Food Fun Facts

In everyday conversation, we often call strawberries and raspberries “berries,” but in the world of botany, the definition of a berry is very specific: it must develop from a single flower with one ovary and have seeds inside the flesh.
Based on this scientific definition, which of the following is actually a true berry?

• Strawberry

• Avocado

• Banana

• Grapes

Answer explanation

Bananas fit the botanical definition of a berry, while strawberries and raspberries are “aggregate fruits” made from multiple ovaries.

When we think of carrots today, the color orange probably comes to mind first. However, early farmers didn’t have orange carrots at all — they were growing something quite different in color. In fact, this original carrot color is still grown in some places today as a specialty vegetable.
What was the most common color of carrots hundreds of years ago?

• Orange

• Green

• Purple

• Red

Answer explanation

Ancient carrots were mostly purple and yellow. The orange variety was developed in the Netherlands in the 17th century, partly in honor of the royal House of Orange.

Food spoils over time, right? Well, there’s one sweet food that never goes bad if it’s stored properly. Archaeologists have even discovered jars of it inside Egyptian tombs that were over 3,000 years old — and still perfectly safe to eat.
Which food is this?

• Rice

• Honey

• Salt

• Vinegar

Answer explanation

Honey’s low moisture and natural acidity prevent bacteria from growing, making it one of the few foods that can last forever.

Instant noodles are one of the most popular convenience foods in the world, loved by busy students and travelers alike. But do you know which country first invented them?

• China

• Japan

• South Korea

• India

Answer explanation

Japan is the birthplace of instant noodles, invented by Momofuku Ando, who later also created Cup Noodles. n 1958, a man named Momofuku Ando created the first packet of instant noodles, which he called “Chikin Ramen.”

In 1995, NASA decided to try growing vegetables in space as part of experiments for long-term space travel. They chose a vegetable that is nutritious, filling, and fairly easy to grow in controlled environments. It later became famous as the first vegetable grown off Earth.
Which vegetable was it?

• Potato

• Lettuce

• Carrot

• Spinach

Answer explanation

Potatoes were grown aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1995 in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin.

In ancient Rome, a certain spice was so valuable that it was sometimes used as currency. A pound of it could cost as much as a slave.
Which spice was this?

• Saffron

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Cloves

Answer explanation

Saffron comes from the stigma of the crocus flower. It takes about 75,000 flowers to make just one pound, which explains its high cost.

A certain type of nut is actually the seed of a tropical fruit. The fruit’s flesh is sweet, but the “nut” inside is what we eat — after roasting, because raw it can be toxic.
Which nut is this?

• Almond

• Pistachio

• Macademia

• Cashew

Answer explanation

Cashews grow on cashew apples, and the nut is inside a shell that contains a toxic resin, so it must be roasted before eating.

Pasta comes in many shapes, but which one’s name literally means “little worms” in Italian?

• Fusilli

• Vermicelli

• Orrecchiette

• Linguine

Answer explanation

Vermicelli translates to “little worms” because of its thin, worm-like appearance. Luckily, it tastes a lot better than it sounds!

Which of these popular Indonesian street foods was originally influenced by Chinese immigrants?

• Sate

• Bakso

• Soto

• Pepes

Answer explanation

Bakso (meatball soup) has roots in Chinese cuisine, where similar meatballs are called “bak-so” in Hokkien. In Indonesia, the dish evolved to use beef and a clear broth, becoming a national favorite.

In Japan, sushi is often served with pickled ginger (gari). What is the main reason for eating ginger between different pieces of sushi?

• To improve digestion after eating raw fish

• To cleanse the palate and prepare for the next flavor

• To prevent food poisoning from raw seafood

• To balance the saltiness of soy sauce

Answer explanation

Pickled ginger refreshes the mouth so you can fully enjoy the subtle taste of each new piece of sushi without lingering flavors from the previous bite.