Chattanooga Pulse

1. Apples
2. Bananas
3. Pineapple
4. Papaya
5. Strawberries
6. Blueberries
7. Raspberries
8. Plums
9. Peaches
10. Pears

Due to advances in agriculture and greatly improved transportation from South and Central America, we are able to have fresh fruits nearly year round. In fact, the current generation likely is unaware there used to be “seasons” when only certain fruits and vegetables were available in the grocery store.  So, with a near-everyday availability, it’s interesting to see just what we are eating.

The biggest change in this list over the past two decades has been the emergence of the papaya into the top five.  Once only found in tropical countries, the papaya has become increasingly popular with Americans, in large part fueled by the increasing Hispanic population of the United States.  Plus, it tastes great and can be used quite creatively in cooking.

And for those that love to nitpick, yes, we are aware that strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are not technically fruits (they’re berries, of course), but we had to put something in the list to get people arguing.

Source: National Grocers Association