Fruits and Vegetable Facts

Pelting unlucky victims with rotten produce is one of our oldest forms of expression. So, where did it start and why?

By Sara Novak

Tomatoes in season are some of the most delicious foods on Earth. There are still lots of ways to enjoy their flavor in the off season. You can even try them in place of some common ingredients. Here are five great examples.

By Linda C. Brinson

Just because it's healthy doesn't mean it's low-cal. Look at the mighty yet fatty avocado -- and the sugary caloric pineapple. Tomatoes are a salad staple, but just how many calories do these juicy veggies pack?

By Alia Hoyt

You don't think twice before piling tomato slices on your sub sandwich or dragging a french fry through a puddle of ketchup, but there was a time when people actually feared tomatoes. Here's the juicy history of the tomato.

By Chris Obenschain

What's for dinner? The answer is so much simpler when you can open the freezer door and pull out an entree, stew or sauce you prepared a few weekends ago. Tomatoes freeze well and can help you put dinner on the table in a snap.

By Chris Obenschain

It doesn't take much talent to cut a tomato well, but it does take some care. Here, five tips to help you turn a beautiful tomato into a slice, a chunk or a perfect, tiny square you can be proud of.

By Julia Layton

The use of a fresh tomato is seemingly endless. You can make pasta sauce, salsa or even eat it raw and whole. So, it only makes sense that you grow your own in your garden. Have too many coming off the vines? We'll tell you what to do with them.

By Sara Elliott

Tomatoes are easy to grow in your backyard garden -- maybe a little too easy. When the season's over, and you're stuck with more tomatoes than you know what to do with, it's a shame to throw them out. Now, you don't have to.

By Sara Elliott

Tomatoes are a staple vegetable found in countless recipes. If you want the freshest tomatoes for your fare, you can grow your own and can the leftovers before they go bad. We'll give you five tips to help you can your bounty.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Few things add flourish to a dish like a gorgeous garnish. And, thanks to the tomato's versatility, there are plenty of ways to make it the co-star of any plated affair.

By Laurie L. Dove

Combining ingredients like eggs, Worcestershire sauce and maybe even anchovies seems like a dangerous tack to take when making a salad, but it's boldness that makes culinary history. Who invented the romaine-based delight that is a Caesar salad?

By Jessika Toothman

Tomatoes are one of the most vital and versatile vegetables (OK, fruits) to have around, but they can also be hard to check for quality. How can we know whether the tomato we're buying is going to be a juicy treat or a flavorless disappointment?

By Gallagher Flinn

Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest foods you can add to your diet. But, like anything, they can get boring if they're prepared the same way every time you eat them. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to spice them up.

By Stefani Newman & Emilie Sennebogen

How does a food associated with cannibalism and believed to be toxic become known as the love apple? Whether you say "tomato" or "tomahto," we have the answer.

By Molly Edmonds

Tomatoes are wonderfully versatile when it comes to preparation. They can be stewed, stuffed, baked, broiled, pureed, pickled, deviled, glazed, grilled and fried. But how do you match the tomato to the meal?

By Jessika Toothman

Autumn is a beautiful time of year when a crisp coolness fills the air. So bundle up and visit a pumpkin patch or get lost in a corn maze. It's time to enjoy all that mother nature has to offer.

An apple a day will keep the doctor away! Did you know that approximately 2,500 varieties of apples are grown in the United States? Apples are a delicious fruit that is available year-round and they are full of vitamins and nutrients.

If you love history, mystery and happy endings, you'll enjoy learning about autumn apples. One of the earliest cultivated fruits, the apple has come a long way from its crabapple-like ancestors. Most apples have long and respected pedigrees.

By Sara Elliott

Steamy summer days and yellow ears of grilled corn are behind us. The produce aisle is stocked with red and blue Indian corn. Can you actually eat it? What's the story behind those colorful ears?

By Victoria Vogt

Rich in vitamin C and low in fat, cranberries have been used for centuries in everything from medicine to a dye for clothes and fabrics. But what are some of the myths surrounding this popular fruit? And what can you do with it today?

By Emilie Sennebogen

From Mom's apple pie to a healthy afternoon snack, this scrumptious fruit has long been a part of our culture. Learn all about the various baking apples from Granny Smith to McIntosh.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Pineapples should smell aromatic and sweet in the supermarket. Read more tips in this article about how to pick a good pineapple.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

If you've ever asked yourself "How many different types of chili pepper are out there and how can I tell which one are hot and which are mild?", you will definitely find your answer in this article.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, turnip greens, arugula, and cauliflower are part of the cabbage family. Learn more about these vegetables and find some recipes for delicious cruciferous dishes.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Just one serving of spinach is enough to give you more than 100 percent if your daily vitamin A requirement. Spinach is packed with nutrients and can be used a variety of ways. Find out more about how to clean spinach, ways to use it, and delicious recipes.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine