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Random food facts from fruits, meat, and vegetables

It is obvious that food is something that we have to interact with on a regular basis. In fact, there are so many awesome, albeit obscure facts about food that are amazing and definitely worth knowing. Check out this fantastic list of random and fun food facts from fruits, vegetables to candy and chocolates. If your kids love their food, and then they are sure to love these facts.

• Different parts of the world have their own local cuisine. The food habits of people around the world depend mainly on religious, social, and economic factors and the food availability. Some examples of food that are popular in certain parts of the world include the ever-popular apple-pie in the USA, Hummus paste in the Middle East, cheese in Japan, raw fish or sushi in Japan, curry in India, roast meat and vegetables in the UK, and tortillas and chilly in Mexico.
• There are over two thousand different plant types that we [humans] use to cultivate food. The popular examples include carrots, lettuce, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. Examples of popular fruits include oranges, apples, pears, peaches, strawberries, bananas, mangos, apricots, plums, watermelons, and grapes, and more.
• We are also aware that cooking is an important part in food preparation, which involves applying heat through various forms. This, generally, transforms the chemical make-up of food, its flavor, its texture, appearance, and nutritional properties. The common types of equipment used in the cooking process include grills, stoves, gas cookers, electric cookers, ovens, grills, toasters, etc. The common cooking methods include boiling, steaming, simmering, pan-frying, sautéing, and deep-frying.
• Were you aware of the fact that Ortharexia Nervosa is an eating disorder, where the sufferer is mainly obsessed with eating healthy food? Additionally, the fear of cooking is known as mageirocophobia and it is a commonly recognized phobia. While, the fear of vegetables is called Lachanophobia. Now for a toughie… the tall chef’s hat is called a toque… next time, show off this information to your mates.
• Humans use many kinds of methods for gathering food. Some of which include hunting, farming, gardening, fishing and foraging.
• We all know that humans are omnivores (consuming both animals and plants). Humans eat the meat of a number of different domestic animals. The common examples are meat from sheep, chickens, pigs, and cows. Different countries eat different kinds of domestic animals [such as dogs, camels, yaks etc.]
• Although food for human consumption is typically made from animals and plants, we also eat other produce such as fungus and fermented foods [truffles, mushrooms etc.]. Humans, who opt not to eat meat and fish, are known as vegetarians. Those who opt not to any produce made from animals, which include milk, eggs, dairy produce and honey are known as vegans.
• Did you know that over seventy million people suffer from food poisoning every year with over seven million of them being fatal? Most people are unaware that food storage consists of careful temperature control. Proper preparation is also essential to avoid any dangerous toxins, bacteria, and viruses.
• Did you know that the sweet potato is a root vegetable and is not related to the potato? Aditionally, were you aware that although pumpkins are labeled as a vegetable, they contain seeds and hence, it technically is a fruit. Surprise, surprise, Almonds are a member of the peach family!
• Did you know that cutting onions releases a gas, which when it comes in contact with the eyes, creates a stinging sensation. The human body immediately reacts by producing tears to dilute the irritant and remove it instantly.
• Now for some statistical figures. China is the largest producer of garlic in the world, which accounts for 75 percent of the world output. Lettuce, on the other hand, is the second most popular fresh vegetable in the United States. Surprisingly, India is the world’s largest producer of bananas. There are more than sixty species and close to eight thousand varieties of grapes. Grape growing is also the largest food industry in the world. The average person eats close to eight pounds of grapes annually. There are also over seven thousand varieties of apples grown in the world.
• While over eight percent of children and nearly two percent of adults have some kind of food related allergy. Common examples of food allergies include reactions to peanuts, gluten, and shellfish.
• Did you know that the costliest pizza in the world costs over $12,000 and takes close to 72 hours to make. While the most expensive fruit in the world is the Japanese Yubari cantaloupe, which once sold at auction for $23,500.
• Just some small household tips, before we close up - if you boil beetroot in water, and massage the juice into your scalp each night, it works as an effective cure for dandruff. Did you know that dry swallowing of about one teaspoon of sugar might cure hic-ups, and were you aware that pearls melt in vinegar?
• When you next go shopping to the market, just remember that a cluster of bananas is called a ‘hand’, and a single banana is called a ‘finger’. It is also said that eating bananas can help fight depression.

Enjoy these fun food facts for kids. To go through more such interesting facts about food and nutrition, do visit our archives. Have a nice day.

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