Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Food Fight (5/19/23)

Berry Facts

The world of berries is full of surprises, as Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz reveal that bananas and avocados are scientifically classified as berries. This revelation challenges common perceptions, as many fruits we typically consider berries, like strawberries and raspberries, do not meet the botanical criteria. Mindy explains that a true berry develops from the ovary of a flower and contains seeds and pulp 1.

Botanically speaking, a berry is a fruit with seeds and pulp that develops from a part of the flower called an ovary.

--- Mindy Thomas

Other surprising berries include pumpkins, cucumbers, and zucchinis, while popular "berries" like strawberries and blackberries do not fit the scientific definition 1.

   

Sweet History

Before the widespread availability of sugar, Europeans turned to parsnips to sweeten their foods, as discussed by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz. Parsnips, naturally high in sugar, were crushed to extract their sweetness for jams and tarts. This historical tidbit was highlighted in their game show segment, where contestants guessed which statement was a true scientific "wow" 2.

Before sugar was regularly available in Europe, parsnips were used to sweeten jams and cakes.

--- Guy Raz

The use of parsnips underscores the ingenuity of past societies in adapting available resources to meet culinary needs 2.