Do you get curious when you see things that you know are not in season, and while some may be in season, do you know their origin. Remember that geography class in school…here we go!
• Bananas: comes from Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras
• Apples: 94% comes from the United States and the rest comes from Chile, New Zealand and Canada
• Oranges: Most from the United States, but during the winter they can come from Africa and Australia
• Dried beans, peas and lentils: United States and Mexico
• Beef: 16% of beef is imported from Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand
• Orange Juice: Brazil is the largest supplier
• Apple Juice: leading suppliers are Argentina, Chile and China
• Olive Oil: It may be labeled bottled in Italy, it actually comes from Spain, Greece, Tunisia and other Mediterranean countries
• Canola Oil: comes from Canada
• Tea: Sri Lanka, India, china, Japan and Kenya are the main tea providers
• Wheat: 94% comes from the United States and the rest comes from Canada and Mexico
• Apricots, Avocados, Grapes, Kiwi, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pineapples, Plums, Strawberries and Tangerines: United States, Mexico, Chile, Philippines and Thailand
• Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers, Squash and Snap Beans: United States, Mexico, Canada and China
• Sugar: 50% comes from the United States and the rest comes from Brazil, Caribbean countries and Australia
• Coffee: primarily from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Guatemala
As you can see, our food comes from all over the world. Food, the long way home.
Sources: FDA, USDA, U.S. Apple Commission, American Meat Institute, National Association of Wheat Growers, Tea Association of the U.S.A.