Fun Facts

Fun fact! Despite its name, elephant garlic is not a variation garlic, it’s actually a member of the leek family. Click to read more!

Fun fact! Citral, the main constituent of lemongrass, is what gives the plant its lemony smell, but citral is also a powerful cleansing antiseptic distilled from the stems of lemongrass to use in soaps, perfume, and cleaning agents.

Fun fact! The white inner part of the lemon peel, called the mesocarp or albedo, is a chief source of commercial grades of pectin.

Fun fact! Pears are a good source of fiber, providing about 5.5-6 grams of fiber per serving (one medium-sized pear).

Fun fact! Matcha is a type of green tea that is grown in the shade, which has the effect of boosting phytochemicals and antioxidants.

Fun fact! Cherries are very high in antioxidants, containing 4873 ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) per cup.

Fun fact! There are 19 polyphenolic compounds in Maqui, eight of which have been identified as anthocyanins, ten as flavanols, and ellagic acid. These are powerful antioxidants.

Fun fact! Truffles and tree roots have a symbiotic relationship, called mycorrhizae. Click to read more!

Fun fact! The fruit of the carambola tree, also known as star fruit, is used in traditional medicine in Southeast and South Asian countries. Click to read more!

Fun fact! Shishito peppers are known to mild peppers, but on occasion they can be spicy. Click to read more.

Fun fact! Chaga is a black parasitic fungus that grows in the trunk of the birch tree. Click to learn more!

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! Blueberries aren’t actually blue! 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.