Fun Fruit Facts

* To ripen a banana overnight, you can put it into a brown paper bag with an apple.

* The Native Americans used cranberries for various medical purposes.

* Mangos are the most purchased fruit world wide.

* Fresh pineapple juice has an anti-inflammatory effect.

* Strawberries contain natural pain killing substances.

* Ancient civilizations used to bury their diseased with pomegranates because it was thought of as a symbol for resurrection and everlasting life.

* Blackberries were said to be a cure for dysentery during the Civil War and temporary cease fires were given to allow potentially sick soldiers to search for the berry.

* Cherry's intense color is because of an abundance of the antioxidant antocyanin.

* Eating a grapefruit before bedtime can aid you in getting a good night sleep.

* The name "kiwi fruit" comes from a small, brown, bird of New Zealand, called a kiwi.

* Not being able to detect the smell of a lemon is one of the top signs for detecting Alzheimer's disease.

* Limes are sold when they are green in color but actually turn yellow if left on the tree.

* Oranges left on a tree will not over ripen if left on the tree too long. Orange peel is also used as slug repellent.

* Star fruit has never been found in the wild.

* Watermelons were a common source of water used during ancient times by people traveling through the desert.

* Even though the coconut is classified as a tree nut by the FDA, it is technically grouped in the palm family and is safe to eat by most who have nut allergies.

* Oddly enough, peaches and almonds come from the same family. (try opening a peach pit some time)