Snackster Sam Blog
Our recipes and activities are always Snackster Sam approved and kid approved.
 What am I?I am a green, fuzzy, slender vegetable that's loved for my unique texture and versatility in the kitchen. Because of my shape, some people call me Lady Fingers. People around the world use me in various dishes, and I'm known for my ability to thicken soups and stews. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI grow on the ground on a plant and thrive in warm and sunny climates, making me a common sight in countries like the United States, India, and Africa. In fact, I'm native to Africa. I grow on a tall plant with beautiful yellow flowers, so I'm often planted in gardens for my beauty. My plant is related to the popular hibiscus flower. My love for sunshine and well-drained soil helps me flourish.  After I'm pickedOnce I'm picked, I can be prepared in many ways. When you cut me open, you'll see many seeds and even some slime! Some enjoy me fried, where I become crispy and delicious. Others add me to gumbo, a rich and flavorful stew, or use me in a stir-fry. I'm also famous for my role in thickening dishes like Creole and Cajun cuisine. Some folks even pickle me for a tangy and crunchy treat.  Did you guess... OkraEspañol: okra Have you guessed the mystery vegetable? That's right! Okra can be used many ways and brings a unique texture to dishes around the world and beauty to gardens. Whether you like me fried, stewed, or pickled, I'm here to add flavor and texture to your favorite recipes. So, next time you see me at the market or in your garden, be sure to grab some okra and enjoy its culinary magic! Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store.
 What am I?I am a delightful fruit known for my sweet and refreshing taste. People often enjoy me in slices, in fruit salads, or even blended into smoothies on hot summer days. My skin can be rough and scaly or smooth and colorful. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI grow on the ground in warm and sunny regions all around the world, even though I'm native to Asia. You can find me on sprawling vines with large, green leaves, basking in the sun. I thrive in places with plenty of heat and water to quench my thirst. I don't ripen off the vine, so farmers can tell by my smell or color when I'm ready to pick.  After I'm pickedAfter I'm picked, I'm usually sliced open, revealing my juicy flesh. Some people prefer to chill me in the refrigerator for an extra refreshing treat. You might also find me as a star ingredient in fruit salads, where I add a burst of sweetness. Blending me into smoothies is another popular choice, creating a cool and tasty drink. Anyway you try me, I make a great snack on a hot day because I contain so much water.  Did you guess... MelonEspañol: melón Have you guessed what the mystery fruit is? That's right! I am a melon, a sweet and juicy fruit that's perfect for beating the heat. Whether you enjoy me in slices, in a salad, or blended into a drink, I bring a burst of refreshment and flavor to your summer days. So, next time you see me at the market or in your kitchen, savor the sweet and juicy goodness of the wonderful melon! Watch the video to learn more! Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store.
 What am I?I am a popular fruit known for my sweet and sometimes sour flavor, as well as my crisp texture. People enjoy me fresh as a snack, but I'm also used in pies, juices, and many other delicious treats. When you cut me in half, you will see a star. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI grow on trees in many parts of the world. My trees bloom with blossoms in the spring. Some types of me are ready for picking in the summer, while others are at their best in the fall. To grow the right fruit, farmers use grafting, which means the farmer adds a piece of a tree that is growing the fruit they want into a different young tree.  After I'm pickedOnce I'm picked, there are endless ways to enjoy me. Some people like to eat me fresh, biting into my crunchy flesh. Others prefer to turn me into sauce or bake me into pies, crisps, and tarts. You can also find me as a key ingredient in refreshing juices, ciders, and even used to make butter! Most stores sell me all year long even though I grow during the summer. That's because I can be "put to sleep" in a low oxygen storage center, so I am available to eat all year round!  Did you guess... AppleEspañol: manzana Did you guess apple? Next time you visit an orchard or the grocery store, pick up some apples and explore the tasty possibilities they offer! Apple is the second most popular fruit in America (behind bananas)! There are over 7,500 kinds, too! More Apple FactsApples are the apple of our eye! One of Snackster Sam's first discoveries on the Blue Planet was apples. They grow on trees and come in thousands of varieties. HOW IT GROWS Apples seem simple enough, but there is a lot more to this fruit than you know! Apples grow on trees. Before the apple can grow, the tree fills with blossoms. The flowers are pollinated by bees and then the apple can grow. Apples are harvested at the end of summer. DID YOU KNOW
Apple Lollipop RecipeReady to try apples in a new way? Try this apple lollipop recipe.  Get more facts like this on the Snackster Sam app.
Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Get it where you get apps!  What am I?I am a special plant known for my tart and sour taste. People use me in desserts, jams, and even savory dishes to add a unique flavor. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI grow on the ground in different parts of the world, including places like North America, Europe, and Asia. You can often find me in gardens and farms, growing in big leafy clumps. I like cooler temperatures. I shoot out of the ground early in the spring and I'm ready to pick early in the summer.  After I'm pickedOnce I'm picked, my stalks are used in various recipes. Some people like to cook me with sugar to make sweet treats like pies and crumbles. Others mix me with fruits to make delicious jams and sauces. You might also find me paired with meats to add a zesty twist to your meal. Whatever you do, don't eat the leaves, they are poisonous.  Did you guess... RhubarbEspañol: ruibarbo Have you figured out the mystery plant? Yes, that's right! I am rhubarb, a special ingredient that brings a tangy and unique taste to your dishes. Whether you enjoy me in a pie or as a sauce, I'm here to add a little excitement to your plate. So, the next time you spot me, give rhubarb a try and enjoy its sour flavor! Watch the video to learn more! Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store.
 What am I?I am the third largest food source in the world. It's believed that for 9,000 years I have been farmed, starting in southern Mexico. I'm usually yellow, but I come in all sorts of colors from white, red, blue, and even multi-colored. I am used in a wide range of foods, from salads and soups to tortillas and popcorn. Even though I have ears, I can't hear. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI grow on the ground, and I'm actually a type of grass. I grow in many parts of the world, including North and South America, Asia, and Africa. I am typically cultivated (or farmed) in large fields where I have plenty of sunlight, water, and fertile soil. My stalks grow 5-12 feet tall! Each stalk can grow two to four ears.  After I'm pickedAfter I'm picked, I can be enjoyed many ways. Some people prefer to eat me fresh, boiling or grilling my kernels for a sweet and juicy snack (just make sure to remove my husk first). Others like to use my kernels in salsas, stews, and salads. My kernels can be dried and ground into flour to make things like bread and tortillas. Dried whole kernels when heated pop to make a delicious snack. I can also be made into a type of sugar, oil, and even fuel for cars!  Did you guess... CornEspañol: maíz Did you guess that I am corn? You got it! Corn is a versatile crop that has been a part of our diets for thousands of years. From fresh to dried, sweet to savory, corn offers a range of culinary possibilities. Whether you enjoy me on the cob, as a side dish, or in a tasty snack, corn brings a burst of flavor and texture to the table. So, the next time you savor a delicious corn dish, remember the journey from field to plate and appreciate the golden goodness of this amazing crop. Watch the video to learn more! Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!
  What am I?I am a small, round fruit that is known for my soft skin and sweet, juicy flesh inside. I am often enjoyed as a snack. I'm related to roses and other summer fruits. I have a pit on the inside, which makes me a stone fruit. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI am native to Asia and very popular in the Middle East. I'm now grown in many different parts of the world, including Turkey, Iran, and California, USA. For 4,000 years, I've been cultivated (farmed). I am a summer fruit that needs plenty of warmth and sunshine to grow and ripen. I am grown on a tree and can be found in a variety of colors, from yellow to orange to red.  After I'm pickedAfter I'm picked, I am usually allowed to ripen for a few days at room temperature. When I am ripe, my flesh will be soft and juicy, and my skin will be easy to peel off. Then, I can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in a variety of recipes.  Did you guess... ApricotEspañol: albaricoque Did you guess that I am an apricot? That's right! Apricots are a delicious summer fruit that are perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite recipes. They have a sweet, tangy flavor that's hard to resist. Try it fresh or dried! Watch the video to learn more! Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!
  What am I?I am an exotic fruit that is known for my spiky orange skin and jelly-like green flesh inside. I have a unique flavor that is often described as a mix between cucumber, banana, and lime. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI grow in warm, subtropical regions like Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. I am usually grown on a vine and need plenty of sunshine and water to grow big and juicy. I am also a very strong fruit that can withstand drought and high temperatures.  After I'm pickedAfter I'm picked, I am usually allowed to ripen at room temperature for a few days. When I am ripe, my skin will turn from green to a bright orange color, and my flesh will become soft and jelly-like. Then, I can be cut open and eaten, or used in a variety of dishes, like salads, smoothies, and desserts.  Did you guess... KiwanoEspañol: kiwano Did you guess that I am the kiwano? That's right! Kiwano is a unique and exotic fruit that is not very well-known, but it's definitely worth trying. It has a refreshing taste that's perfect for hot summer days. So next time you see a spiky, orange fruit at the grocery store, give it a try! Watch the video to learn more! Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!
  What am I?I am a vegetable that is known for my bright orange color and crunchy texture. I wasn't always orange though... I was originally white, purple, red, and yellow. It wasn't until the 1600s that the orange variety became popular. Kids not only like me, bunnies do too! Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI grow in the ground. I was first farmed in the country Afghanistan around 900 AD. I grow in many different parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas. I am usually grown in soil that is well-drained and loose, so that I can grow deep into the ground. I also need plenty of sunlight and water to grow big and healthy. My flowers attract pollinators like bees making me an important root vegetable in the garden.  After I'm pickedAfter I'm picked, I am usually washed and trimmed before being sent to grocery stores or markets. There are a lot of ways to eat me. I can be eaten raw, cooked, and juiced! I can even be added to baked foods, like cake. You might find me in Easter baskets or in fun Easter crafts.  Did you guess... carrotsEspañol: zanahoria Did you guess that I am a carrot? Did you know that the baby carrots at the store are just carrots that are cut into smaller pieces? Watch the video to learn more. Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!
  What am I?I am an exotic fruit that is known for my bright colors and unique appearance. My skin is covered in scales, and I have a sweet, refreshing taste that many people love. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI'm native to Central and South America. As I've become a more popular fruit, I am grown in more warm, tropical regions around the world like, California, Hawaii, Florida, South-East Asia, the Caribbean, Australia and more! I don't grow on a tree, I grow on a cactus that can grow up to 20 feet tall!  After I'm pickedAfter I'm picked, I am usually allowed to ripen at room temperature for a few days. When I am ripe, my skin will turn from a bright green to a bright pink or yellow, depending on the variety. Then, I can be cut open and eaten, or used in a variety of dishes, like smoothie bowls, salads, and desserts.  Did you guess... Dragon fruitEspañol: pitaya Dragon fruit is a delicious and refreshing fruit. Next time you see a scaly, bright pink or yellow fruit at the grocery store or at a restaurant, give it a try! Dragon Fruit FactsDragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a type of cactus that grows in warm, tropical climates. The plant has beautiful, bright pink or red skin and white or pink flesh with black seeds. Dragon fruit is a popular and tasty fruit that is good for you because it is high in vitamins and minerals. Dragon fruit cacti have long, vine-like stems that can grow up to 20 feet in length. The stems have small, spiky thorns and large, waxy leaves. The cactus plants produce beautiful, white flowers that have a sweet, floral scent. The flowers bloom at night and are pollinated by bats or insects.  After the flowers bloom, they produce a small, green fruit that gradually grows and ripens into a large, pink or red fruit. It can take several months for the fruit to fully ripen, and when it is ready to be harvested, it falls off the plant and onto the ground.  Dragon fruit is a delicious and healthy snack that is easy to grow in warm, sunny climates. If you want to try growing your own dragon fruit, you will need to start with a small plant or cutting. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and water it regularly. Make sure the plant gets plenty of sunlight and keep it in a warm, sheltered spot. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy fresh, juicy dragon fruit from your own backyard!  Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!
  What am I?I am a fruit that is known for my bumpy skin and pear-like shape. Some people even call me an "alligator pear" because of how I look. I'm a complicated fruit. You cannot look at my size to tell if I'll taste delicious or am ready to pick. Inside I have a big seed or pit that you can't eat, but the rest is bright green and delicious!  Where I growI grow on trees in warm places like Mexico and California. My tree is a special kind of tree that needs lots of sunshine and water to grow big and healthy. One tree can grow about 150 fruits per year! Don't worry about waiting until I'm ripe on the tree. I will never get ripe there... it's only after you pick me that I will ripen and be ready to eat. Until I'm ready to eat, my skin will be green and my flesh will be hard.  After I'm pickedAfter I'm picked, I can take anywhere from several days to a week or more to ripen. When I am ripe, my skin will turn from green to a darker color, and I will be slightly soft to the touch. Then, I can be cut open and eaten, or mashed up to make a delicious dip or spread called guacamole. I'm often added to Mexican-inspired dishes and salads, and I can even be added to baked goods and smoothies!  Did you guess... AvocadoEspañol: palta Did you guess that I am an avocado? That's right! Avocados are a superfood that are packed with healthy fats and vitamins. They can help keep your heart, skin, and eyes healthy. So next time you see a bumpy green fruit at the grocery store or at a restaurant, give it a try! Learn more and explore an avocado farm! Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!
  What am I?I am a starchy root vegetable that is often used in cooking and baking. My skin can be red, brown, or purple, and my flesh is typically orange or yellow but can be white or purple. I have a slightly sweet taste and a creamy texture that makes me popular in all sorts of dishes.  Where I growI grow underground in the dirt. I grow in many different regions around the world now, but I come from Peru in South America. I thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunshine. I'm often grown in fields or gardens, where my vines can spread out and produce lots of tasty tubers. I'm a hardy plant that can survive in many different types of soil, from sandy to clay.  After I'm pickedAfter I am harvested by hand or by machine, I am cleaned and sorted to make sure that only the best vegetables make it to the store. Some people like to eat me baked or roasted, while others like to use me in recipes like pies, casseroles, and even fries. I'm a versatile vegetable that can be used in all sorts of dishes, from sweet to savory. Give me a try and see what you can create!  Did you guess... Sweet PotatoEspañol: batata Some people call me yam, but I yam a sweet potato! Learn the interesting differences between yams and sweet potatoes here. Do you like sweet potatoes? What's your favorite way to eat it? Watch the video to learn more about sweet potatoes. Ready to try sweet potatoes? Try this fun and easy recipe! Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!
 What am I?I am a small, evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. I have large, shiny leaves and beautiful flowers that bloom in clusters. You probably love the delicious treats that are made from me! On Valentine's Day, Americans buy 58 million pounds of my treats!  Where I growI grow in tropical areas around the world, near the equator where the weather is warm and moist. I thrive in these environments and grow fruit the size of a football. My juicy pods are surrounded by a sweet, white flesh that are filled with the seeds. You could eat my flesh raw and it would taste like mango, but it goes through another process to get a flavor you love.  After I'm pickedAfter I am carefully harvested (picked) by hand, my pods are fermented for several days to bring out my delicious flavor and aroma. I am then dried in the sun for several days, cleaned, sorted, and packaged to be shipped all over the world. Then I am ground up and made into the chocolate you know and love! I may be small, but I have a big impact on the world of sweets!  Did you guess... CocoaEspañol: cacao Do you like chocolate? Watch the video to learn more about cocoa beans! Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!
June is Mango month! Celebrate mangoes with these sweet facts.  What am I?You've probably heard of me, I'm the most popular fruit in the world! I was first grown in India over 5,000 years ago. Besides having a sweet, tropical flavor, in India I'm the symbol of love. Giving someone a basket with my fruit is considered a sign of friendship. My seed is hidden inside. It can be hard to slice my fruit, but the sweet taste makes it worth it!  Where I growI grow on trees in hot and humid climates. Most of the fruit that you buy in the U.S. is grown in Mexico and South America. I'm grown around the world so you can enjoy my delicious fruit all year long! My tree grows tall, 100 feet high! For farming, trees are kept shorter so it's easier to grab the fruit.  After I'm pickedFarmers pick me by hand so my skin doesn't break. You can tell when I'm ripe with your senses. If I'm a little soft to the touch and if there is a sweet smell, I'm ready to eat. If I'm not ready, set me in a paper bag at room temperature. My color doesn't tell you if I'm ripe. I can be eaten raw, made into juice or smoothies, frozen, and cooked!  Did you guess... MangoEspañol: mango Do you like mangoes? Did you know there are many different colors of mangoes? Watch the video to learn more about mangoes! Learn more at mango.org All the Ways to Cut a MangoHow To Find a Ripe MangoMangoes are Fun!Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!
 What am I?Nearly half of the people in the world eat this food daily. 95% of what is grown is eaten by humans. Evidence shows that humans have been growing this plant for 9,000 years, starting in Asia. I'm not a fruit or vegetable, I'm a grain. My plant grows like a grass and the flower produces the grain that you eat. There are 120,000 different varieties of this grain in the world!  Where I growI'm grown across the world, but mostly in Asia. I grow on the ground in water. When my seedlings (small plants started from seeds) are about one month old, they are moved to a field or paddy that is filled with water. Some paddies are on terraces, which look like steps in the side of a hill. This allows the water to flow down and fill the paddies. I like sunshine and the water keeps my plant cool. It also keeps the weeds from growing so that I can flourish.  After I'm pickedAfter I'm harvested, the grain is separated from the grassy part of the plant. Next I need to be dried and milled. Milling is a process that removes the husk, which is the outer layer around the grain that protects it. After I'm dried and milled, the grain is glossy. To eat this snack, I am cooked or ground into flour. I pair well with vegetables, like stir fry.  Did you guess... RiceEspañol: arroz What is your favorite way to eat rice? Watch the video to learn more about how rice grows! Facts about rice grown in the USA Industry Facts
Source: ThinkRice  Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!
 What am I?I'm the largest of the citrus fruits. I'm twice the size of a grapefruit! I'm as big as your head! I am known for my size and bright colors, both inside and outside. I'm the original. I have not been combined with any other fruit to become something new, but I am used to make new varieties of citrus fruits, like grapefruit!  Where I growI am native to Southeast Asia, and I grow on trees. I like the heat and moisture, so I grow best in tropical climates. The leaves on my tree are large, oval-shaped. I need bees to pollinate my flowers so I can grow. My flowers smell great and are used to make perfume. The wood from my tree is strong and is used to make handles on tools.  After I'm pickedI'm ripe when I easily come off the stem. I won't ripen off the tree, so after I'm picked, I should be stored in a cool, dark place and eaten soon. The fridge is a great spot for me until you're ready to eat! I have a thick peel and "pitch" (the white part under the peel). The peel is sometimes used to make marmalade or is candied. My juicy flesh is sweet. Cut me open and dig in!  Did you guess... PomeloEspañol: pomelo Have you had a pomelo/pummelo before? It's a delicious fruit you will want to try! For the sweetest and juiciest pummelo, eat it in December-February when they are ripest. Watch the video to see the Snackster Sam correspondents test their senses on pummelo! Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!
|
