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| T is for TomatoThe tomato is native to the Americas, dating back as early as 700 A.D. Most people think of tomatos as vegetables, but it is actually a lovely, red fruit. This is because, generally, a fruit is the edible part of the plant that contains the seeds, while a vegetable is the edible stems, leaves, or roots of the plant.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| Y is for YamIn the southern United States, yams are called sweet potatoes. Though they look similar and are used in pretty much the same way, the two are not even distantly related -- and are actually in two different botanical families. This nutritious vegetable is low in sodium, and is a good source of fiber and other important vitamins and minerals.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| W is for WatermelonAvailable from mid-July through September, Virginia's watermelons rank 19th among Virginia's major crops. Watermelon contain many important vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamins A, B6, and C -- as well as potassium. Watermelon also contains lycopene, an antioxidant that could help reduce your risk of certain types of cancers.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| K is for KetchupTomatos got their start in China as a spicy, pickled fish brine. Luckily, British sailors brought that recipe home and eventually tomatos found their way into the blend. Today, ketchup is the most popular condiment used in the United States.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| H is for HoneyHoney was used in ancient Egypt as money, and European settlers introduced European honeybees to New England in the early 17th century. Colonists used honey not only in their food and beverages, but also for medicinal purposes and to make furniture varnish and polish.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| P is for PumpkinsAccording to history, pumpkins originated in Central America. The name pumpkin is derived from "pepon", which is Greek for large melon -- and American colonists used them as pie shells.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| F is for FiberFiber is the word for agricultural products that are used to produce clothing and paper products. Virginia grows both cotton and wool, as well as the trees that are used to produce paper, cardboard, and other fiber-based products.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| O is for OrganicThe U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the organic foods industry is growing at a rate of 20-25 percent annually. Many farmers have switched to raising organic foods in recent years in hopes of increasing profits. Typically, the farmer doesn't use any artificial fertilizers or pesticides in producing organically-raised food products, which can now be found in every major grocery store chain.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| G is for GrapesThe first grapes were introduced to this country by Spanish explorers to California nearly 300 years ago. Grapes have high nutritional value and make excellent snacks. Research has shown that eating grapes can help prevent cancer and is an excellent source of dietary fiber.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
| A is for ApplesProfessor Brad explains Virginia is the 6th largest apple producing state in the nation, harvesting apples for such items as apple butter, apple juice, apple sauce, cider and pie fillings.Grades K-2 | 3-5 Science |
