Friday Fun Fact: Flavr Savr Tomato

Fun fact! White pepper does not come from a different plant than black pepper. It’s actually the black peppercorn with the dark outside coating removed.

Fun fact! Bee balm, a fragrant herb of the genus Monarda, is also known as Oswego tea for its use as a beverage by the Oswego Native American tribe. The herb was also used as an alternative to tea by American colonists during their boycott of British tea.

Fun fact! Horseradish can be difficult to eradicate once it’s established. This is because the smallest piece of root can grow a new plant. Additionally, the plant spreads by underground shoots that out-compete most other plants which means horseradish can become invasive if not maintained.

Fun fact! Peas are considered one of the oldest cultivated crops with ancient remains of the crop found in the Middle East dating back to the late Neolithic Period.

Fun fact! Replenishing water and electrolytes is important during a hangover since alcohol is a diuretic. Some research also indicates that zinc, nicotinic acid, and potentially vitamin B6 may help reduce the severity of hangover symptoms.

Fun fact! European mistletoe (Viscum album) associated with Christmas is actually a parasitic plant that is abundant on apple trees, poplars, willows, and deciduous trees such as oaks.