At EastFruit, our mission extends beyond providing analytical insights and market data; we aim to make the world of fruits and vegetables engaging and accessible to all. While we often focus on serious topics like market trends and export strategies, we also appreciate the lighter, more intriguing aspects of horticulture. This collection of surprising fruit facts is our way of sharing the fascinating quirks and unexpected truths that make the produce world so captivating. Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional or simply a curious reader, we hope these insights bring a smile to your face and a new appreciation for the fruits we often take for granted.
Coffee Beans Are Actually Cherry Pits, Not Beans
Coffee, a daily staple for millions, originates from the coffee cherry, a fruit. What we call “coffee beans” are actually the seeds—or more precisely, the pits—found inside the fruit. This fact emphasizes the plant-based origin of coffee and connects the beloved beverage to the broader fruit family, highlighting its agricultural roots.
The Chinese Gooseberry Becomes “Kiwifruit” to Avoid Cold War Connotations
The kiwifruit, originally called “Chinese gooseberry,” was brought to New Zealand from China and resembled the gooseberry. In fact, the fruits were much smaller back then – about the size of a berry. In 1959, Turners & Growers, a New Zealand exporter, decided to rename the fruit for marketing purposes, particularly for the U.S. market. They chose the name “kiwifruit,” inspired by the fruit’s resemblance to New Zealand’s native, flightless kiwi bird—a national symbol. Initially, “kiwifruit” was a trademarked name used by one company, while the plant’s botanical name remained “Chinese gooseberry.” It wasn’t until 1970 that “kiwifruit” was widely accepted.
Marketing played a decisive role: selling anything associated with China during the Cold War era was extremely difficult, especially as gooseberry cultivation was also restricted in the U.S. due to disease concerns. By rebranding it as “kiwi,” New Zealand successfully introduced the fruit to the world—showing that in the fruit business, marketing is often just as important as the product itself.
Bananas Are Berries, While Strawberries Are Not
Botanical classifications often defy everyday logic. Technically, bananas are berries—they develop from a single flower and contain seeds embedded in the flesh. Strawberries, however, with their seeds on the outside, do not meet this definition. Instead, they are classified as aggregate fruits.
This surprising fact highlights the complexity of botanical definitions, which frequently diverge from popular understanding. There are also many interesting linguistic confusions surrounding the word “strawberry” in other languages—but that’s a story for another time.
Read also: The World’s most dangerous fruits and vegetables: EastFruit’s Top List
Avocados: Unique Fat Content and Natural Tree Storage
Avocados stand out among fruits for their high fat content, composed primarily of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. A typical serving provides around 150 kcal—much higher than low-calorie fruits like oranges. Interestingly, avocado trees produce an enzyme that prevents the fruit from ripening while still on the tree. This allows farmers to “store” avocados on the tree for up to seven months, giving them flexibility to harvest when market conditions are favorable—saving costs on expensive cold storage facilities.
Fresh Apples Can Be Stored for Over a Year
While apples are considered a “fresh” produce item, few consumers realize that they can be stored for more than a year under modern controlled atmosphere (CA) storage conditions. It’s not uncommon for growers to store apples for up to 14 months to capture higher market prices.
Are these apples still fresh after such a long time? Absolutely! In fact, they are often “cleaner” compared to freshly picked apples, as during long storage fruits get rid of any chemical contamination, which was used to protect them from pests and diseases.
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