NATIONAL TROPICAL FRUIT DAY
Today is July 18 on the National Day Calendar and we are celebrating the delicious food holiday National Tropical Fruit Day. This fruity National Day celebrates the variety of exotic tropical fruit from around the world and gives us the opportunity to get a taste of some sweet facts, too.
#NATIONALTROPICALFRUITDAY
Tropical fruits grow in regions where the weather his hot and humid in regions we call the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. Asia, Africa, Central and South Americas, and the Caribbean produce some of the most delicious tropical fruits in the world.
National Tropical Fruit Day presents an opportunity to snack, cook, and sample tropical fruit all day long!
7 Familiar Tropical Fruits in the U.S.
Bananas
Coconuts
Mangoes
Pineapples
Avocados
Kiwi
Papayas
What makes tropical fruit so unique? Throughout the world tropical fruit has grown naturally for centuries. However, the ability to grow true tropical fruit depends on specific environmental conditions. For example, the right combination of heat, humidity, and rainfall sets the stage for the plants of tropical fruit to grow. Because the weather conditions are specific, plants have adapted to the climate over a period of time. This adaption produces tropical fruit. Interestingly, pollination does not occur with tropical fruit. Instead, the seeds of tropical fruit tend to be replanted by animals of the region.
Though many Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn regions now produce tropical fruit for export, there was a time when these delicacies were a simple addition to the diets of people in these regions. For the people who live in these areas, access to tropical fruit is plentiful. However, for people who live in countries like the U.S., tropical fruit gives a sense of an exotic delicacy during specific times of the year. When tropical fruit is found in stores, consumers are drawn to the unique sweet flavor these juicy fruits provide.
Health Benefits of Tropical Fruit
Many people refer to tropical fruit as a superfood because they are full of vitamins and minerals. They contain protein-digesting enzymes that reduce inflammation, including kidney inflammation. Because they are also rich in potassium, eating tropical fruit helps regulate blood pressure and helps in maintaining a healthy heart. In addition, tropical fruit contains Vitamin C, which removes impurities from the body. Vitamin C also provides a natural defense mechanism to help fight off infection.
Did you know eating tropical fruit promotes happiness? It's true! Your mind automatically feels as sense of happiness when seeing tropical fruit because the bright beautiful colors trigger excitement.
WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL TROPICAL FRUIT DAY
Sample a variety of tropical fruit with your family during mealtime.
Create or try a new recipe using tropical fruit and an ingredient.
Try cooking tropical fruit on the grill to add additional flair to your cookout.
Make a Tropical Fruit Bucket List and see how many different types you can try in a year.
Share your recipes and photos of your favorite tropical fruit on social media using the tag #NationalTropicalFruitDay.
HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL TROPICAL FRUIT DAY
National Tropical Fruit Day was recommended by National Day Calendar staff member Amy Monette. She thought this delicious food day would be perfect to add to the calendar. Amy loves tropical fruit, especially mango and papaya. She also knew celebrating National Tropical Fruit Day during the summer months would add another refreshing reason to Celebrate Every Day!
Beginning in 2023, National Tropical Fruit Day will be celebrated each year on July 18!