FUN FACTS ABOUT FRUIT AND VEG – BUT DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER

Did you know that….

Bell peppers are fruit, not vegetables. (Fruits are defined as the part of a plant which develops from a flower and has seeds). You can add to this list avocado, tomatoes, squash, cucumber, and pumpkins (so strictly speaking you can add them to your fruit salad)

Bananas, kiwis and grapes are really berries (a fruit that develops from a single flower and a single ovary. The ovary is the female part of the flower).

Broccoli is good for lowering cholesterol and is even more potent for that purpose once steamed. In addition, the majority of nutrients are in the stalks and not the flowers and the leaves (that most people throw away) contain other nutrients that aren’t present in the stalks or flowers.

Potatoes have more potassium than bananas (which is considered the queen of potassium). Potassium is important for muscle strength and control of blood pressure.

Figs have as much calcium as milk but are a greater source of fibre (but be aware of the sugar content).

Blackberries, raspberries and even strawberries aren’t really berries. They are clumps of tiny individual fruits that grew together.

Kiwis have twice more vitamin C than oranges. They are also high in potassium and other vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Apples are cousins of roses. (So are pears, cherries and plums). I’m sure you’ve all seen apple slices potpourri.

Baby carrots are not really babies. They are cut from full frown varieties that are sweeter and thinner than traditional carrots.

Do you have any interesting facts about fruit and veg that you’d like to share?