Fun Facts

Fun fact! In terms of flavor, galangal – a mainstay of Indonesian, Malaysian and Thai cuisine – has a citrusy flavor with a bite, and notes of pine, while ginger has more of a spicy and peppery flavor. Click to read more!

Fun fact! Most commercially sold green onions are the immature plant of the common onion.

Allspice, a common seasoning used in baking, comes from the berries of a tropical evergreen tree of the myrtle family that is native to the West Indies and Central America. Click to read more!

Fun fact! Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is a rich source of phosphorous, manganese, thiamine, and vitamin B6. Click to read more!

Fun fact! Tea made from guava leaves is a traditional remedy that may offer relief for gastrointestinal distress. Click to read more!

Fun fact! The unique taste and smell of wasabi is the result of the formation of volatile compounds called isothiocyanates. Click to read more!

Fun fact! A cup of yerba mate is comparable to a cup of coffee in terms of caffeine content (80 mg). Click to read more!

Fun fact! Animal research suggests that celery seed extracts may support blood pressure and cholesterol, and may even protect the liver from damage associated with high doses of acetaminophen.

Fun fact! Hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and anthocyanin that helps the body fight free radicals. Click to read more.

Fun fact! The mucilage in okra often functions as a thickener in broths and soups, and research has found that it also contains bioactive compounds that may support healthy blood sugar and heart health.

Fun fact! Recent research found that fermented cucumbers contain five short peptides with anti-hypertensive properties. Click to read more!

Fun fact! White pepper does not come from a different plant than black pepper. It’s actually the black peppercorn with the dark outside coating removed.

Fun fact! Bee balm, a fragrant herb of the genus Monarda, is also known as Oswego tea for its use as a beverage by the Oswego Native American tribe. The herb was also used as an alternative to tea by American colonists during their boycott of British tea.

Fun fact! Horseradish can be difficult to eradicate once it’s established. This is because the smallest piece of root can grow a new plant. Additionally, the plant spreads by underground shoots that out-compete most other plants which means horseradish can become invasive if not maintained.

Fun fact! Peas are considered one of the oldest cultivated crops with ancient remains of the crop found in the Middle East dating back to the late Neolithic Period.

Fun fact! Replenishing water and electrolytes is important during a hangover since alcohol is a diuretic. Some research also indicates that zinc, nicotinic acid, and potentially vitamin B6 may help reduce the severity of hangover symptoms.

Fun fact! European mistletoe (Viscum album) associated with Christmas is actually a parasitic plant that is abundant on apple trees, poplars, willows, and deciduous trees such as oaks.

Fun fact! Tamarind pulp is rich in phytonutrients that act as antioxidants, and its phenolic content exceeds avocado, mango, and jackfruit.

Fun fact! Dill has a history of use as a remedy for indigestion and flatulence. Click to read more!

Fun fact! Sweet potatoes may be a crop that is resilient to climate change with recent research indicating that it can grow successfully in high temperature environments.

Fun Fact! Fungi, as organisms, are mostly underground in the form of mycelium. Click here to read more!

Fun fact! Prescribed fires can promote blueberry production because the fires eliminate competing vegetation and remove worn out blueberry bush branches.

Fun fact! Rhubarb leaves are considered toxic to humans because of their high oxalic acid content.

Fun fact! Cordyceps are parasitic fungi that grow on the larva of caterpillar. Click to learn more!

Fun fact! Halloween accounts for nearly $6 billion in confectionary retail sales each year.

Fun fact! Pope Paul II was obsessed with melons during his reign, and the pope’s chef even published a cookbook in 1470 that recommended melons be eat as appetizers.

Fun fact! There are over 1000 types of bananas.

Fun fact! A cup of butternut squash contains more than 100% of the daily value of vitamin A.