Bananas and plantains make up staples in several worldwide cuisines, and their popularity makes bananas -- a general term that includes plantains -- the fourth most abundant fruit crop in the world, according to Purdue University. In the United States, "banana"

Acai berries have been dubbed a "super fruit," with the media touting these berries as the key to the world's weight loss woes and the cure to a host of adverse health conditions. Despite these claims, scientists have not found conclusive evidence of these benefits.

A small, deep purple grape variety, known as the Concord, is the only grape native to North America. Grown originally in Concord, Massachusetts, this little berry has shown promising health benefits due to its high antioxidant content. But is it better than red table grapes?

In the world of rapidly progressing agricultural technology, genetically modified foods are the subject of many debates. Tomatoes were the first commercially produced genetically modified, or GM, food.

Fondue is not just a meal; it's an entire culinary experience. A vegetable fondue can be served as an appetizer or a main course. In this communal do-it-yourself meal, pieces of chopped vegetables are cooked individually on long skewers either in hot oil or cheese.

Sweet potatoes are known as one of the healthiest vegetables, making them a natural choice for babies. They're packed with nutrients such as vitamins A and C and beta carotene, and when cooked, they're soft enough to be mashed into various consistencies for baby's beginning eating stages.

Vegetable or “veggie” burgers have become commonplace as meat alternatives, joining the menu alongside hamburgers in restaurants and fast food establishments. They are no longer reserved for individuals who follow vegetarian or vegan diets.

If you have an allergic reaction after eating dried fruit, it is most likely caused by mold or sulfites. Mold is present in many dried fruits, such as dates, figs, prunes and raisins. Sulfites are commonly used as a preservative in dried fruit, but you can develop a sensitivity to them.

If cruciferous vegetables held a popularity contest, broccoli would be in with the in-crowd -- with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and the various cabbages trying desperately to fit in.

Nitrate is a salt of nitric acid and found naturally in fruits, vegetables and grains. It is also added to cured meats such as salami, bacon and hot dogs as a color preservative and to retard the growth of microorganisms.

Purple yams are packed with flavor just like the typical orange variety, but boast a striking color to enliven any dish that they make an appearance. Simple to prepare, purple yams can turn ordinary dishes such as pies, cakes and soups into something bright and memorable.

Along with toasting bread, toaster ovens can bake and broil. If you use yours to bake a potato, you can free up your conventional oven for other dishes. Baked potatoes make a satisfying side dish or main course, especially when topped with lean ground beef or reduced-fat cheese.