Most of us love to eat fruit (and sometimes vegetables), but how much do we know about the fruits we’re eating? We know they are filled with nutrients, vitamins and fiber; provide health benefits required for a healthy diet; and taste pretty good in all forms: raw, cooked or as an ingredient in smoothies. But do you know where they originated or why they’re significant? You’ll be surprised at how little you may know about the delicious fruits we eat every day. Here’s 7 fun fruit facts you probably didn’t know:

Apples

An apple tree starts growing fruit about 8-10 years after it is planted, then produces up to 400 apples a year. Apples are also a member of the rose family. If you ever don’t feel like paying for a dozen roses, just get a dozen apples … basically the same thing!

 

Bananas

Bananas can cheer up your mood! They are the only fruit that contain amino acid, tryptophan plus Vitamin B6, which together help the body produce serotonin. So, if you are ever feeling down, make sure to eat a banana. It’s a win-win.

 

Mangoes

Mangoes were first grown in India over 5,000 years ago. In fact, the paisley pattern which was first developed there is based on the shape of a mango. The Mango fruit is highly prized among the Tamil culture, as it is a symbol of health, peace and prosperity.

 

Asian Pears

Because of their texture, they are sometimes referred to as Apple pears, but they’re not related to apples. Even though it looks like a cross between an apple and a pear, the resemblance is only skin deep.

 

Pineapples

Pineapples regenerate! You can plant pineapple leaves to grow a new plant. Quick fact: Pineapples ripen faster upside down.

 

Cantaloupe

“Down under” in Australia, cantaloupes are actually referred to as Rockmelons. They are also considered a luxury and are commonly given as gifts in Japan!

 

Tangerines

Tangerines protect against heart disease blood clots and can lower your cholesterol. A fabulous little fruit, isn’t it? Also known as mandarin oranges, tangerines are a tasty and refreshing citrus fruit packed with nutrition, including vitamin C, vitamin A, folate and potassium to name a few.

 

 

 

 

Feeling fruity?

Take this quiz to see which fruit flavor matches your personality and receive a printable in-store coupon on your next purchase of Crispy Fruit! And if you haven’t noticed, Crispy Fruit has brand new packaging, designed to better reflect its wholesome, single ingredient — 100% pure fruit.  But don’t be confused by its new looks–it’s still the same freeze-dried fruit we’ve been making since 2004, made from only the finest, non-GMO fruits available, with no sugar added.

 

Smart Lifebites