10 Surprising Origins of Fruit and Vegetable Names

Have you ever wondered about the stories behind the names of your favorite fruits and vegetables? The world of horticulture is rich with linguistic history, offering a fascinating glimpse into the origins of these everyday edibles. Join us on a journey as we unravel the surprising tales behind 10 fruit and vegetable names.

1. Banana

The name “banana” has tropical roots, deriving from the Wolof language spoken in West Africa. The word “banan” found its way into English through Spanish and Portuguese explorers, who encountered this delightful fruit during their travels.

2. Tomato

Once considered a poisonous fruit, the tomato earned its name from the Aztec word “tomatl.” Spanish explorers brought tomatoes back to Europe, where they adopted the term. Contrary to their initial fears, tomatoes proved to be a culinary sensation.

3. Avocado

The creamy, green goodness of avocados has its name rooted in the Nahuatl word “āhuacatl,” meaning “testicle.” The shape and fertility-enhancing qualities of the fruit inspired this unusual moniker.

4. Pineapple

Contrary to what the name suggests, pineapples have no relation to pine trees or apples. Originally called “ananas” in Tupi, an indigenous language of South America, European explorers coined the term “pineapple” due to its resemblance to pine cones.

5. Cucumber

The refreshing cucumber owes its name to the Latin term “cucumis,” which likely originated from the Ancient Greek word “kykyon.” These words reflect the cucumber’s ancient Mediterranean roots.

6. Strawberry

The luscious red berries got their name from the practice of growing them on straw to protect them from pests. The Old English term “streawberige” eventually evolved into the modern “strawberry.”

7. Eggplant

The name “eggplant” might raise eyebrows, but it stems from the early varieties of the fruit, which bore a resemblance to goose eggs. In British English, they are still referred to as “aubergines,” derived from the Catalan word “albergínia.”

8. Orange

The sweet and citrusy orange got its name from the Sanskrit word “nāraṅga.” Over time, this term evolved through various languages, such as Persian and Arabic, eventually becoming “orange” in English.

9. Bell Pepper

Contrary to popular belief, bell peppers aren’t named for their shape. The term “pepper” was initially associated with spicy black pepper. Christopher Columbus, on encountering the fiery chili peppers in the Americas, called them “peppers” due to their similar heat.

10. Potato

The humble potato draws its name from the Spanish word “patata,” which, in turn, comes from the Taino language of the Caribbean. European explorers introduced potatoes to their homelands, where the name evolved to its present form.