Fruits are an important part of the human diet. They contain vitamins and other nutrients that help keep the body healthy. Due to their nutritional benefits, consumption of fruit has increased over the years. Fruit consumption varies in different parts of the world, with some fruits being consumed worldwide, some being limited to certain areas due to their limited availability. Some of the most consumed fruits in the world are described below.
The world’s most popular fruits
Tomatoes
Although tomatoes are considered a vegetable in culinary communities, by botanical / scientific descriptors of fruits and vegetables, tomatoes are classified as fruits. According to this description, tomatoes hold the title of the most consumed fruit in the world! In fact, the tomato is considered a must-have in most homes around the world. Annual tomato production is X million metric tonnes. Tomatoes are produced by normal agriculture, but mainly by irrigation and greenhouses. Tomatoes can be eaten raw or cooked. In addition, several tonnes of tomatoes are processed to form sauces, most of which are used to make pizza and pasta.
Bananas
Bananas are almost everyone around the world. Annual banana consumption is X million metric tonnes. They are mainly consumed at maturity in most regions of the world. However, raw bananas are also cooked in some parts of the world. Bananas are also used to make flavorings used to bake cakes. They are a favorite fruit because of their availability all year round and their high nutritional value.
Watermelons
The annual consumption of watermelon in the world is X million metric tons. Watermelons are readily available in most parts of the world, even in dry areas where most fruits do not grow. Watermelons grow well in mild conditions and take only a few months to mature. In addition, since growing watermelon is less labor intensive than other fruits, farmers prefer it to other crops. The sweetness and nutritional value of watermelon make it one of the most popular fruits.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, they say. Apple is the fourth most consumed fruit in the world with an annual consumption of around X million metric tonnes. Apples are not produced in most parts of the world. However, the main world producers, such as China, the United States, Turkey and Poland, export their surplus production to countries whose production cannot support consumption demand. Apples are preferred for their nutritional value. They can be eaten raw or cooked, or in the form of apple juice. Apples are also good antioxidants.
Grapefruits
Grapefruits are the fifth most consumed fruit in the world. The annual global consumption of grapefruits is X million metric tonnes. The nutritional value of grapefruit makes it one of the most consumed fruits. It is rich in vitamin C. Besides the nutritional value, grapefruits are also consumed in most parts of the world due to their medicinal properties. Grapefruit can be consumed in the form of fruit or juice.
Main producers and exporters of fruit
Other fruits widely consumed around the world include grapes, oranges, mangoes and pineapples. In 2014, Asia produced more than X million metric tonnes of fruit, making it the world’s leading supplier of fruit. Africa, South America and Europe respectively produced 370 million, 90 million and 79 million metric tonnes. Among the main fruit exporters are the Netherlands, Guatemala, South Africa, Spain, Ecuador, Costa Rica, the United States and Mexico.
The most popular fruit in the world
Rank | Fruit produced | Million metric tonnes |
---|---|---|
1 | Tomatoes | 170.75 |
2 | Bananas | 114.13 |
3 | Watermelons | 111 |
4 | Apples | 84.63 |
5 | Grapefruit | 83.97 |
6 | Grapes | 74.5 |
7 | Oranges | 70.86 |
8 | Mangoes | 45.23 |
9 | Plantains | 30.67 |
10 | tangerines | 29.87 |
11 | Pears | 25.8 |
12 | Pineapple | 25.44 |