Fun Facts

The trend of eating peas “green,” before they reach maturity and turn yellow, began in Europe in the 1600s. French noblewoman Madame de Maintenon famously described the new habit as “both a fashion and a madness.”

Most millet grains grow best in dry, warm climates. One species, proso millet, likely has the lowest water requirement of any grain crop.

In the right conditions, asparagus can grow as much as one inch per hour-up to 12 inches in a single day.

On average, taste bud cells live for 10-14 days. Most sit on the tongue, but some taste buds are located on the roof, sides, and back of the mouth.

Mango fruit is available in more than 1000 varieties around the world. It's also a relative of cashews and pistachios.

Soybean was first known to many Americans as the “coffee berry,” thanks to the popularity of coffee made from roasted soybeans in the 1800s.

Juice made from red cabbage can be used as an indicator of pH.

Carrot cookies were a popular Christmas gift among friends and relatives living in New England states during the 1700s.

In addition to potential benefits for heart health, skin health, and eye health, goji berries may contain up to 4 grams of protein per ounce.

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.

Forget vampires: garlic can be an effective pesticide to ward off aphids, caterpillars, and other pesky insects.

Fenugreek contains the aromatic compound sotolon, which can cause perspiration and urine to smell like maple syrup after prolonged use.

During World War II, valerian was used in England to relieve stress caused by air raids.

Ginger root can stimulate the production of saliva.

Saffron is the world's most expensive spice because each saffron flower is hand-picked to collect just three stigmas per flower.

Tart cherries contain high levels of melatonin, a compound that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles.

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.

Mushrooms can be a good source of dietary vitamin D, as long as they are exposed to sunlight or UV radiation.

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.

Per ounce, broccoli has as much calcium as milk.

Much of the honey produced in the United States is sourced from alfalfa.

Turkey is rich in tryptophan, but so is soybean and a host of different fish.

Despite its prickly defenses, prickly pear cactus is a nutritious plant. It contains nutrients such as vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium.

Turmeric and ginger are members of the same family, Zingiberaceae. This explains their similar knob-like appearances.

Leeks are a member of the lily family.

An average strawberry contains about 200 seeds.

Sweet potato contains more vitamin A than any other vegetable.

Apples float in
 water because 
they are 25% air.