The Most Popular Fruit In The World

Global fruit production in 2014 shows that tomatoes are actually the world's most popular fruit!

Fruits are an important part of the human diet. They contain vitamins and other nutrients that help keep the body healthy. Because of their nutritional benefits, fruit consumption has grown over the years. The consumption of fruits varies in different parts of the world with some fruits being consumed around the world while some being restricted to certain areas because of their limited availability. Some of the fruits that are most consumed in the world are as discussed below.

Tomatoes

Although tomatoes are considered as a vegetable in culinary communities, by botanical/scientific descriptors of fruits and vegetables, tomatoes are classified as a fruit. By that description, tomatoes hold the title for the world’s most consumed fruit! In fact, tomatoes are considered a must-have in most households around the world. The annual production of tomatoes stands at 170.75 million metric tons. Tomatoes are produced through normal farming, but mostly through irrigation and greenhouses. Tomatoes can be consumed raw or cooked. In addition, several metric tons of tomatoes are processed to form sauces, most of which are used to make pizzas and pasta.

Bananas

Banana is almost everyone’s darling across the world. The annual consumption of bananas stands at 114.13 million metric tons. They are mostly consumed ripe in most parts of the world. However, raw bananas are also cooked in some parts of the world. Bananas are also used to make flavors that are used to bake cakes. They are a preferred fruit because of their availability all year round and their high nutritional value.

Watermelons

Annual consumption of watermelon in the world is at 111 million metric tons. Watermelons are readily available in most parts of the world, even in dry area where most fruits would not thrive. Watermelons grow well in mild conditions and only take a few months to mature. Besides, as cultivating watermelon is less labor intensive than other fruits, farmers prefer it over other crops. The watermelon's sweetness and nutritional value make it among the most preferred fruits.

Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, they say. Apple is the fourth most consumed fruit in the world with an annual consumption of approximately 84.63 million metric tons. Apples are not produced in most parts of the world. However, the top world’s producers like China, the US, Turkey, and Poland export their surplus production to the countries whose production cannot sustain the consumption demand. Apples are preferred for their nutritional value. They can be consumed raw or cooked, or as apple juice. Apples are also good antioxidants.

Grapefruits

Grapefruits are the fifth most consumed fruit in the world. The annual world’s consumption of grapefruits stands at 83.97 million metric tons. The nutritional value of grapefruit makes it among the topmost consumed fruits. It is rich in vitamin C. Besides nutritional value, grapefruits are also consumed in most parts of the world due to their medicinal properties. Grapefruit can be consumed as a fruit or as a juice.

Top Producers and Exporters of Fruits

Other fruits that are consumed widely around the world include grapes, oranges, mangoes, and pineapples. In 2014, Asia produced over 370 million metric tons of fruits, making it the leading global fruit supplier. Africa, South America, and Europe produced 90 million, 79 million, and 73 million metric tons respectively. Some of the top fruit exporters include Netherlands, Guatemala, South Africa, Spain, Ecuador, Costa Rica, the US, and Mexico.