Fun ag fact of the day: Peanuts are grown in 15 states, with 55 percent being produced in the Southeastern states. The United States produced 6.7 billion pounds of peanuts in 2012 and ranks third in the world for peanut production behind China and India.
Fun ag fact of the day: The average American will consume more than six pounds of peanut products per year in the form of peanut butter, candy, roasted, salted, boiled and more. Despite not technically qualifying as a nut, peanuts are the most popular snack nut in the U.S., accounting for 67 percent of “nut” consumption.
Fun ag fact of the day: With edible kernels encased in a shell, the peanut is classified as a legume, along with beans and peas.
Fun ag fact of the day: Pumpkins are a source of potassium and vitamin A.
Fun ag fact of the day: Pumpkins are 90 percent water and part of the Cucurbitaceae family. They are related to squash and gourds.
Fun ag fact of the day:The largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed over 350 pounds. This record breaking pastry required 80 pounds of pumpkin, 36 pounds of sugar, 12 dozen eggs and baked for six hours.
Fun ag fact of the day: most pumpkins are grown to be processed, while a small percentage are grown for decoration and sold at you-pick farms or farmer’s markets.
Fun ag fact of the day: Mint is shallow-rooted and requires loose-textured soils for good root penetration and growth. It requires 60 inches of rainfall for optimum growth and fertility.
Fun ag fact of the day: In 2010, the U.S. harvested 71,300 acres of peppermint.
Fun ag fact of the day: Native spearmint is used to flavor toothpaste and dental hygiene products, whereas Scotch spearmint has a milder, more pleasant taste and is used in chewing gum and candies.
Fun ag fact of the day: In 2010, the U.S. harvested 18,600 acres of spearmint.
Fun ag fact of the day: The Romans believed eating mint would increase intelligence. The scent of mint was also thought to stop a person from losing his or her temper, and royal ambassadors carried mint sprigs in their pockets.
Fun ag fact of the day: One ounce of pecans has as much protein as two servings of meat or beans.
Fun ag fact of the day: Pecans contain more than 19 various vitamins and minerals.
Fun ag fact of the day: According to the USDA Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, pecans contain the most antioxidant capacity of any other nut.
Fun ag fact of the day: Pecans are naturally sodium free and a healthy snack alternative to chips.
Fun ag fact of the day: Pecans are grown on trees and often harvested by machine.
Fun ag fact of the day: The United States produces 80 percent of the world’s pecans.
Fun ag fact of the day: Georgia, the leading pecan-producing state since the 1800s, produced 100 million pounds in 2012.
Fun ag fact of the day: The two basic types of peaches are clingstone and freestone. In clingstone peaches, the flesh “clings” to the “stone” of the peach, making it difficult to separate. This type is more suitable for processing. The pit of freestone peaches “freely” separates from the flesh, making it ideal for fresh consumption.
Fun ag fact of the day: According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, in 2010, roughly 80 percent of processed peaches were canned and 16 percent were frozen.
Fun ag fact of the day: The peach is a member of the rose family, and there are over 700 varieties of the fruit.
fun ag fact of the day: originally found in India, Asia and Africa, basil was introduced to Europe through international trade.
fun ag fact of the day: Basil is a warm weather annual that requires six to eight hours of sun.
fun ag fact of the day: Harvest frequently by pinching leaves from the stems to encourage continued growth.
fun ag fact of the day: As the weather warms, basil will bloom, causing the plant to stop growing. To prevent this, pinch off bloom stems.
fun ag fact of the day: Basil is best added to dishes within the last five to ten minutes of cooking.
fun ag fact of the day: Basil can be used dried or fresh in a variety of soups, salads, sauces and dishes.
A fun ag fact is that quite a bit of the mint used by the candy industry is grown right here in Modoc County. Fall River, in Shasta county grows even more.
I always love these fun facts! Thanks for sharing these!