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| V is for VegetablesVirginia produces a large variety of vegetables -- from tomatoes, to sweet corn, to potatoes. Vegetables make up 9% of crops grown in Virginia, and almost 3% of all agricultural commodities in the state. Producers are either harvesting or planting all kinds of vegetable crops at least 11 months out of the year in the Commonwealth.Grades K-2 Science |
| S is for SoilSoil is critical not only for agriculture, but for the environment as well. Soil is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles combined with water, air and lots of micro-organisms. Not only does soil serve as a medium for plant growth, it helps to clean water, regulate the climate and purify waste.Grades K-2 | 3-5 | 9-12 Science |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
