15 Strange Facts About Your Favorite Foods

Food can be full of surprises, hiding weird and awesome secrets beneath their deliciousness. Some of your go-to snacks and meals have some strange histories and bizarre facts. From bananas that aren’t really what they seem to ancient honey that never spoils, there’s a lot to discover.
You’ll be able to impress your friends at the next dinner party with these mind-boggling food facts. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious, these facts will be interesting. Here are 15 strange facts that will change the way you think about what you eat.
Bananas Are Berries, But Strawberries Aren’t

Believe it or not, bananas are classified as berries, while strawberries are not. Botanically speaking, a berry is a fruit produced from the ovary of a single flower with seeds embedded in the flesh. Bananas fit this definition, but strawberries don’t since their seeds are on the outside. This little-known fact flips our common understanding of these fruits. Next time you eat a banana, remember you’re enjoying a berry!
Honey Never Spoils

Honey is the only food that truly lasts forever. Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. The secret lies in honey’s chemical composition: it’s low in water and high in sugars, creating an environment where bacteria and microorganisms cannot grow. If you find an old jar of honey in the back of your pantry, don’t throw it away. It’s as good as the day it was harvested.
Apples Float Because They Are 25% Air

Ever wondered why apples float in water? It’s because they are made up of 25% air. The air pockets inside the apple make it less dense than water, allowing it to float. This property is why apple bobbing is a popular game at fall festivals. Next time you enjoy an apple, think about its airy structure!
Peanuts Aren’t Nuts

Despite their name, peanuts are not true nuts. They are legumes, which means they belong to the same family as beans and lentils. Peanuts grow underground, unlike tree nuts like almonds and walnuts. This distinction makes a big difference in how they are classified and processed. When you munch on a peanut, you’re actually enjoying a legume!
Carrots Were Originally Purple Or Yellow

The orange carrots we know today are a relatively recent development. Originally, carrots were purple or even yellow. It wasn’t until the 17th century that Dutch farmers cultivated the orange variety in honor of the House of Orange. This breeding became popular, and the orange carrot became the standard. Next time you see a carrot, remember its royal roots!
Ketchup Was Once A Medicine

In the 19th century, ketchup was sold as a medicine. Dr. John Cook Bennett claimed that tomatoes, the main ingredient in ketchup, could cure ailments like diarrhea, indigestion, and jaundice. He even made tomato pills that he sold as a form of patent medicine. Although ketchup’s medical claims have long been debunked, it remains a beloved condiment. Enjoy your ketchup, but don’t expect it to cure your cold!
Pineapples Were A Status Symbol

In the 1700s, pineapples were so rare and expensive that they became a symbol of wealth and hospitality. This was especially true in England. Owning a pineapple was a sign of great wealth due to the difficulty of importing the fruit from tropical regions. While pineapples are much more accessible today, they still carry an air of exotic luxury.
Cashews Grow On Trees

Cashews grow on trees attached to the fruit, the “cashew apple.” The nut we eat is actually the seed that hangs below the cashew apple. Harvesting cashews is hard because the seeds must be carefully removed and processed to remove toxic oils. So, the next time you eat a cashew, think of the unique way it grows.
Chocolate Was Once Used As Currency

In ancient Mesoamerica, cacao beans were so valuable they were used as currency. The Aztecs and Mayans prized cacao not just for its use in making chocolate but for its trading value. This historical use shows off chocolate’s long-standing value and significance. Today, we might not use chocolate as money, but it’s still worth its weight in gold to many of us!
Potatoes Grown In Space

In 1995, potatoes became the first vegetable to be grown in space. NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison created a technology called the “Astroculture” plant growth unit to grow potatoes on the Space Shuttle Columbia. This experiment aimed to understand how plants grow in microgravity and to find sustainable food sources for long-term space missions. The success of growing potatoes in space marked a big step for future space exploration.
Worcestershire Sauce Contains Anchovies

Worcestershire sauce, a staple in many kitchens, contains a surprising ingredient: anchovies. The sauce is made from a fermented mixture that includes anchovies, vinegar, molasses, garlic, tamarind extract, and other seasonings. This blend gives Worcestershire sauce its distinctive umami flavor. So, next time you splash some on your steak or in your Bloody Mary, remember the tiny fish that contribute to its unique taste.
Almonds Are Seeds, Not Nuts

Almonds are often referred to as nuts, but they are actually seeds. They come from the fruit of the almond tree, which is related to peaches and plums. The almond we eat is the seed found inside the fruit’s hard shell. This botanical fact places almonds in the same category as other seed-bearing fruits. So, when you enjoy a handful of almonds, you’re actually snacking on seeds!
The Most Expensive Coffee Comes From Animal Droppings

Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is made using beans that have been eaten and excreted by a civet, a small mammal found in Asia. The beans are collected from the animal’s feces, cleaned, and roasted. This process is said to enhance the coffee’s flavor, making it smoother and less bitter. Despite its unusual production method, Kopi Luwak is one of the most expensive coffees in the world, fetching high prices among coffee lovers.
Vanilla Flavoring Can Come From Beaver Glands

Vanilla flavoring, especially the artificial kind, can be derived from a surprising source: beaver anal glands. The substance, called castoreum, is used in foods and perfumes and has a musky, vanilla-like scent. It’s harvested from the castor sacs of beavers located near their tails. While most commercial vanilla flavoring today is made synthetically, the use of castoreum is a little-known fact about the beloved flavor.
Watermelons Are 92% Water

Watermelons are properly named since they are made of about 92% water. This high water content makes them incredibly hydrating and a perfect summer snack. Their refreshing nature and sweet taste are why they are a favorite at picnics and barbecues. When you bite into a juicy slice of watermelon, you’re mostly enjoying a natural, delicious source of hydration.
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