Friday Fun Fact: Prickly Pear
Dried prickly pear flowers are commonly sold in Tunisian markets, where they are used as a traditional remedy for kidney stones.
Friday Fun Fact: Seaweed
A good source of iodine and potassium, giant kelp is also one of the fastest-growing organisms on the planet. It can grow by nearly two feet per day under ideal conditions.
Friday Fun Fact: Garlic
Forget vampires: garlic can be an effective pesticide to ward off aphids, caterpillars, and other pesky insects.
Friday Fun Fact: Fenugreek
Fenugreek contains the aromatic compound sotolon, which can cause perspiration and urine to smell like maple syrup after prolonged use.
Friday Fun Fact: Valerian
During World War II, valerian was used in England to relieve stress caused by air raids.
Fun Fact: Ginger Root
Ginger root can stimulate the production of saliva.
Fun Fact: Saffron
Saffron is the world's most expensive spice because each saffron flower is hand-picked to collect just three stigmas per flower.
Fun Fact: Cherries
Tart cherries contain high levels of melatonin, a compound that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles.
Fun Fact: Onions
Due to their rich flavor and nutrition, onions served as currency in the Middle Ages. Today, onions are a leading source of quercetin in the diet.
Fun Fact: Mushrooms
Mushrooms can be a good source of dietary vitamin D, as long as they are exposed to sunlight or UV radiation.
Fun Fact: Quinoa
Quinoa species are not all the same size. One species, called kaniwa, has earned the nickname "baby quinoa" because it's about as small as a chia seed.
Fun Fact: Broccoli
Per ounce, broccoli has as much calcium as milk.
Fun Fact: Alfalfa
Much of the honey produced in the United States is sourced from alfalfa.
Fun Fact: Tryptophan
Turkey is rich in tryptophan, but so is soybean and a host of different fish.
Fun Fact: Prickly Pear
Despite its prickly defenses, prickly pear cactus is a nutritious plant. It contains nutrients such as vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium.
Fun Fact: Turmeric
Turmeric and ginger are members of the same family, Zingiberaceae. This explains their similar knob-like appearances.
Fun Fact: Leeks
Leeks are a member of the lily family.
Fun Fact: Strawberry
An average strawberry contains about 200 seeds.
Fun Fact: Sweet Potato
Sweet potato contains more vitamin A than any other vegetable.
Fun Fact: Apple
Apples float in water because they are 25% air.
Fun Fact: Jerusalem Artichoke
Contrary to its name, Jerusalem artichoke is actually a species of sunflower. It's also high in inulin.
Fun Fact: Hibiscus
Several species of hibiscus have red petals, but the species used for commercial hibiscus drinks has white petals. The red color comes from the flower's red sepals.
Fun Fact: Agave
Fun Fact: Figs
Fun Fact: Tea
Fun facts to kick off your weekend
Fun Fact: Cinnamon
Fun Fact: Hemp
Friday Fun Fact
Fun Fact: Kale
Fun Fact: Red Cabbage