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Cool Facts of Fruits Fruits are not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients that are essential for our body. However, there are some interesting facts beyond the taste and nutritional benefit of fruits that you might not know. In this article, we will delve into the cool facts of fruits and explore the surprises that are hidden behind the colorful and tasty appearances.
1. The world’s largest fruit Do you know which fruit is the largest in the world? The title goes to the jackfruit, which can weigh up to 100 pounds and grow up to 3 feet in length. The interesting thing is that it is not only the largest fruit but also the national fruit of Bangladesh, where it is considered a delicacy and often used in traditional cuisine.
2. A banana is actually a berry Despite its elongated shape and sweet taste, the banana is not classified as a fruit but a berry. Technically, a berry is a fruit that develops from a single ovary of a flower, which is exactly what a banana does.
3. The reason why strawberries are not true berries Contrary to bananas, strawberries are technically not considered berries despite their name. The reason is that they are derived from multiple ovaries of a single flower, making them aggregate fruits instead of true berries. This classification might seem insignificant but it shows the complexity and variety of the botanical world.
4. The immortal fruit With one exception, fruits have a limited life span and eventually decay or rot. The exception is the immortal fruit, also known as the senita or the old man cactus fruit. This fruit can remain viable even after being detached from the plant and has been known to survive in a dormant state for up to 10 years!
5. The spicy fruit When it comes to spices, we often think of herbs and seeds, but did you know that some fruits can also be spicy? The most well-known example is the capsaicin-filled peppers, but there are also other fruits such as rambutans and longans that have a mildly spicy taste that tingles the tongue.
6. The upside-down fruit Have you ever seen a pineapple plant? If yes, you might have noticed that the fruit grows upside-down on the top of the plant. This interesting phenomenon is due to the pineapple's unique growth pattern, where the flower stalk elongates and develops fruit at the top. When it is ripe, the pineapple is carefully twisted off the plant and brought to your kitchen.
7. The shocking fruit Have you ever gotten a shock while peeling an orange or touching a grapefruit after it has been exposed to the sun? This is because the fruit's skin is a poor conductor of electricity, leading to a build-up of static electricity that is discharged when you touch it. The effect can be surprising but harmless, so don't worry too much about it.
8. The fruit with a deadly reputation When it comes to poisonous fruits, the first one that usually comes to mind is the apple. However, it is not the fruit itself that is poisonous but the seeds which contain cyanide, a deadly toxin. Despite this, you can still enjoy your apples as long as you avoid eating the seeds. In conclusion, fruits are not only tasty and nutritious, but also full of surprises and hidden facts. From the world’s largest fruit to the immortal fruit, from spicy fruits to upside-down fruits, and from shocking fruits to poisonous fruits, fruits never cease to amaze us with their diversity and complexity. So, the next time you take a bite of your favorite fruit, remember the cool facts that make it even more fascinating.