• Only 2 of the 13 children could name more than three types of apples
• Only 4 of the 13 children had ever heard a discussion of whether a tomato was a fruit or a vegetable
• None of the 13 children had ever attempted to crack open a coconut
• Only 3 of the 13 children had ever used a melon baller
• While 10 of the 13 children reported having eaten or drank “kiwi-flavored” foods, only 1 of the 13 had ever eaten a kiwi
• 5 of the 13 children believed “pina colada” was a type of fruit
• Only 4 of the 13 children had ever seen a a citrus fruit tree with fruit on it
• Only 5 of the 13 children had ever picked strawberries
• Only 2 of the 13 children had ever tried grapefruit
• 5 of the 13 children believed “most raspberries are blue”, and 1 of those 5 believed “‘blueberry’ is another name for a raspberry”
• None of the 13 children had ever seen a peach tree

Admittedly, some of these results are influenced by age and geographic location: a 6-year-old growing up in Vermont is not going to see many lemon trees. However, as we try to get our children to eat healthier, it seems foolish to not better inform kids about fruit.

Perhaps a fourth-grade class would be better served going on a field trip to the local “pick your own strawberry” farm and learning from the farm owners than taking a trip to the local museum or amusement park.

What are your experiences with children and their knowledge of and exposure to fruits and vegetables?  Please share your thoughts below.