Snackster Sam Blog
Our recipes and activities are always Snackster Sam approved and kid approved.
 What am I?I'm slightly sweet with an unmistakable look. I can be grown from a seed, and I grow so fast! I can even grow fruit in one year after being planted. But, I only live for about five years. I started growing in Mexico. I love tropical weather (hot and humid). Can you guess what I am?  Where I growPeople think I grow on a tree, but it's actually a large plant. My plant produces boy or girl flowers, which dangle from the center of the plant. Bees and butterflies collect pollen from flowers and share it, which is called cross pollination. After this, my fruit can grow. My leaves are very large, about 20 inches wide!  After I'm pickedOnce my skin is yellowish-orange, I'm fully ripe! But, you can eat the fruit when I'm not ripe - you just cook me like squash. You can even eat my leaves in tea, juice, or cooked. My ripe fruit can be eaten raw, roasted, mixed in smoothies, or dried. You've probably tried me in trail mix! Did you guess... Papaya Español: papaya Have you tried papaya before? Papaya is also called papaw or pawpaw. 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?From decoration to pies, I'm a popular fruit. Yes, fruit! I'm not a vegetable. More than 1.5 billion pounds of me are grown in the U.S. every year, usually for holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI grow on a vine on the ground. My vine can stretch out a long ways. Most of my fruit is small, but I can be grown to be VERY large! The largest fruit was 2,749 pounds set by Travis Gienger from Anoka, Minnesota in October 2023!  After I'm pickedI'm known for my bright appearance on Halloween, but I'm so much more than that! After I'm picked, I should be put in a dark, cool place. I'm most commonly baked in pies and sweet treats. My seeds can be cooked for a crunchy snack, too!  Did you guess... PumpkinEspañol: calabaza You're right! Pumpkins are just as fun to eat as they are to carve! Watch the video to see Snackster Sam correspondents try pumpkin seeds! More Pumpkin FactsA pumpkin is a gourd. They are usually orange, but they can also be white. Pumpkins are spheres or stretched-out spheres. People can eat pumpkins. Often people make pumpkins into pies. People can eat and cook pumpkin seeds. People also use pumpkins for decoration, for example when people make jack-o-lanterns at Halloween. It also has a few noted medicinal use, which are traditionally used in India. In New Zealand and Australian English, the term pumpkin generally refers to the broader category called winter squash elsewhere. As one of the most popular crops in the United States, in 2017 over 680,000,000 kilograms (1.5 billion pounds) of pumpkins were produced. The top pumpkin-producing states include Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California. According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, 95% of the U.S. crop intended for processing is grown in Illinois. Nestlé, operating under the brand name Libby's, produces 85% of the processed pumpkin in the United States, at their plant in Morton, Illinois. In the fall of 2009, rain in Illinois devastated the Nestlé crop, which combined with a relatively weak 2008 crop depleting that year's reserves resulted in a shortage affecting the entire country during the Thanksgiving holiday season. Another shortage, somewhat less severe, affected the 2015 crop. The pumpkin crop grown in the western United States, which constitutes approximately 3-4% of the national crop, is primarily for the organic market. Pumpkins are a warm-weather crop that is usually planted in early July. The specific conditions necessary for growing pumpkins require that soil temperatures 8 centimetres (3 in) deep are at least 15.5 °C (60 °F) and that the soil holds water well. Pumpkin crops may suffer if there is a lack of water or because of cold temperatures (in this case, below 18 °C or 65 °F; frost can be detrimental), and sandy soil with poor water retention or poorly drained soils that become waterlogged after heavy rain. Pumpkins are, however, rather hardy, and even if many leaves and portions of the vine are removed or damaged, the plant can very quickly re-grow secondary vines to replace what was removed. Pumpkins produce both a male and female flower; they must be fertilized, usually by bees. Pumpkins have historically been pollinated by the native squash bee Peponapis pruinosa, but this bee has declined, probably at least in part to pesticide (imidacloprid) sensitivity. Ground-based bees such as squash bees and the eastern bumblebee are better suited to handle the larger pollen particles that pumpkins create, but today most commercial plantings are pollinated by hives of honeybees, which also allows the production and sale of honey that the bees produce from the pumpkin pollen. One hive per acre (4,000 m2 per hive, or 5 hives per 2 hectares) is recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If there are inadequate bees for pollination, gardeners often have to hand pollinate. Inadequately pollinated pumpkins usually start growing but abort before full development. Giant pumpkins Giant pumpkins at a "heaviest pumpkin" competition. "Giant pumpkins" are a large squash (within the group of common squash Cucurbita maxima) that can exceed 2,000 pounds in weight. The variety arose from the large squash of South America through the efforts of botanical societies and enthusiast farmers. Source: Pumpkin Facts for Kids . Kiddle Encyclopedia. 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 come from Mexico where I am commonly set out as a tasty and crunchy snack. I defend myself with poisonous leaves and beans. My plant looks like peas but the part you eat is in the ground. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growThe part you eat grows under the ground and is a swollen root. The root swells up instead of branching out and holds all the nutrients. This is how a potato grows, too! I am usually dug up once I'm the size to fit in the palm of your hand and am 1 to 5 pounds, but I can grow really large. The heaviest of me weighed 21 kg (46 lb 4.8 oz) and was grown by Leo Sutisna in Indonesia.  After I'm pickedAfter I'm dug up, I can be stored in a dark place for up to 2 months. Because I defend myself from pests, it's important to cut off my skin and wash me. I'm most commonly cut in spears (like fries) and seasoned with chili powder and fresh lime juice. I can also be baked or sautéed and added to stir fry.  Did you guess... JicamaEspañol: jícama Pronounced: hi-kuh-muh Did we stump you? See if you can find jicama at the grocery store. It tastes a lot like an apple with the texture of a raw potato. Remember to peel off the skin before eating it. Watch the video to learn more about the health benefits of Jicama! 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 delicate like a rose because I come from the rose family. I'm usually green or yellow, but I can be brown, red, and a bit orange. I'm known for my unique shape, but I can be round like an apple, too. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI grow on a tree that lives a long time, around 75 years! My tree can even be used to make musical instruments and furniture. Orchards and backyard trees are common places to find me. When my blossoms bloom, it's a sign of spring. I prefer climates with a mix of warm and cool temperatures, like Oregon and Washington.  After I'm pickedI'm tough on the tree, but I ripen after I'm picked. When I become ripe, I am soft on the inside. In fact, I'm so soft that people used to call me "butter fruit." I am handpicked off the tree. Then I'm hand packed into boxes and sent to grocery stores. You can eat me fresh or use me in baking desserts or add to salads.  Did you guess... PearEspañol: pera That's right! There are over 3,000 kinds of pears! Pears are great raw, canned, or baked! What do you call two fruits that like to joke? A PEAR of jokesters! Get it? Besides making a good pun, pears are a delicious fruit that dates back to 1,000 BC! That's a long time ago! Even though it is native to Europe and Africa, the United States is now the largest producer of pears. HOW IT GROWS Pears grow on trees. The trees can live to 50-75 years old! The trees grow more than beautiful pears, they grow white (and sometimes pink) blossoms. The wood is also used to make musical instruments, furniture, and more! DID YOU KNOW
HOW TO EAT IT Pears can be enjoyed raw, canned, and baked! 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 colorful fruit cherished for my sweet and crisp characteristics. People use me in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries, for a burst of flavor and color. Based on my color, I can have a different flavor from bitter to sweet. I can be green, red, yellow, orange and even white, purple, or brown. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI grow on a plant on the ground in warm and sunny climates. The ground needs to be fertilized (given food to help me grow) for 3 years before I can be planted! My plant's white flowers are pollinated by the wind (not bees like many fruits).  After I'm pickedEven though I'm tough and crunchy, I'm sensitive to any changes like too much water or cold. Farmers pick me when I'm ripe for the best flavor. Many people want to eat me only if I look perfect, but even if my shape looks different, I taste the same! Once I'm picked, the culinary possibilities are endless! I can be added fresh to salads, sautéed, or baked and can be added to endless recipes from tacos, spaghetti, and chili.  Did you guess... Bell PepperEspañol: pimiento morrón That's right! Bell Peppers are sweet and crunchy fruits that can be eaten raw or cooked! Let's Try ItBell peppers come in red, yellow, orange, green and even white, purple, and brown colors. But did you know all bell peppers start green? HOW IT GROWS Bell peppers grow on plants that grow about knee-height high. Farmers fertilize (nourish) the land up to three years before planting bell peppers on it. Peppers are handpicked and finish ripening on their way to the grocery store. While peppers grow best in warm climates, a touch of cold weather sweetens it. Watch to learn more about How it Grows! DID YOU KNOW
HOW TO EAT IT Bell peppers are delicious sliced and eaten raw. You can sautée peppers and add to stirfries, pasta, and more. Bell peppers are also cut up and added to salsas and sauces. Try cutting out the top and stuffing the pepper with rice and other vegetables, and baking it. Or try our Colorful Bell Pepper Nachos 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'm a frilly, leafy green for my color and crunch. I'm usually green, but I can also be light green, red, or purple. People include me in salads, smoothies, and various dishes. Can you guess what I am?  Where I growI grow on the ground and I love the cold... but not too cold! Pick me before the frost for the best flavor. I've made a comeback in popularity, but I've been around for about 2,000 years tracing back to Europe!  After I'm pickedOnce I'm picked, I can be prepared in numerous ways. Some people like to enjoy me fresh in salads, where my leaves add a satisfying crunch. Others prefer to blend me into green smoothies, creating a vibrant green drink. Cooking me is another popular choice – sautéed, roasted, or added to soups, I bring a deep, earthy flavor to the dish.  Did you guess... KaleEspañol: col rizada That's right! Have you tried kale before? Watch the video to learn more! Let's Try KaleTry kale (even if you don't like kale) with this delicious Kale Monster Smoothie! It's a real crowd pleaser!  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?Don't make me blush, but I'm very popular. Even if people say they don't like me, I'm in most meals you like. I'm usually bright red, but I can be green, yellow, orange, and even purple. Sometimes even a mixture of those colors in one fruit. Can you guess what I am?  Where I grow grow on a vine on the ground. My plant has green leaves and yellow flowers, and I'm usually found hanging from vines. I'm a warm-weather lover, so you'll spot me in abundance during the summer months. I'm technically a fruit because I grow on a flowering plant (even though people often think I'm a vegetable).  After I'm pickedPick me from the vine and pop me in your mouth! Or, you can add me to salad, soup, salsa, and sauce... for your pizza. The options are unlimited with me. Did you guess... TomatoEspañol: tomate That's right! There are over 7,500 kinds of tomatoes! If you haven't tried one you like, keep trying different tomatoes or ones cooked in different ways! Learn more about TomatoesTomatoes are used to make some of your favorite dishes! It can be found in almost all parts of the world, but it was first grown in South America. Worldwide there are 7,500 varieties of tomatoes. HOW IT GROWS Tomatoes grow on the ground on a plant with vines. Tomatoes love the heat, but they are picky plants. If they get too much heat or not enough, the plant will die. Tomatoes produce a yellow flower that grows the tomato fruit. If the flower dies, the plant won't grow a tomato. The majority of tomatoes that we eat are processed into sauces and salsa. DID YOU KNOW
HOW TO EAT IT Eat tomatoes fresh, chop it and add to salads, salsa, bread and more! Cook it and add it to soups or make sauces. Or freeze it to cook it later. 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 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!
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