Celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables month this June with these colorful and tasty foods. Fruits and vegetables provide a variety of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber — while remaining naturally low in calories, fat and sodium. In addition, they lower your risk of developing certain chronic diseases — and help you maintain a healthy weight. Whether you fancy a market, or just grow the fruits and veggies at home, enjoy any combination of these delectable delights to kick off your summer right.
National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month - June 2024
National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month timeline
- 2014
China and India produced the most broccoli
Global production was 24.2 million tons, with the two nations accounting for 74% of the total.
- 1939
Japanese scientists developed seedless watermelons
They now make up nearly 85% of the total watermelon sales in the U.S.
- 1800s
Brussels sprouts came to the U.S.
Production of brussels sprouts in the U.S. began when the French brought them to Louisiana.
- 5000 BC
Bananas are really, really old
Recent archaeological and paleoenvironmental evidence in the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea suggests that banana cultivation there goes back 7,000 years.
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5 More Reasons To Choose Fruits And Vegetables
Bananas are clones
The Panama Disease all but wiped out an entire species of bananas in the 1950s. The bananas we eat today are actually all cloned from a single banana plant in southeast Asia — meaning that every single banana is exactly the same.
Watermelons can keep you hydrated.
They're thick-skinned and 92% water. Explorers would carry watermelons around so they had something to drink that would keep them from getting dehydrated.
Brussels sprouts may be the healthiest veggie
They're packed with vitamins and minerals, and have virtually zero calories, no fat, and no cholesterol.
Broccoli contains more protein than steak
The best part? Since it doesn’t come with fats or cholesterol, you can get all the protein you need with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Apples give you more energy than coffee
Thanks to its high carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral content, apples have the perfect storm of nutrition to help you stay energized all day.
National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month Activities
Host a vegetarian party
As summer kicks off and and barbecues are blazing everywhere — why not host a gathering with a cool, refreshing change of pace? Provide your friends and family with the nutritious and healthy alternative of fruits and vegetables.
Make a smoothie
When it comes to smoothies, there's no exact science. Whatever ingredients your heart desires — that's the correct recipe. Treat yourself to a snack that has infinite varieties.
Plant a tree or grow a plant
Start your own garden by simply planting a fruit tree or vegetable plant. Enjoy the “fruits” of your labor as you dine on the freshest treats right from your own backyard.
Why We Love National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month
They’re super healthy
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables helps reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers. In addition, fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that help you feel healthy and energized.
You can mix them with all sorts of dishes
While they're delicious on their own, fruits and vegetables mix extremely well with countess dishes. From toppings on a pizza, to supplementing a sandwich, to spicing up soups and salads, they provide the missing element to your meal.
You can grow them yourself
Why go to the market when you can just grow what you need in your back yard? It's easy to enjoy these fresh treats without running an errand.
Also on Sat Jun 1, 2024...
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