Apples – Originated in Central Asia

There is more than 7000 cultivated apples, which products different colors, sizes, and shapes. At 35%, China is the world’s largest producer of apples, and at 7.5% the United States is the second largest producer of apples. Other producing countries are Turkey, France, Italy, and Iran. So, take your pick.

Bananas – originated in the tropical regions of southeastern Asia

Bananas are grown in at least 107 countries. They grow in a cluster on tall trees. They are usually eat raw, but can be cooked. Their nutritional value includes, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium.

Cherries – originated in three regions in Northern Hemisphere.(America, Europe, Asia)

In America (Washington, Michigan, and Oregon, and California), There are two species (sour and sweet), most of the sour cherries are grown in Michigan, the other states grow sweet cherries. In Europe there are three species (the wild, sweet, and sour), the remaining species are in Asia. Cherries are thought to have been brought to Rome from Asia Minor or Anatolia, a region of Western Asia.

Coconuts – There is controversy as to where the coconut origination.  Some believe its origination is in southern Asia, and others believe it is South America.

To successfully grow coconuts, there must have a warm climate and sandy soil, high humidity, and frequent irrigation. Hawaii and Florida are the only two states in North America where coconuts grow without irrigation. The Philippines produces most of the world coconuts, followed by Indonesia and India. Coconuts meat is said to contain 90% of saturated fat.

Mangoes – originated in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia.

It is grown in many topical regions and is used as food all over the world. It is the Philippines’ national fruit. Different cultures use mangoes to make juices, smoothies, ice cream, fruit bars, chutney, chili sauce, etc.

Oranges – originated in Southeast Asia

(Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, East Timor)

There are several varieties of oranges. The Persians, grown in southern Europe then Italy, was bitter. Sweet oranges brought from India, replaced them in the 15th century. They were brought to Florida by Juan Ponce de Leon. Naval, is the result of mutation in 1820, it is also called, Washington, Riverside, or Bahie navel. Valencia, is a sweet orange that is used for juicing when the Navels are out of season. and Blood, has red streaks and is used in Seville marmalade.

Pears – originated in Old World (western Europe, Africa, and Asia)

In 2008, according to The Statistical Division of Food and Agricultural Organization of United nations: Economic and Social Department, 20,105,683 pears were grown worldwide. Producing 12,625,000 pears, China was the number one producers. Producing 840,516, Italy was the number two producer, the United States came in third producing 799,180. Other producers were Spain, Argentina, South Korea, Turkey, Japan, South Africa, and the Netherlands.

Pomegranate – originated in Iran

Pomegranates have since being grown in the entire Mediterranean region and the Caucasus (Russia), a region found between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Other cultivating areas are Iraq, Algeria, India, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, and Armenia. In 1769, Spanish settlers brought the fruit into Latin America, and California and Arizona for juicing.

There are numerous potential health benefits associated with eating the fruit or drinking its juice. It has powerful antioxidant polyphones that fight free-radicals that wants to destroy our bodies. There is vitamin C, potassium and vitamin B6. It is also believed to have a positive effect on reducing risks of heart disease, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. There has been several clinical trials conducted on, prostate cancer, diabetes, common cold, rhinovirus, coronary artery disease, using the pomegranate. just to name a few.

No matter what part of the world your favorite fruit originated from, enjoy it; it is good for your health.