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d Knowledge of Fruits Fruits are essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen our immune system and protect us from various diseases. While we might think we know everything about common fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges, there are many cool and interesting facts that we might not have heard of before. So, let’s dive into some of the cold knowledge of fruits!
1. Pineapples are not apples While we often mistakenly call pineapples “pineapple-apples,” they are not related to apples at all. Pineapples actually belong to the bromeliad family, which includes plants like Spanish moss and air plants. Unlike most fruits, pineapples are not formed from a single flower, but from an entire spiral of flowers that fuse together around a central core. This unique growth pattern gives pineapples their distinctive shape and texture.
2. Kiwifruit used to be called Chinese gooseberries Kiwifruit, with its fuzzy brown exterior and bright green flesh, was originally known as the Chinese gooseberry. It is believed to have originated in China, where it was known for its delicious flavor and medicinal properties. The fruit was first brought to New Zealand in the early 20th century, where it was grown commercially for its export market. The fruit was rebranded under the name “kiwifruit” in 1959, as a nod to the country's national symbol, the kiwi bird.
3. Strawberries are not a true berry Despite their name, strawberries are not actually berries. True berries are defined as fruits that have their seeds on the inside, like blueberries and cranberries. Strawberries, on the other hand, have their seeds on the outside, embedded in the flesh. This makes them an aggregate accessory fruit, which means that they are formed from several smaller fruits that fuse together into one larger fruit.
4. Mangoes are the most widely consumed fruit in the world Mangoes are sweet, juicy, and delicious, which makes them a popular fruit all around the world. They are native to South Asia but are now grown in many tropical regions, including Africa, South America, and Australia. Mangoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep our bodies healthy and fight off diseases. They are also incredibly versatile, and can be eaten fresh, juiced, blended, or used in cooking.
5. Watermelons are 92% water Watermelons are not only delicious but also incredibly hydrating. They are made up of 92% water, which makes them an ideal fruit to eat on hot summer days. Watermelons are also rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium and lycopene. They come in many different varieties, including seeded, seedless, and mini watermelons.
6. Apples float in water because they are 25% air Apples have a high water content, but they also contain a lot of air. In fact, apples are made up of about 25% air, which is why they float in water. This fact has been used in many science experiments and demonstrations, and has also been the inspiration behind the popular game “bobbing for apples.” In conclusion, fruits are not only nutritious but also fascinating. Learning about their unique characteristics and origins can make us appreciate them even more. So, next time you bite into a juicy piece of fruit, remember these cool and interesting facts!