You Probably Eat Them Daily – But Do You Know Where They Come From?

Their origins stretch from ancient times to tropical jungles.
Get ready to be surprised by where your favorite fruits actually come from.

Apples – From Central Asia

• Apples originally come from the mountainous regions of Central Asia.
• The wild ancestor, Malus sieversii, still grows in Kazakhstan.
• Today, apples are one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the world.

Bananas – A Tropical Treasure from Southeast Asia

• Bananas originate from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
• They are among the oldest cultivated fruits known to humans.
• The bananas we eat today are bred to be sweet and seedless.

Pineapples – From South America

• Pineapples trace their roots to Paraguay and southern Brazil.
• Spanish explorers brought them to the Caribbean, and later to Europe.
• Enjoyed both fresh and in hot dishes around the world.

Mangoes – India’s Golden Fruit

• Mangoes originated in South Asia, especially India.
• They’ve been cultivated for over 4,000 years.
• A symbol of love and prosperity in Indian culture.

Kiwis – Chinese Origin with a Twist

• Kiwis originally came from China and were once known as “Chinese gooseberries.”
• They got their modern name in New Zealand, where they became popular and widely exported.
• Sweet, tangy, and packed with vitamin C.

Durian – The Smelly Treasure of Southeast Asia

• Native to Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
• Famous (or infamous) for its strong, pungent odor.
• Has a soft, sweet, and creamy interior.
• Often called the “King of Fruits” in Southeast Asia.

Rambutan – A Colorful Temptation from Malaysia

• Originally from Malaysia and nearby tropical regions.
• Looks like a hairy lychee on the outside.
• Inside hides juicy, sweet flesh.
• Commonly eaten fresh or in fruit salads and desserts.

Jackfruit – The Giant from India’s Forests

• Native to India and South Asia.
• The largest tree-borne fruit in the world – can weigh up to 77 lbs (35 kg).
• Ripe jackfruit is sweet and fragrant.
• Unripe jackfruit is used as a plant-based meat alternative in many dishes.

The Diverse Journey of Fruits

• Many of the fruits we know today have traveled the world through trade and migration.
• Climate and culture have shaped their distribution and use.
• Each fruit has a fascinating story – and a unique flavor to match!