Tag: Fruit production

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 192 million tonnes of tomatoes were produced in 2023, far surpassing any other single fruit by weight. However, this leads to a fundamental question: what is the most eaten fruit in the world, and does total production truly reflect direct, fresh consumption?

According to the company, Welch's confirms that the Concord grapes used in its products are non-GMO. For consumers, understanding if a product contains genetically modified organisms is a growing concern, but in the case of Welch's, their primary grapes are safe from these modifications.

Elderberry plants (genus *Sambucus*) have been used medicinally and for culinary purposes for centuries, with recent research exploring their immune-boosting properties. Yet, with so many varieties available, selecting the right one can be a challenge, as the 'best' plant depends heavily on your climate, intended use, and desired characteristics. This guide breaks down the most popular types to help you make an informed decision for your garden.

While many assume seedless fruit is a modern, unnatural invention, some varieties like certain parthenocarpic figs have existed for over 11,000 years. The purpose of seedless fruit is a fascinating story involving botanical mutations, horticultural science, and, most importantly, human consumer preferences that have shaped the global food supply.

By 2012, seedless watermelons accounted for 92% of the US market, a staggering takeover driven by convenience. However, this consumer trend glosses over the numerous disadvantages of seedless watermelons that impact farmers, the environment, and potentially the fruit's own quality.

A single banana plant can yield a cluster of fruit with up to 200 individual bananas, or 'fingers,' on a commercial plantation. The answer to how many bananas are in one bunch is far more complex than it appears, often depending on whether you're referring to the entire agricultural stalk or the small retail cluster.

Potassium, often called "potash," is a critical macronutrient for plants, rivaling nitrogen in importance for healthy growth. Understanding what is a high potassium plant food is the first step towards enhancing flowering, improving fruit quality, and increasing a plant's resistance to stress and disease.

Research suggests that while convenient, seedless grapes may have lower levels of certain beneficial compounds, like antioxidants and fiber, that are concentrated in their seeds. This raises important questions about what are the disadvantages of seedless grapes from a health and environmental perspective.

Seedless fruit, a convenience many of us take for granted, represents a remarkable achievement in horticulture and botany. While the act of peeling a banana or eating a handful of grapes without worry is effortless, the existence of such fruits, which lack the biological necessity of seeds, is a fascinating story of mutation and cultivation.