At TQC, every so often we switch gears, take a reprieve from the hot button topics that are typically the subjects of our posts, and replace them with something lighthearted and fun. With that in mind, for this week we have decided to offer our readers a chance to take a break and play TQC Trivia! Fruits & Veggies. Answers are provided below, along with interesting and fun supplemental information.
Fruits & Veggies
1) Q: What is the most popular fruit (measured by production) in the world?
A) Banana
B) Tomato
C) Avocado
D) Onion
2) Q: What is the most caloric vegetable in the world?
A) Potato
B) Pea
C) Garlic
D) Turnip
3) Q: Which U.S. state produces the most oranges?
A) Florida
B) Washington
C) Georgia
D) California
4) Q: Which U.S. state produces the most peaches?
A) South Carolina
B) New York
C) Georgia
D) California
5) Q: Which U.S. state produces the most blueberries?
A) Washington
B) Oregon
C) California
D) New Jersey
6) Q: What is the most expensive vegetable in America?
A) Pinto Beans
B) Asparagus
C) Radish
D) Avocado
7) Q: Are berries fruit?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Some
D) Most
8) Q: Which fruit contains the most protein?
A) Guava
B) Avocado
C) Peach
D) Apple
9) Q: Which is the least caloric vegetable?
A) Spinach
B) Alfalfa Sprouts
C) Kale
D) Watercress
10) Q: Which fruit contains the most sugar?
A) Strawberry
B) Lime
C) Fig
D) Lychee
ANSWERS
1) (B) Tomato. Contrary to popular belief, the tomato, scientifically known as Solanum lycopersicum, is a fruit. Worldwide, ~180 million metric tons of tomatoes are harvested each year, earning it the distinction of world’s most popular fruit. The versatile tomato is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K (helps with blood clotting), and an antioxidant called lycopene, which is understood to have anti-inflammatory and other health benefits. Bananas rank number two. Avocados do not crack the top 15. Onions are not fruits.
2) (A) Potato. Contrary to popular belief, the potato is botanically classified as a vegetable. There is no clear-cut consensus regarding caloric density due to differences in preparation and what constitutes a serving, the potato is generally at the top of most nutritionists lists. Peas, soy, and corn are examples of other caloric dense veggies. Despite its name which indicates otherwise, “sweet” potatoes (and Yams) are less caloric than white potatoes. Garlic is nutritious but low in caloric content; it is often taken as a health supplement. Unlike most root vegetables (grown underground), turnips are low in calories.
3) (A) California. Historically, Florida was America’s biggest orange producer. However, output in the Sunshine state has declined precipitously over the years, in part because of a disease called “citrus greening.” For context, ~20 years ago FL produced 223 million boxes of oranges. Production now hovers around ~50M boxes. Recently, CA (~52M boxes) overtook FL to become America’s top orange producer. Georgia and Washington are not large orange producing states. Globally, ~80 million tons of oranges are grown. Brazil, China, and India are the global behemoths of the orange trade.
4) (D) California. Georgia is known as the "Peach State" but according to Statista, California produces ~two thirds of the ~650 thousand tons of peaches harvested in America each year, making the Golden State America’s number one peach producer. South Carolina ranks second, followed by its neighbor, GA. Perhaps surprisingly, New Jersey ranks 4th. Peaches or Prunus persica as they are scientifically known, are loaded with vitamin C. In fact, just one peach provides ~15% of the daily recommended total. Peaches also contain hearty amounts of vitamin A (eye health), vitamin E (acts as an antioxidant), and vitamin K.
5) (A) Washington. The United States is the world’s largest producer of blueberries, responsible for > 50% of the world’s total. The state of Washington produces ~100 million pounds of blueberries per year. Blueberries contain anthocyanin, an antioxidant that gives blueberries their distinct color. Although California is responsible for well over ½ the nations fruit and vegetable production, it does not crack the top 5 for blueberries. Georgia ranks second, Oregon 4th. Unbeknownst to most, Michigan produces ~90 million pounds per year, making it the number three producer in America. Blueberries are the second most popular berry in America; strawberries are number one.
6) (B) Asparagus. At ~$2.50 per cup, fresh asparagus is the priciest veggie in the U.S.A. Apparently, it is quite price elastic: Asparagus is one of the least consumed veggies in America. Unbeknownst to most, the state of Michigan produces the most asparagus. Pinto Beans are the cheapest vegetable (.17c per cup). Radishes are among the cheapest (.45c per cup). Avocados are generally in the middle of the pack (~$1 per cup) but are prone to intermittent price spikes. Domestically, 90% of the nation’s avocados are grown in California, and amazingly, 60% of all the avocados produced in California are harvested in just one county, San Diego.
7) (A) Yes. All berries are fruit, but not all fruit are berries.
8) (A) Guava. The guava fruit, scientifically known as Psidium guajava, has ~4g of protein per cup. Native to central America, these tasty treats are packed with potassium, fiber, vitamin C and various antioxidants. Unlike most tropical fruits, guavas are low in sugar and their seeds are edible. Avocados are a decent source of protein. Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C but contain very little protein.
9) (D) Watercress. Watercress contains just ~5 calories per cup, earning it the distinction of the world’s least caloric vegetable. Watercress is also rich in vitamin C and various antioxidants.
10) (C) Fig. Of all fruits, figs contain the most sugar per serving. According to Valley Fig Growers, 1 cup of dried figs contain a whopping 49 grams of sugar. Lychees rank second. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA, 1 cup of lychees contains 29 grams of sugar. Strawberries taste like they contain a lot of sugar, but they do not (< 10g/per cup). Limes contain almost no sugar; they are high in Vitamin C.