Did you know that references to yogurt and health date all the way back to 6000 BCE? Or that before its dramatic rise in popularity, kale was more often used as a garnish?
What makes food so enjoyable—beyond the flavors, textures, and variety it brings to everyday life—is that each one has some unique story behind it; from where it was first cultivated, to how it’s been used and adapted for changing tastes and preferences from one decade to the next. Of course, there’s also the relationship between food and health, though we know it’s more important to focus on an overall healthy eating pattern, rather than a few magic-bullet “superfoods.”
Indeed, these food features aren’t about promoting any individual foods, but an opportunity to explore a bit of the history and research behind them, along with some practical tips for when you’re shopping and cooking. Take a look!

Although native to the Mediterranean region, 80% of the world’s almond supply is now grown in California. Learn more about this popular tree nut.

Does eating an apple every day really keep the doctor away? Learn about apples and health, and the best types for cooking versus munching.
Explore about the wide variety of animals, plants, and microorganisms originating in bodies of water, including finfish, crustaceans, cephalopods, mollusks, seaweed, and more.
Avocados or “alligator pears” are known for their creamy smooth flesh and bumpy skin. Learn more about this popular food found throughout many cultures.
Some people consider this iconic golden fruit a healthy choice while others avoid it, after seeing it on Internet lists of “Worst Foods.” Clearing up confusion surrounding bananas.
Learn all about Brussels sprouts—their history, nutrient profile, as well as tips on how to prepare and cook them.
Countries around the world have experimented with cheese-making, varying the types of milk, how long the cheese is allowed to age and ripen, and using different additives like salt or acid to produce unique textures and flavors.
Ch-ch-ch-chia! These versatile seeds come from the plant Salvia hispanica L., and are a complete plant-based protein.
Whether you call them chickpeas or garbanzo beans, learn more about these versatile legumes which are a staple of diets worldwide.