An archaeological finding in 2007 pushed the dawn of agriculture back to 11,400 years ago. It was at this time that they discovered what they believe to be evidence of the first cultivated fruit: seedless figs.
The world of fresh fruits has come a long way since then. With advancements in technology, agriculture, and transportation, you can regularly find exotic fruits from distant lands in most American grocery stores.
Are you wondering what the most popular fruits are so you can ensure that you’re offering your clientele the fresh fruits they’re looking for?
Let’s delve into the amazing world of fruit to learn about ten of the most popular fruits.
1. Bananas
Believe it or not, bananas are actually botanically a berry. Native to Australia and Indomalaya, it is likely that bananas were first domesticated and Papua New Guinea. Now grown in 135 countries around the world, the largest producers of bananas as of 2017 were China and India.
Not only are bananas delicious and the most purchased fruit in the US in 2019, but they also very good for you.
Bananas contain many important nutrients that you want to consume as a part of a healthy diet. They also can help to moderate blood sugar levels, improve digestive health, and might even aid in weight loss. On top of that, bananas might support heart health and might improve kidney health.
2. Strawberries
Strawberries are also one of the most popular fresh fruits available in the US. Strawberries aren’t actually technically berries, but instead an aggregate accessory fruit. However, “straw aggregate accessory fruit” doesn’t really roll of the tongue, now does it?
In all seriousness, everyone loves strawberries. In fact, 9.2 million tonnes were produced around the world in 2017 alone.
Want to start serving strawberries at your establishment but are worried about the cost of fresh fruit and the waste it produces? You can learn more here about IQF fruit suppliers and how they can help boost your bottom line.
3. Oranges
One popular fresh fruit known for its abundance of vitamin c is the orange. Originating from a region that encompasses Northeast India, southern China, and Myanmar, the orange tree was found to be the most cultivated fruit tree in the entire world as of 1987.
A good source of a number of vitamins and minerals, oranges are a great part of any healthy diet. They are also a good source of fiber and a number of other plant compounds.
There is research to suggest that oranges can help lower your risk of heart disease, prevent kidney stones, prevent anemia, and more.
4. Watermelon
There is nothing like a slice of watermelon on a hot summer day. It is believed that watermelons may have been cultivated in ancient Egypt as well as the prehistoric Libyan site of Uan Muhaggiag.
One of the great things about watermelon is that it can help keep your body hydrated. It also contains a bunch of beneficial plant compounds and nutrients, including vitamin C, carotenoids, lycopene, and more. Some of the compounds in watermelons might actually help to prevent cancer, and eating this delicious fruit might also help improve your heart health.
5. Grapes
Grapes are also incredibly popular when it comes to fresh fruit. Not only can they be used in a cooking recipe to make jelly and other delicious products, but they’re delicious straight off the vine, too.
Grape cultivation started as long ago as 6,000-8,000 years ago in the Near East. Packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and many more nutrients, they are delicious little health morsels. It’s well known that vitamin C can help to boost the immune system, so eating grapes is definitely a good call for your overall health.
6. Peaches
Who doesn’t love a good peach? Thought to have originated more than 8000 years ago in China, this stone fruit can be eaten raw or added to a variety of cooking recipes. They also have a number of potential health benefits, including allergy relief, improved digestion, and smoother skin.
7. Blueberries
Another one of the most popular fruits are blueberries. Nutritious, sweet, and delicious, blueberries are often labeled as a superfood.
High in nutrients but low in calories, blueberries are a wonderful snack any time of day. It is believed that blueberries actually have one of the highest antioxidant levels out of all of the common vegetables and fruits. They also might help lower your blood pressure, reduce DNA damage, protect cholesterol in your blood from becoming damaged, prevent heart disease, and so much more.
8. Pineapple
This plant that is indigenous to South America has been cultivated for many, many centuries. Loaded with nutrients and containing healthy antioxidants, pineapples are a popular and delicious fruit in the US and around the world.
The enzymes found in pineapples known as bromelain can also help to ease digestion. On top of that, pineapples might help reduce the risk of cancer, boost your immune system, suppress inflammation, and more.
9. Cantaloupe
When you’re thinking about fresh fruits, it’s easy to forget about the humble cantaloupe. However, cantaloupe is a delicious and nutritious fruit that is one of the most popular fruits in the US.
10. Cherries
These small stone fruits are both delicious and packed full of minerals, vitamins, and beneficial plant compounds. Full of anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants, cherries are a healthy addition to any diet. They can also help boost exercise recovery, they might benefit heart health, they might help you sleep better, and more.
The Most Popular Fruits: Which of These Fruits Do You Serve at Your Establishment?
There are so many delicious and healthy fruits out there that a list of 10 hardly does this nutritious food category any justice. However, these 10 fruits are some of the most popular fruits in the country, so it can give you a good sense of what people are looking for.
Did you find this article on the most popular fruits interesting? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more fascinating and informative content!