Everyday Foods Before They're Harvested

Peanuts

A lot of people think that peanuts are nuts, but they aren't. They are legumes, which can make it hard to find them while they are growing. These legumes grow a lot, which is interesting. They grow underground, and when you pull them out, you can find them near the bottom of the plant's stem, above the roots. When the blossoms start to bloom, harvesters will know it's time to pick the peanuts. It usually takes 120 days for them to grow.

The leaves that grow above the peanut are not safe to eat, but people in Asia use them to treat wounds because they kill bacteria and reduce swelling.

Okra

Okra is a fun addition to meals for people who like to make their stews, casseroles, and pies more intriguing. Not everyone likes these green vegetables, but those who do appreciate them a lot. Okra grows on a little tree, and it's hard to find because it's the stem of the okra bloom. When the blossom dries out and comes off, it's easier to see the ripe okra that is ready to be picked.

You can also consume the pretty blossom; many people like its fresh, mild taste. You can find it in soups and in a lot of Caribbean, Jamaican, and African foods.

Almonds

These days, coffee shops have a lot of different kinds of milk for their consumers. Almond milk is a common type. Almonds are great snacks since they taste good and are full of minerals. A lot of people think that an almond is a nut, but it's not. It is a drupe plant, not a tree. Almonds are interestingly related to roses, which could explain why they taste so light and flowery. It's hard to see these drupes because they are hidden.

Above the pod that holds the almond, a pretty white bloom grows. The blossom dries up and falls off when the nut is ready to eat. Then, the pod opens up and shows the almond.

Broccoli

One interesting thing about this bulbous plant is that it can only be harvested by hand. This is because the broccoli has a thick stem. You should know that when you buy broccoli, someone has carefully picked it by hand. There is no machine that can do this without hurting the plants. The Italian word for these veggies is "broccolo," which means "the flowery head of cabbage." This name is quite accurate!

It can be hard to tell what broccoli is when it's still developing since the bulb is covered by big leaves that protect it. You can eat these leaves, but they can be fairly rough.

Bananas

There can be more than one shocking thing about them. A lot of people don't know that bananas aren't really fruits. They are actually herbs because of how they grow. Bananas are actually part of the ginger family! You probably couldn't believe how many bananas you could find on a banana bush if you ever found one in the wild. These tasty delicacies develop big bunches that can store up to 100 bananas!

The hue of bananas is another thing that could confuse you. It's interesting that bananas don't always look green or yellow. There are blue bananas!

Kiwis

You might be startled to learn that a kiwi isn't a fruit if you like the somewhat acidic and sweet flesh. It is actually a berry, though. These delectable berries are small, oval-shaped powerhouses that are good for your heart and digestive health. Kiwis are hard to see when they're still growing because they grow within a flower. The kiwi tree gets beautiful white blossoms that turn into delicious kiwis.

People say that kiwi trees are really easy to care for, as long as you don't plant them where it gets cold. It can take them up to five years to grow their first kiwis.