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post and found the information interesting. If you have any interesting facts about pumpkins that we forgot to include, feel free to write us an email. We’ll surely add them to the list.

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