Fun Facts

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.

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! 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.

Fun fact! Raw apples eaten before and after garlic-rich foods may be an effective remedy for garlic breath.

Fun fact! The earliest known evidence of wine production was found in a cave in Armenia. Click to read more!

Fun fact! Because a small fraction of potassium is radioactive, and bananas are naturally high in potassium, the fruit delivers a very small dose of radiation. Click to read more!

Fun fact! Illinois grows the most pumpkins in the country with 17,600 acres. Click to read more!

Fun fact! Archaeological evidence indicates that lentils have been cultivated as far back as 8,000-10,000 years ago in Southwest Asia.

Fun fact! Cantaloupe does not ripen off the vine unlike other fruits.

Fun fact! When coffee gained popularity in Europe during the 17th century, it replaced beer and wine as the preferred morning beverage.