1. MAY FFVP Educational Slides
These slides are for displaying as students enjoy their FFVP snacks during the month of May! Find discussion ideas and answers to questions in the “Notes” below each slide. If a mix of veggies is served for snack, you’ll find more than one slide for that day.
EDIBLE PLANT PARTS is our theme of the month! You’ll notice a variety of different plant parts throughout each week. Please note that the FFVP menu may change!
More information available at:
Please contact Andrea Northup at with any questions or comments about the FFVP

2. Cantaloupe are sweet fruits that grow on vines
Cantaloupe are sweet fruits that grow on vines. Minnesota cantaloupe are ripe in August and September.
CANTALOUPE
Cantaloupe got its name from Cantalupo, Italy
In Australia, people call cantaloupe “rockmelon”
Another name for cantaloupe is muskmelon
Good source of vitamin C, which the body uses to heal itself and to strengthen blood vessels
Vitamin A helps to protect our eyes – kind of like having super power glasses!
Answer: 12 x 6 = 72. Bonus question – How many pieces of melon would each child in the class get to eat?
LITERATURE RESOURCE: Yes We Have Bananas: Fruits from Shrubs and Vines by Meredith Sayles Hughes. Grades 4-6. Summary: “Bananas, pineapples, grapes, berries, and melons are among the fruits included here. An introduction describes the process of photosynthesis and the domestication of plants, and categorizes the plants we eat as having seeds, fruits, or bulbs. A labelled diagram of the life cycle of a flowering plant (germination, pollination, and fertilization) completes this section. Chapters on individual fruits are set up in an identical format. Taxonomic names are given, as well as fascinating facts about growing/processing procedures and history. Vibrant labeled cross-section illustrations, stunning color photos and boxed sections … provide informative tidbits while “Dig In” offers wonderful recipes. The attractive layout and inclusion of unique historical quotes throughout add up to a lively, informative presentation.” – Augusta Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
If one melon can be divided into 12 slices and each slice cut into 6 pieces, how many total pieces of melon would you have?
Cantaloupe originated in the Middle East or India. Ancient Egyptians and Romans enjoyed growing and eating cantaloupe.

3. Tomatoes are actually fruits that grow on plants (because they contain seeds) but we call them vegetables. Minnesota farmers grow many tomatoes, which are harvested from July through September. Grape tomatoes are a small variety of tomato.
GRAPE TOMATO
Tomatoes may help to protect us against heart disease and cancer
Good source of vitamin A and vitamin C to keep us healthy
The name tomato has its roots in the Aztec word tomatl
The heaviest tomato ever grown was almost 8 pounds!
Possible answers: ketchup, pasta, pizza sauce, salsa, soup
LITERATURE RESOURCES:
Tomatoes = Tomates by Inés Vaughn. K – Grade 2. Summary: Este libro habla de los tomates, dónde se cultivan, y sus múltiples usos.This book discusses tomatoes, where they are grown, and their many uses.
Tomatoes, potatoes, corn, and beans : how the foods of the Americas changed eating around the world by Sylvia A. Johnson. Grades Summary: “It's hard to believe that maize and potatoes were once exotic foods in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and that the plants brought back from the Americas turned out to be of far greater value than any gold or silver. Johnson blends history, botany, geography, folklore, cookery, and art in a fascinating account of how Columbus' "discovery" in 1492 began an exchange of foods between the Americas and the Old World that improved the lives of millions. The prose style is not as lively as that in Milton Meltzer's The Amazing Potato (1992), but Johnson devotes a chapter each to maize, beans, peppers, peanuts, tomatoes, chocolate, and potatoes, showing how the plants were cultivated and used by Native Americans, how the foods spread across the world, and how, in many cases, they developed and became staple national dishes in their new homes. The illustrations on every page include many reprints from Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and the chapter notes and bibliography will help readers find out more for class assignments and personal interest. Food is always a lively natural way to explore cultures and connections”. --Hazel Rochman
Tomatoes are an important ingredient in many of our favorite foods. Can you name some of the foods that use tomatoes as ingredients?
Tomatoes are native to Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. As far back as 2,000 years ago Aztecs and Mayas were growing tomatoes. Spanish explorers returned home with tomato seeds and introduced them to Europe.

4. Pineapples are groups of flowers whose fruitlets fuse around a central core. They grow on short-stemmed plants in tropical climates. In the United States, most pineapples are grown in Hawaii.
PINEAPPLE
Pineapples got their name because people thought they looked like pine cones
In the Caribbean, pineapple crowns outside a home mean friendship and welcome
Contain bromelian, an enzyme that may help to reduce joint pain
High in manganese to build strong muscles and strong bones
Good source of fiber to help with digestion
Answer: Tropical climates are hot and humid. Because it is never cold, the changing amounts of rainfall and cloudiness are used to tell apart the different seasons. Tropical climates are found around the earth’s equator.
LITERATURE RESOURCE: Yes We Have Bananas: Fruits from Shrubs and Vines by Meredith Sayles Hughes. Grades 4-6. Summary: “Bananas, pineapples, grapes, berries, and melons are among the fruits included here. An introduction describes the process of photosynthesis and the domestication of plants, and categorizes the plants we eat as having seeds, fruits, or bulbs. A labelled diagram of the life cycle of a flowering plant (germination, pollination, and fertilization) completes this section. Chapters on individual fruits are set up in an identical format. Taxonomic names are given, as well as fascinating facts about growing/processing procedures and history. Vibrant labeled cross-section illustrations, stunning color photos and boxed sections … provide informative tidbits while “Dig In” offers wonderful recipes. The attractive layout and inclusion of unique historical quotes throughout add up to a lively, informative presentation.” – Augusta Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
What makes a tropical climate different from our climate in Minnesota? What other plants grow well in tropical climates?
Pineapples originated in Brazil and Uruguay. Native tribes ate them and spread them throughout the continent. Christopher Columbus brought the first pineapples back to Europe.

5. Carrots are vegetables that grow underground as a taproot (the main root of a plant). We grow carrots in Minnesota. They are harvested in the late summer to early fall and can be stored throughout the winter months.
CARROT
The first carrots were grown as medicine because they have so many vitamins and minerals
Best known for a high beta carotene, content - this helps keep our eyes, skin, bones, and teeth healthy (and makes carrots orange)
Carrots are related to fennel, dill, parsley, and parsnips
Baby carrots are actually big carrots that are peeled, cut and shaved down
Answer: pumpkins, orange winter squash, orange bell peppers, sweet potatoes
LITERATURE RESOURCES:
The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss. Versions available in Spanish and Hmong. Summary: Despite everyone’s dire predictions, a little boy has faith in the carrot seed he plants.
The Giant Carrot by Jan Peck. Grades 1-2. Summary: “Adapted from an old Russian folktale, this is a great story for reading aloud, with lots of action and repetition. The carrot-colored folk-style illustrations in watercolor and gouache capture the rural setting, the droll characters, and the rhythm of the farce. Tall Papa Joe wants to plant a carrot seed so he can drink a tall glass of carrot juice. Wide Mama Bess would rather park her lips on a wide bowl of carrot stew. Strong Brother Abel wants a jar of carrot relish. As the seasons change, they all sweat, shovel, pull weeds, water and dig; but each time, it’s only when sweet Little Isabelle sings and dances to the carrot that it really grows tall. When it comes time to pick the giant carrot, they huff and tug and pull and tug, but the carrot won’t budge – until Little Isabelle sings a high note and the carrot pops right out of the ground. And it’s so big that everyone can make their favorite carrot dish.” – Hazel Rochman American Library Association
Carrots are an orange vegetable because they contain a nutrient called beta carotene. What other orange vegetables can you list?
Around 5,000 years ago, people in Middle Asia and Afghanistan began to eat carrots. In Roman times, carrots were mostly purple and yellow!

6. Cantaloupe are sweet fruits that grow on vines
Cantaloupe are sweet fruits that grow on vines. Minnesota cantaloupe are ripe in August and September.
CANTALOUPE
Cantaloupe got its name from Cantalupo, Italy
In Australia, people call cantaloupe “rockmelon”
Another name for cantaloupe is muskmelon
Helps your eyesight AND helps you get better faster when you are sick.
High in folate which our body uses for cell growth.
Answer: 12 x 6 = 72. Bonus question – How many pieces of melon would each child in the class get to eat?
LITERATURE RESOURCE: Yes We Have Bananas: Fruits from Shrubs and Vines by Meredith Sayles Hughes. Grades 4-6. Summary: “Bananas, pineapples, grapes, berries, and melons are among the fruits included here. An introduction describes the process of photosynthesis and the domestication of plants, and categorizes the plants we eat as having seeds, fruits, or bulbs. A labelled diagram of the life cycle of a flowering plant (germination, pollination, and fertilization) completes this section. Chapters on individual fruits are set up in an identical format. Taxonomic names are given, as well as fascinating facts about growing/processing procedures and history. Vibrant labeled cross-section illustrations, stunning color photos and boxed sections … provide informative tidbits while “Dig In” offers wonderful recipes. The attractive layout and inclusion of unique historical quotes throughout add up to a lively, informative presentation.” – Augusta Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
If one melon can be divided into 12 slices and each slice cut into 6 pieces, how many total pieces of melon would you have?
Cantaloupe originated in the Middle East or India. Ancient Egyptians and Romans enjoyed growing and eating cantaloupe.

7. Grapes are fruits that grow in bunches on vines
Grapes are fruits that grow in bunches on vines. Grapes come in many colors – white, green, golden, red, purple, and black. Concord grapes are one of three fruits native to North America. Grapes grow in Minnesota and are ripe in late summer and fall.
RED GRAPES
Packed with Vitamin C and other nutrients to keep you healthy
Good source of fiber to help with digestion
Good source of potassium, which can help prevent muscle cramps during exercise and fight infection
Grapes are about 80% water!
There are grapes growing on every continent except Antarctica
Cultivated = deliberately grown by people for their use. Answer: a raisin. Grape juice, grape jam, grape jelly.
LITERATURE RESOURCES:
First Day in Grapes by L. King Perez. Grades Summary: “Growing up in a migrant family, Chico has experienced first school days in artichokes and first days in onions, and "now his first day in third grade would be in grapes." His encounters with bullies and the grumpy school bus driver shake Chico's confidence, but a friendly classmate and an understanding teacher help him adjust. In fact, Ms. Andrews admires his remarkable math talent and invites Chico to compete in the Math Fair. When the bullies return at lunch, Chico stands up to them and challenges them with math questions until they retreat, and the day ends with an upbeat bus ride home. The quick resolution with the school bullies strains credibility, but the rest of the story rings true. Realistic watercolor, pastel, and colored-pencil illustrations are especially adept at portraying Chico's emotions. His story will resonate with migrant students and those who have moved frequently. For others, it's an insightful glimpse of another way of life and a reminder that different kids have different talents.” --Linda Perkins, American Library Association
The Grapes of Math by Greg Tang. Grades 3-5. Summary: Picture puzzles accompanied by clues in verse encourage readers to embark on some inspired problem solving. Each riddle and an illustration are set on a two-page spread. The goofy rhymes set a humorous tone. Through patterns, grouping, and creative thinking, the problems to be solved will have children adding, subtracting, and multiplying. Throughout, Tang sneaks in useful visual strategies that can be used in solving other computation problems. Bright, appealing computer images add to the playful nature of the title. The solutions provided at the back of the volume include a miniature color reproduction of each picture and a clearly diagrammed answer along with text outlining the process employed to arrive at that answer. A fun addition to classroom and library shelves.” – Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St, Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA.
Apples to Oregon : being the (slightly) true narrative of how a brave pioneer father brought apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, and cherries (and children) across the Plains by Deborah Hopkinson. K- Grade 3. Summary: “The pair that created Fannie in the Kitchen 0 (2001) offers another food-related picture book for youngsters. When Papa decides to move from Iowa to Oregon his biggest concern is not his family but his apples--and his peaches, plums, grapes, cherries, and pears! He constructs a dirt-filled wagon to transport his fruit saplings, while his family travels in a smaller cart. Along the way, they encounter the requisite Oregon Trail hardships, but luckily daughter Delicious is clever enough to help her family (and Papa's precious darlings) arrive safely at their new home. Based loosely on the life of Henderson Luelling, who founded Oregon's first nursery in 1847, Hopkinson's alliterative tall tale is rich in language that begs to be read out loud ("'Guard the grapes! Protect the peaches!' Daddy howled"), and Carpenter's colorful oil paintings add to the exaggerated fun. Some apple facts and a historical note are appended.” --Kay Weisman Copyright 2004 Booklist
Go Go Grapes! by April Pulley Sayre. K – Grade 1. Summary: “This companion to Sayre's Rah, Rah, Radishes! (S & S, 2011) introduces another important food group. Short, catchy rhyming phrases line nearly full-page photos of fruits, ranging from the familiar, like apples, oranges, and, of course, grapes, to the more exotic rambutans, lychee, and persimmons. All of them are pictured in baskets or bunches, the way they would look in the supermarket. This approach presents the types of produce as kids are likely to encounter them. The rhythm of the text and the size of the images make this book a good choice for sharing with a group. However, readers should note that sometimes two fruits share a picture, and it isn't always clear which one is which, so a little bit of pre-storytime research might be in order. The book ends with a page on fruit facts and a spread of fruit faces proclaiming: "Fruit is fun!" Kids are bound to agree.” - Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City
What do you called a dried grape? What other foods can we make using grapes?
Grapes are one of the oldest cultivated fruits. People were growing grapes over 8,000 years ago!

8. Although we use cucumbers like vegetables, they are actually a fruit that grows on long, trailing vines. Fresh Minnesota cucumbers are available July through September.
CUCUMBER
The inside of a cucumber is about 20 degrees cooler than the outside and this is where the phrase “cool as a cucumber” comes from!
Cucumbers are a good snack! They have a satisfying crunch and help our bodies to stay hydrated because they are 96% water!
Possibilities: grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, juicy orange, crunchy jicama
LITERATURE RESOURCE:
Rah Rah Radishes! A Vegetable Chant by April Pulley Sayle. K – Grade 2. Summary: “The produce glossily portrayed in this photo-essay looks good enough to eat, which is clearly the point. Many young children claim they don't like veggies; this attractive array, picturing vegetables in their freshly harvested, brightly colored glory, before any slicing, dicing, or cooking has been done, makes produce seem downright fun. Some are more commonly known, such as corn, cucumbers, and tomatoes; others will be new to most kids, such as fennel, kohlrabi, and rutabagas. The energetic rhyme features lots of action ( Pile up peppers bananas, bells. / Crunch their colors. Smell their smells! ) and is best read aloud. Families could read this together before or after a trip to the grocery store or farmers' market; teachers and librarians could feature it on Earth Day or any time resources are needed about food, health, or plants. A good, sturdy, health-conscious choice.” --Foote, Dian. Copyright 2010 Booklist
People like to eat cucumbers because they are so cool and refreshing. Can you think of other fruits and vegetables that are cool and refreshing?
Cucumbers were first grown in India. Ancient Egyptians would use the peels to hold water when they were traveling in the desert. Christopher Columbus brought cucumbers to America.

9. Jicama (pronounced HEE-ka-mah) that we eat is the root of a long plant that grows along the ground (a vine).
JICAMA
Has lots of good fiber to help us digest our food
Good source of vitamin C to boost the immune system
Good source of potassium to help nerves and muscles communicate
Jicama has many different names – yacón, yacuma, arboloco, Mexican potato, Mexican yam bean, and leaf cup.
Read to class: Even when we speak a common language, people in different areas may use different words for the same thing. See if you can match the American vegetable name with the British/Australian vegetable name.
Answers: aubergine=eggplant, capsicum = bell pepper, rocket = arugula, courgette = zucchini, swede = rutabaga, beetroot = beet
Can you match the American vegetable name with the British vegetable name?
aubergine rutabaga
rocket bell pepper
capsicum zucchini
swede eggplant
beetroot beet
courgette arugula
Jicama belongs to the potato family. It has been growing in Mexico and Central America for centuries.

10. How do you think a plant gets water and nutrients from the soil?
Celery is a plant stem. With celery, we refer to the stem as celery stalks. Although we can grow celery in Minnesota, our climate has too many temperature changes and hot summers for this to be a good place to grow lots of celery.
CELERY
Has lots of small amounts of beneficial vitamins and minerals
Good source of fiber to keep your digestive system healthy
Celery seeds are very tiny, they are about the size of a period in a newspaper
Celery stalks should not be picked until they are at least 10 inches long
A plant’s roots take in water and nutrients. The stem of the plant has pathways called xylem in which nutrients and water are transported to the plant leaves. You can see how this works by taking a couple drops of dark food coloring and mixing them into a clear glass of water. Now take an inner, leafy stalk of celery and set it in the water. Check the celery after a couple hours, what has happened to the celery leaves?
How do you think a plant gets water and nutrients from the soil?
The first celery was grown by ancient Greeks and Romans. They used the plant as medicine.

11. Strawberries are a fruit that grows on small plants
Strawberries are a fruit that grows on small plants. They are the only fruit with their seeds on the outside of their skin! You can find fresh Minnesota strawberries in June and July.
STRAWBERRY
Great source of potassium
High in magnesium for strong bones
Good source of vitamin C for healthy body tissue
An average strawberry has 200 tiny seeds on it
Native Americans used strawberries by pounding them into cornmeal bread, this is the origin of strawberry short cake.
Answer: 48 berries.
LITERATURE RESOURCE:
The Berry Book by Gail Gibbons. K – Grade 2. Summary: “This large-format overview of berries, particularly those grown in North America, is as pretty as any book Gibbons has done. The clear, simple text runs along the bottom of each page, sometimes supplemented by informative headings and captions. Some pages feature one large picture while others are divided into panels in different configurations. Gibbons' distinctive line work and bright colors give the pages a cheerful look, and the information is extended through the picture captions. Instructions for growing strawberries and making blueberry pie, strawberry jam, and raspberry ice cream round out the presentation. With pictures big enough for classroom sharing, this book provides enough information for young children to absorb without feeling overwhelmed.” --Carolyn Phelan
Go Go Grapes! by April Pulley Sayre. K – Grade 1. Summary: “This companion to Sayre's Rah, Rah, Radishes! (S & S, 2011) introduces another important food group. Short, catchy rhyming phrases line nearly full-page photos of fruits, ranging from the familiar, like apples, oranges, and, of course, grapes, to the more exotic rambutans, lychee, and persimmons. All of them are pictured in baskets or bunches, the way they would look in the supermarket. This approach presents the types of produce as kids are likely to encounter them. The rhythm of the text and the size of the images make this book a good choice for sharing with a group. However, readers should note that sometimes two fruits share a picture, and it isn't always clear which one is which, so a little bit of pre-storytime research might be in order. The book ends with a page on fruit facts and a spread of fruit faces proclaiming: "Fruit is fun!" Kids are bound to agree.” - Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City
If a pint of strawberries has 12 berries and you buy 4 pints, how many berries do you have?
Wild strawberries grew in Italy as far back as 243 BCE. The strawberries native to the Americas are bigger and sweeter than their European relatives.

12. Broccoli are clusters of flowers buds (florets) which grow on stems
Broccoli are clusters of flowers buds (florets) which grow on stems. Each plant produces one head of broccoli. We harvest Minnesota broccoli from June through October.
BROCCOLI
The name broccoli comes from the Latin word brachium, which means branch or arm
Broccoli is in the same family of plants as cabbage and cauliflower.
Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients, sometimes called a Super Food!
Has as much calcium per ounce as milk
Good source of fiber, vitamins C, E, and K
Good source of folate and iron to make your immune system and blood cells strong
Answer: cauliflower and artichoke
When we eat broccoli, we are actually eating the small, unopened flowers of the plant. Can you think of any other vegetable that is a flower?
Broccoli has existed for more than 2,000 years and was first cultivated in Italy. In the 1900s Italian immigrants introduced broccoli to the United States when they planted it in their gardens.

13. Honeydew is a type of melon
Honeydew is a type of melon. Melons grow on vines trailing along the ground.
HONEYDEW
Has potassium to help your muscles when you exercise
Good source of vitamin C to boost your immune system
Honeydew likes warm, dry climates
Egyptians considered honeydew a sacred food
Answer possibilities: similarities – seeds, shape of seeds, color, both grow on vines., both cucumbers and melons are juicy/watery. Differences: melons have hard shell; shape of most cucumbers is long and melons are more round or fat and oval; melons are much sweeter than cucumbers.
Melons and cucumbers are in the same plant family. What similarities and what differences can you think of between honeydew and cucumber?
People believe honeydew was first found in Asia. It has been cultivated in the Middle East since ancient times.

14. Cantaloupe are sweet fruits that grow on vines
Cantaloupe are sweet fruits that grow on vines. Minnesota cantaloupe are ripe in August and September.
CANTALOUPE
Cantaloupe got its name from Cantalupo, Italy
In Australia, people call cantaloupe “rockmelon”
Another name for cantaloupe is muskmelon
Good source of vitamin C, which the body uses to heal itself and to strengthen blood vessels
Has Vitamin A to promote healthy vision and skin
High in folate which our body uses for cell growth.
Answer: 12 x 6 = 72. Bonus question – How many pieces of melon would each child in the class get to eat?
LITERATURE RESOURCE: Yes We Have Bananas: Fruits from Shrubs and Vines by Meredith Sayles Hughes. Grades 4-6. Summary: “Bananas, pineapples, grapes, berries, and melons are among the fruits included here. An introduction describes the process of photosynthesis and the domestication of plants, and categorizes the plants we eat as having seeds, fruits, or bulbs. A labelled diagram of the life cycle of a flowering plant (germination, pollination, and fertilization) completes this section. Chapters on individual fruits are set up in an identical format. Taxonomic names are given, as well as fascinating facts about growing/processing procedures and history. Vibrant labeled cross-section illustrations, stunning color photos and boxed sections … provide informative tidbits while “Dig In” offers wonderful recipes. The attractive layout and inclusion of unique historical quotes throughout add up to a lively, informative presentation.” – Augusta Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
If one melon can be divided into 12 slices and each slice cut into 6 pieces, how many total pieces of melon would you have?
Cantaloupe originated in the Middle East or India. Ancient Egyptians and Romans enjoyed growing and eating cantaloupe.

15. Watermelons are a fruit that grows on vines running along the ground
Watermelons are a fruit that grows on vines running along the ground. Minnesota watermelons are ripe from July to September.
WATERMELON
Good source of vitamin C to boost your immune system
Dark red watermelons have beta carotene that your body turns into vitamin A and lycopene which may help fight some cancers
Watermelons are 92% water and 8% sugar
Watermelons can have seeds or be seedless
Watermelons can have red, orange, or yellow flesh inside.
Answer: June 2nd
LITERATURE RESOURCE:
One Watermelon Seed by Celia Barker Lottridge. K- Grade 2. Summary: “Numbers, colors, and gardening are combined in this vividly illustrated counting book. The story starts as Max and Josephine plant a garden, first 1 watermelon seed, then 2 pumpkin seeds, and so on all the way to 10. The phrase, "and they grew" follows mention of each new set of seeds. The graphic-style illustrations depict the seedlings as they grow, with an occasional gardening glove, tool, watering can, or young hand inserted into the scenes. After a center spread with colorful plants filling the pages to capacity and Max and Josephine busy at work, it's time for the harvest. The fruits and vegetables are so plentiful that they must be counted in tens: "ten watermelons, big and green, and twenty pumpkins, glowing orange." The vibrant colors and close-up views of the produce make it look delicious and irresistible. Later, on a cold winter night, the children turn "one hundred ears of corn" into "100s and 1000s of big, white crunchy puffs" of popcorn. Throughout the book, the text runs along the bottom of the double-paged illustrations, with the numerals, in bright colors, lining up beneath. This appealing book is great for classroom counting and discussions of seasons. Pair it with Lois Ehlert's Growing Vegetable Soup (Harcourt, 1987).” -Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY
Watermelons take about 80 days to grow and ripen. If you wanted to have a ripe watermelon on August 31st, when would you need to plant the seeds?
Watermelon is thought to have originated in Africa over 4,000 years ago. African slaves brought watermelon seeds with them to the Americas and planted them in the fields to eat during the hot summer months.

16. PINEAPPLE GREEN PEPPER
Pineapples are groups of flowers whose fruitlets fuse around a central core. They grow on short-stemmed plants in tropical climates. In the United States, most pineapples are grown in Hawaii.
Bell peppers are a sweet vegetable that grow on small, bush-like plants. Fresh, Minnesota-grown peppers can be found in the months of July, August and September.
PINEAPPLE
GREEN PEPPER
Pineapples got their name because people thought they looked like pine cones
In the Caribbean, pineapple crowns outside a home mean friendship and welcome
Contain bromelian, an enzyme that may help to reduce joint pain
High in manganese to build strong muscles and strong bones
Good source of fiber to help with digestion
Helps you see and feel better.
Makes your nails go strong and keep you from getting sick.
The bell pepper has twice the amount of vitamin C as an orange!
Peppers can be put into two groups: sweet or hot
Red, orange, or yellow peppers are green peppers left on the plant long enough to change color!
Answer: Red peppers have more nutrients than green peppers because they are more ripe. Some even say that red peppers are sweeter!
What makes a tropical climate different from our climate in Minnesota? What other plants grow well in tropical climates?
Peppers have more nutrients once they are fully ripe. Which pepper has more nutrients – a green pepper or a red pepper?
Peppers originated in Mexico and Central and South America. Christopher Columbus loaded his ships with many pepper when he returned to Spain. Soon peppers became popular throughout Europe.
Pineapples originated in Brazil and Uruguay. Native tribes ate them and spread them throughout the continent. Christopher Columbus brought the first pineapples back to Europe.

17. Bananas are a fruit that grows in bunches called hands
Bananas are a fruit that grows in bunches called hands. Each banana is called a finger. Although the banana plant looks like a tree, it is actually a giant herb!
BANANA
High in fiber to help your stomach feel full
Full of potassium and vitamin C. Potassium helps our bodies balance fluids when we eat salty foods and vitamin C helps our immune system
Bananas have been growing on earth for over 1 million years
Types of bananas include dwarf bananas, red bananas, and plantains
Steps of a banana’s journey from a tropical country to the United States: 1) the banana shoot grows for 18 months and makes a stem full of bananas 2) harvesters hand-cut giant stems full of banana bunches 3) the stem of bananas is cut into bunches and they are washed and packed into boxes 4) the banana boxes are sent to a port and lifted by crane onto a giant cargo ship 5) the ship arrives in the United States and the bananas are moved to a ripening house 6) large semi-trucks take the bananas from the ripening house to grocery stores where people buy the bananas as a healthy snack.
LITERATURE RESOURCE: Yes We Have Bananas: Fruits from Shrubs and Vines by Meredith Sayles Hughes. Grades 4-6. Summary: “Bananas, pineapples, grapes, berries, and melons are among the fruits included here. An introduction describes the process of photosynthesis and the domestication of plants, and categorizes the plants we eat as having seeds, fruits, or bulbs. A labelled diagram of the life cycle of a flowering plant (germination, pollination, and fertilization) completes this section. Chapters on individual fruits are set up in an identical format. Taxonomic names are given, as well as fascinating facts about growing/processing procedures and history. Vibrant labeled cross-section illustrations, stunning color photos and boxed sections … provide informative tidbits while “Dig In” offers wonderful recipes. The attractive layout and inclusion of unique historical quotes throughout add up to a lively, informative presentation.” – Augusta Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
Bananas are a tropical fruit and need warm, humid conditions to grow. Brainstorm countries with a tropical climate and then listen to your teacher describe how a banana travels to get to our classroom.
Bananas are from the Malaysian area of Southeast Asia. The banana was officially introduced to the US public at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial exhibition where it was wrapped in foil and sold for 10 cents!

18. Carrots are vegetables that grow underground as a taproot (the main root of a plant). We grow carrots in Minnesota. They are harvested in the late summer to early fall and can be stored throughout the winter months.
CARROT
The first carrots were grown as medicine because they have so many vitamins and minerals
Best known for helping keep our eyes, skin, bones, and teeth healthy
Carrots are related to fennel, dill, parsley, and parsnips
Baby carrots are actually big carrots that are peeled, cut and shaved down
Answer: pumpkins, orange winter squash, orange bell peppers, sweet potatoes
LITERATURE RESOURCES:
The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss. Versions available in Spanish and Hmong. Summary: Despite everyone’s dire predictions, a little boy has faith in the carrot seed he plants.
The Giant Carrot by Jan Peck. Grades 1-2. Summary: “Adapted from an old Russian folktale, this is a great story for reading aloud, with lots of action and repetition. The carrot-colored folk-style illustrations in watercolor and gouache capture the rural setting, the droll characters, and the rhythm of the farce. Tall Papa Joe wants to plant a carrot seed so he can drink a tall glass of carrot juice. Wide Mama Bess would rather park her lips on a wide bowl of carrot stew. Strong Brother Abel wants a jar of carrot relish. As the seasons change, they all sweat, shovel, pull weeds, water and dig; but each time, it’s only when sweet Little Isabelle sings and dances to the carrot that it really grows tall. When it comes time to pick the giant carrot, they huff and tug and pull and tug, but the carrot won’t budge – until Little Isabelle sings a high note and the carrot pops right out of the ground. And it’s so big that everyone can make their favorite carrot dish.” – Hazel Rochman American Library Association
Carrots are an orange vegetable because they contain a nutrient called beta carotene. What other orange vegetables can you list?
Around 5,000 years ago, people in Middle Asia and Afghanistan began to eat carrots. In Roman times, carrots were mostly purple and yellow!

19. Broccoli are clusters of flowers buds (florets) which grow on stems
Broccoli are clusters of flowers buds (florets) which grow on stems. Each plant produces one head of broccoli. We harvest Minnesota broccoli from June through October.
BROCCOLI
The name broccoli comes from the Latin word brachium, which means branch or arm
Broccoli is in the same family of plants as cabbage and cauliflower.
Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients, sometimes called a Super Food!
Has as much calcium per ounce as milk
Good source of fiber, vitamins C, E, and K
Good source of folate and iron to make your immune system and blood cells strong
Answer: cauliflower and artichoke
When we eat broccoli, we are actually eating the small, unopened flowers of the plant. Can you think of any other vegetable that is a flower?
Broccoli has existed for more than 2,000 years and was first cultivated in Italy. In the 1900s Italian immigrants introduced broccoli to the United States when they planted it in their gardens.

20. What Asian countries border the Mediterranean Sea?
A head of cauliflower is actually the immature flowers of the plant. In addition to white cauliflower, it can be purple, green or gold! In Minnesota, cauliflower is harvested from July to November.
CAULIFLOWER
Because leaves cover the cauliflower buds and block out the sunlight, chlorophyll doesn’t form in the buds and this keeps the cauliflower white. In the picture, the leaves have been cut back.
Full of vitamin C, fiber, and folate to keep our immune system and cells strong
Contains a substance called indole which scientists think may help prevent certain types of cancer
Chlorophyll is the green color (pigment) in plant leaves. When sunlight hits chlorophyll, it makes food for the plant. This process is called photosynthesis.
Answers: : Africa and Europe are the two other continents that touch the Mediterranean Sea. Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria are the Asian countries bordering the Mediterranean.
Find the Mediterranean Sea on a map. What continents touch the Mediterranean Sea?
What Asian countries border the Mediterranean Sea?
Cauliflower was first grown in Asia around the Mediterranean Sea. The word cauliflower comes from the Latin floris meaning flower and caulis meaning stalk.

21. Oranges are a citrus fruit that grow on trees with thorns
Oranges are a citrus fruit that grow on trees with thorns. Oranges do not grow in Minnesota. Florida produces 90% of the oranges grown in the United States.
ORANGE
A terrific source of vitamin C. In fact, oranges are the largest source of vitamin C for most Americans.
Vitamin B6 to help our brains function.
Navel oranges are named that because of the belly-button formation opposite the stem end.
After chocolate & vanilla, orange is the world’s most popular flavor!
TEACHER RESOURCES Available from Sunkist:
LITERATURE RESOURCES:
Oranges by Zack Rogow and Mary Szilagyi. K-Grade 1. Summary: “This lyrical look at how oranges are grown shows young children how fields are cleared, trees are started and cared for, and a bountiful crop of oranges is picked and sent to market. A hint of the social context in which the orange industry takes place is noted in the text: workers who till the fields probably speak Spanish, those who pick the ripe fruit may well speak Creole, the truckers who haul the produce northward may speak English, and the grocers who stock the oranges could be Korean. The artist's soft, chalky drawings depict the process in misty, romantic spreads that glow with color when the oranges themselves are front and center. A young girl enjoying the divided sections of an orange muses, ``A world of work is in this ripe orange that I pry apart''-- and no one will disagree. Information on how long it takes an orange tree to produce fruit is unclear, but the time span certainly seems telescoped. Otherwise, this is an attractive, informative explanation that will fit nicely into food units for primary classes.” DMW Booklist
Go Go Grapes! by April Pulley Sayre. K – Grade 1. Summary: “This companion to Sayre's Rah, Rah, Radishes! (S & S, 2011) introduces another important food group. Short, catchy rhyming phrases line nearly full-page photos of fruits, ranging from the familiar, like apples, oranges, and, of course, grapes, to the more exotic rambutans, lychee, and persimmons. All of them are pictured in baskets or bunches, the way they would look in the supermarket. This approach presents the types of produce as kids are likely to encounter them. The rhythm of the text and the size of the images make this book a good choice for sharing with a group. However, readers should note that sometimes two fruits share a picture, and it isn't always clear which one is which, so a little bit of pre-storytime research might be in order. The book ends with a page on fruit facts and a spread of fruit faces proclaiming: "Fruit is fun!" Kids are bound to agree.” - Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City
Do you remember the first time you tried an orange? When was it? Where was it? Who did you eat it with? What did it taste like?
Oranges originated in Malaysia. Travelers and traders carried the fruit to Ancient Greece, Rome, the Middle East, and Africa. Columbus brought orange seeds to the Americas

22. Carrots are vegetables that grow underground as a taproot (the main root of a plant). We grow carrots in Minnesota. They are harvested in the late summer to early fall and can be stored throughout the winter months.
CARROT
The first carrots were grown as medicine because they have so many vitamins and minerals
Best known for helping keep our eyes, skin, bones, and teeth healthy
Carrots are related to fennel, dill, parsley, and parsnips
Baby carrots are actually big carrots that are peeled, cut and shaved down
Answer: pumpkins, orange winter squash, orange bell peppers, sweet potatoes
LITERATURE RESOURCES:
The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss. Versions available in Spanish and Hmong. Summary: Despite everyone’s dire predictions, a little boy has faith in the carrot seed he plants.
The Giant Carrot by Jan Peck. Grades 1-2. Summary: “Adapted from an old Russian folktale, this is a great story for reading aloud, with lots of action and repetition. The carrot-colored folk-style illustrations in watercolor and gouache capture the rural setting, the droll characters, and the rhythm of the farce. Tall Papa Joe wants to plant a carrot seed so he can drink a tall glass of carrot juice. Wide Mama Bess would rather park her lips on a wide bowl of carrot stew. Strong Brother Abel wants a jar of carrot relish. As the seasons change, they all sweat, shovel, pull weeds, water and dig; but each time, it’s only when sweet Little Isabelle sings and dances to the carrot that it really grows tall. When it comes time to pick the giant carrot, they huff and tug and pull and tug, but the carrot won’t budge – until Little Isabelle sings a high note and the carrot pops right out of the ground. And it’s so big that everyone can make their favorite carrot dish.” – Hazel Rochman American Library Association
Carrots are an orange vegetable because they contain a nutrient called beta carotene. What other orange vegetables can you list?
Around 5,000 years ago, people in Middle Asia and Afghanistan began to eat carrots. In Roman times, carrots were mostly purple and yellow!

23. Nectarines are a stone fruit that grow on trees
Nectarines are a stone fruit that grow on trees. Nectarines need to be planted in an area with a cool winter so that they can lie dormant (asleep) for a period of time, otherwise they can’t produce fruits.
NECTARINE
All fruits are a great source of vitamins and minerals that helps a body out!
Nectarines contain niacin – which helps your brain, skin, hair and eyes stay healthy.
Vitamin E is very protective and can keep your body fight illness
Nectarines get their name from the word ‘nectar’ which means fruit of the gods
Sometimes you can find nectarines and peaches growing on the same tree!
Mutation: a change in a gene (a type of code that tells cells what they should do) that causes a change in the physical characteristics of a plant or animal.
Other color groups: red, yellow, blue, purple, white, and green
Nectarines are in the orange-colored fruit group. What other colors of fruits can you list? What are your favorite fruits to eat in each color group?
Nectarines originated in China thousands of years ago. They are the result of a natural mutation in a peach. In fact, except for the fuzzy skin, peaches and nectarines are exactly the same!

24. Peaches are in the same family as roses!
Peaches are a stone fruit because they have one pit, or stone, in the middle. They grow on trees. There are some peach trees that can grow in Minnesota.
PEACH
All fruits are a great source of vitamins and minerals that helps a body out!
Copper helps new red blood cells form – which you need to run and jump and climb trees!
Potassium also is important for growing, active kids. It helps keep your heart STRONG!
Answer: oranges, cantaloupe, nectarines, apricots, mangos, papayas, tangerines
LITERATURE RESOURCES:
From pit to peachtree by Ellen Weiss/ Grades 1-2. Summary: “Life cycles are a fascinating and integral part of every science curriculum. These titles are a great introduction to the wonder of how things grow. Beautiful, full-colour photographs and illustrations demonstrate the step-by-step process of a variety of plant growths, supported with an introduction to basic botany terms.”
Peaches are in the same family as roses!
Most peaches are considered an orange fruit. What other orange fruits can you list?
Peaches were first grown in China. From China, peaches spread to Persia and then to Europe. Peaches were first planted in Florida in the 1500s.

25. Plums are stone fruits that grow on trees
Plums are stone fruits that grow on trees. They are related to peaches, nectarines, and apricots. Plums can have green, yellow, red, or purple skin. Some plums grow in Minnesota, but not many.
PLUM
Good source of vitamin C to aid our bodies in absorbing calcium
Good source of vitamin A to maintain eye health
Dried plums are called prunes
Plums do not get sweeter after being picked
China produces most of the world’s plums
What dried fruits have you tried or seen? How were they different from fresh fruits?
There are two types of plums – Japanese and European plums. Japanese plums came from China. We don’t know where the first European plum grew.

26. Bananas are a fruit that grows in bunches called hands
Bananas are a fruit that grows in bunches called hands. Each banana is called a finger. Although the banana plant looks like a tree, it is actually a giant herb!
BANANA
High in fiber to help your stomach feel full
Full of potassium and vitamin C. Potassium helps our bodies balance fluids when we eat salty foods and vitamin C helps our immune system
Bananas have been growing on earth for over 1 million years
Types of bananas include dwarf bananas, red bananas, and plantains
Steps of a banana’s journey from a tropical country to the United States: 1) the banana shoot grows for 18 months and makes a stem full of bananas 2) harvesters hand-cut giant stems full of banana bunches 3) the stem of bananas is cut into bunches and they are washed and packed into boxes 4) the banana boxes are sent to a port and lifted by crane onto a giant cargo ship 5) the ship arrives in the United States and the bananas are moved to a ripening house 6) large semi-trucks take the bananas from the ripening house to grocery stores where people buy the bananas as a healthy snack.
LITERATURE RESOURCE: Yes We Have Bananas: Fruits from Shrubs and Vines by Meredith Sayles Hughes. Grades 4-6. Summary: “Bananas, pineapples, grapes, berries, and melons are among the fruits included here. An introduction describes the process of photosynthesis and the domestication of plants, and categorizes the plants we eat as having seeds, fruits, or bulbs. A labelled diagram of the life cycle of a flowering plant (germination, pollination, and fertilization) completes this section. Chapters on individual fruits are set up in an identical format. Taxonomic names are given, as well as fascinating facts about growing/processing procedures and history. Vibrant labeled cross-section illustrations, stunning color photos and boxed sections … provide informative tidbits while “Dig In” offers wonderful recipes. The attractive layout and inclusion of unique historical quotes throughout add up to a lively, informative presentation.” – Augusta Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
Bananas are a tropical fruit and need warm, humid conditions to grow. Brainstorm countries with a tropical climate and then listen to your teacher describe how a banana travels to get to our classroom.
Bananas are from the Malaysian area of Southeast Asia. The banana was officially introduced to the US public at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial exhibition where it was wrapped in foil and sold for 10 cents!