Pineapples
Pineapples contain bromelain which is an anti bacterial enzyme
that has anti inflammatory properties so it may be useful for
arthritis suffers. The pineapple is a native of
Brazil and neighboring Paraguay and has been cultivated for
thousands of years.
Pineapples can weigh up to 20 pounds. More than
one-third of the world's commercial supply of pineapples comes from
Hawaii.
Plums
There are over 2000 varieties of plums in
existence. Even in ancient Roman times, there were already
over 300 varieties of European plums
Potatoes
There are literally thousands of potato varieties. Potatoes
include both protein and fibre and are high in complex
carbohydrates. They contain vitamins B, C iron and potassium.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins are from the gourd family. Antarctica is the only
continent where pumpkins won't grow. Pumpkin carving was
brought to America by the Irish. Back home in Ireland they
used to carve turnips but in the US it was easer for them to use
pumpkins. Pumpkins are 90 % water. They contain high
amounts of Vitamin A, beta carotene and potassium. They are a
diuretic as well as a laxative. Pumpkins can be used in soups,
breads and desserts and their seeds can be roasted as they are very
tasty and nutritious.
Quince
Quinces are not eaten raw as they can be quite bitter. They
are normally used in quince jellies. they perform well in
jellies because they have such a high pectin content. they are also
full of soluble fibre and are said to calm the stomach. The
Greeks appreciated quinces and used to hollow them out and fill them
with honey, or cooked it in pastry. In the Eastern world they
are eaten salted and stuffed, often with lamb chickpeas or other
legumes.
Raspberries
Raspberries probably originated in Eastern Asia. They were used
as a cure for sore eyes and throats and to cleanse the teeth.
Raspberries can be grown from the Artic to the Equator. They
are a member of the rose family. they are a rich source of
Vitamin C. Raspberry leaf tea is often drunk is the last few
weeks of pregnancy as it stimulates the uterus for labour.
Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in Vitamin B complex and vitamin C.
They also contain potassium and have good skin cleansing properties.
they are the only fruit to have its seeds on the outside. The
average strawberry has 200 seeds. There is a museum in Belgium
just for strawberries. Strawberries are a member of the rose
family.
Squash
Because they have a high water content all squash are low in
calories.
Sweet Corn
Corn is an excellent carbohydrate, rich in vitamins A, B, and C
and fibre.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes first grew as wild cherry sized fruits in the South
American Andes but the tomato as we know it today, originates from
Mexico. Tomato seeds were taken back to the Mediterranean
countries where they quickly became popular. There are now
more than 7,000 varieties of tomatoes. Eating tomatoes at least two
times per week is now believed to reduce the risk of prostate cancer
and to be beneficial in fighting other forms of cancer. The
key ingredient in tomatoes is Lycopene which is a carotenoid.
Cooking tomatoes, most especially in oil, releases the lycopene
making it more available to the body. Tomatoes are also said
to be good for the eyes. Tomatoes that are ripened on the vine
have far more vitamin C than those that are picked green.
Turkey
The male turkey is called a tom. The female turkey is called a
hen. A turkey under sixteen weeks of age is called a fryer,
while a young roaster is five to seven months old.
Israelis consume the highest amount of turkey meat per capita.
Turkey meat is high in vitamins B3, B6 and B12 which are needed to
ensure a healthy nervous system. It is also a good source of
iron, selenium and zinc.
Zucchini
Zucchinis are native to the Americas and their origins have been
traced back to Mexico as far as 7,000 BC. Zucchinis were taken to
Italy where they became known as zucchinos - which means sweetness.
The French call them courgettes. They have a high water
content and are very low in calories. Zucchinis are full of
valuable anti oxidants, Vitamin A and C and potassium.
Other Food Facts:
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