Do You Know What Places These Fruits and Vegetables Are Native To?

By: Elizabeth Lavis
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Do You Know What Places These Fruits and Vegetables Are Native To?
Image: www.photo-chick.com/Moment/Getty Images

About This Quiz

The world is overflowing with a bounty of fruits and vegetables in all colors of the rainbow! 

When you're getting your five servings a day, are you putting any thought into where your food comes from? The healthy helping on your plate might have come from a place that you have not even heard of. This delicious quiz will test your culinary smarts with a heaping dose of fruits and vegetables from all corners of the world. 

Some of these foods are grown all over the world, but we want to know what the original origin was. Where was this food first spotted, eaten and enjoyed by the local people? From coconuts to taro, this quiz hopscotches all over the map with a natural bounty that is sure to delight and get your stomach growling. Are you a culinary mastermind who knows where the humble melon and creamy avocado come from? Do you know your bok choy backward and forwards?  

See if you know where each one of the tasty tidbits come from and prove that your knowledge of fruits and veggies is better than average. We'll give you a hint: It's harder than it might seem at first!



cantaloupe
Ivan/Moment/Getty Images
Who doesn't love cantaloupe? Where is this melon native to?
North and Central America
South America
Australia
Southern Europe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cantaloupes are native to North America and can be found in many U.S. southern states as well as parts of Mexico and even areas of Canada. This delicious melon is a breakfast fave!

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Dragon fruit
dapan photography / Moment / Getty Images
The fiery-looking dragon fruit is notable for its vibrant pink skin. What area of the world can you find it in?
South America
Southeast Asia
Africa
Europe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dragon fruit is native to Southeast Asia. These tasty fruits grow on large plants, and the inside is either white or deep purple. They are known for their mild flavor and refreshing taste.

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Garlic
Shutterstock
Garlic can make just about any recipe sing. Where did it originally come from?
North America
Africa
Central Asia
Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It should come as no surprise that Chinese food is heavy on the garlic, because this potent recipe enhancer originally comes from Central Asia. Now, garlic is grown and loved all over the world.

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Starfruit
Priscila Zambotto/Moment/Getty Images
Starfruit is the delightfully sour centerpiece of any fruit salad. Where is it native to?
Southeast Asia
Central America
Australia
Europe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Starfruit is originally from Southeast Asia, although it is now grown in many tropical climates all over the world. Sri Lanka is the country most famous for producing this fantastic fruit.

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Jicama
shutterstock
Jicama adds crunch to any salad. Where does it originally come from?
South America
Southern Europe
Australia
Central America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jicama comes from North America and is a refreshing addition to many dishes that originate in the American Southwest and Mexico. Its crunchy texture and cool flavor make it a winner in everyone's book.

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Durian
simonlong / Moment / Getty Images
Durian is the fruit that smells stinky but tastes sweet. Where does it come from?
Africa
Southeast Asia
Central America
Southern Europe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Durian comes from Southeast Asia, and it's one of those fruits that you either love or hate. The smell is quite pungent, but the fruit itself is supposedly very sweet and creamy.

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custard apple
MirageC/Moment/Getty Images
Custard apples get their name from their creamy texture and sweet filling. Where do they come from?
Africa
North America
Europe
South America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Custard apples are native to parts of southern Africa like Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. These tasty fruits have a soft, creamy interior and a sweet flavor reminiscent of dessert.

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Coconut
HD Connelly / Moment / Getty Images
Coconuts are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Where are they native to?
North America
Europe
Southeast Asia
Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Today, coconuts are grown in tropical regions all over the world, but they originated in Southeast Asia. You can sample this refreshing fruit on the beaches in Bali or the shores of Ko Samui.

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Taro
shutterstock
Taro can be served sweet or savory. Where do you find this starchy delight?
Southeast Asia
Africa
Europe
North America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Taro can be found as a sweet or savory filling all over Southeast Asia. It is usually light purple in color, and its starchy flavor is unique and compliments many different types of Southeast Asian desserts.

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Date
Towfiqu Photography/Moment/Getty Images
Dates are chewy and nutritious, but who knows where they come from?
Southeast Asia
Central America
Middle East
Europe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Delicious dates have been part of the menu for centuries, and it's easy to see why. These chewy and slightly savory delights are both healthy and versatile and can be used in a number of dishes.

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Watermelon
n/a
Watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit. Where does it come from?
Central America
Africa
Australia
Southern Europe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Watermelons originally come from West Africa, but this sweet summer fruit is now available all over the world. It's great with a sprinkle of salt and chili, cubed in a salad or by itself.

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1 Tomatoes GettyImages-512070289
Hiroshi Higuchi / Photodisc / Getty Images
No matter how you slice them, tomatoes are an amazing fruit. Where did they originate?
Africa
North America
South America
Central Asia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tomatoes are currently grown all over the world, but they originally come from high in the South American Andes mountains. They have been part of traditional Peruvian cuisine for centuries.

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blackberries
Ann Cutting/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Blackberries are antioxidant powerhouses. Where are they from?
North America
Central America
Southeast Asia
South America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Blackberries grow best in the temperate climate of North America. These little gems are full of nutrients and antioxidants and make a welcome addition to any breakfast or a fresh salad.

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29 Sweet potatoes GettyImages-694189480
CreatiVegan.net / Moment / Getty Images
Sweet potatoes are a pantry staple. Who knows where they come from?
Central Asia
Africa
Central America
Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Vibrant sweet potatoes come from Central America. These nutrient-heavy vegetables are currently enjoyed all over the world and are notable for their dense concentration of nutrients and vitamins.

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Avocado
Alexander Spatari / Moment / Getty Images
The humble avocado has been elevated in the past few years. What part of the world is it from?
North America
Central America
South America
Europe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You can thank Central America for your avocado toast. These green gems come straight from Mexico. They are delicious smeared on bread, cubed in a salad or simply enjoyed with some lemon juice.

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Radishes
Shutterstock
Where do spicy and crunchy radishes come from?
Europe
Australia
Southern Europe
Africa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Radishes come from Southern Europe and are a welcome addition to just about any salad or slaw. These spicy morsels are good for your waistline and packed with lots of healthy nutrients.

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Banana
Towfiqu Photography / Moment / Getty Images
Bananas are one of the world's most popular fruits. Where are they from?
North America
Southeast Asia
Europe
Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bananas originally come from Southeast Asia, although they are cultivated all over the world now. You can find them in just about any tropical location and on the shelves of your local supermarket.

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Pumpkin
n/a
The main ingredient for your pumpkin pie came from which part of the world?
South America
Europe
Africa
North America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pumpkin comes from North America originally. This very colorful root vegetable is a staple on American Thanksgiving dinner tables and is full of healthy antioxidants and nutrients.

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Grapefruit
DigiPub/Moment/Getty Images
Bright and sour grapefruit is on plenty of breakfast tables, but who knows where it comes from?
Europe
Southern Europe
Central America
Southeast Asia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Grapefruit comes from Central America, specifically countries that border the Caribbean Sea. It is a relatively new addition to the fruit world and is refreshing, tart and totally tasty.

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Potatoes
n/a
Who knows where potatoes are originally from?
North America
Australia
Africa
South America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Potatoes come from South America and are found mostly in the Andean region of Peru's Sacred Valley. Peruvian cooking makes good use of this humble root vegetable, using it in stews, salads and other dishes.

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kiwis
Selektor/E+/Getty Images
Bright green kiwi fruits are delicious. Where are they from?
Australia
Europe
Africa
South America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kiwis come from Australia, but this fuzzy green fruit is now loved worldwide. These fruits are packed with antioxidants and are completely delicious. They also pair well in fruit salads.

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bell peppers
Amit Basu Photography/Moment/Getty Images
Bell peppers are amazing in a salad, but who knows where they are from?
North America
Central America
Central and South America
Southeast Asia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bell peppers are native to Central and South America and are prominently featured in a lot of food from that region. They are extremely flavorful and good for you as well as versatile.

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Lychees
huayang / Moment Open / Getty Images
Lychees are lovely. Who can tell us where they originate from?
Central America
South America
Central Asia
Southeast Asia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lychees are a beautiful tropical fruit that flourishes in the warm climate of Southeast Asia. They are a welcome component to many sweet dishes in the region because of their light tropical flavor.

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Pea
Shutterstock
There's nothing sweeter than a spring pea. Where do these green morsels come from?
Australia
The Middle East
Central America
Central Asia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Peas come from the Middle East, where they are used in a variety of different dishes. Today they act as a bright burst of color and flavor in stir-fries or salads as well as savory pasta dishes.

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Bowen mango
shutterstock
Amazing mango comes from which part of the world?
Europe
The Middle East
Southeast Asia
North America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mangoes are grown all over the world now, but they originally came from Southeast Asia. These fruits are served sweet or sour in a variety of dishes like the favorite dessert Mango Sticky Rice.

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Okra
Shutterstock
Okra is a staple of southern cuisine. Where does it come from originally?
Central America
Southern Europe
Central Asia
Africa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Okra originated in West Africa, specifically Ethiopia. It is now widely used in cuisines all over the world, particularly in spicy gumbos, stews and fried dishes in the American south.

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Papaya
THEPALMER / E+ / Getty Images
Papaya is considered to be one of the world's tastiest superfoods. Who knows where it comes from?
Central America
Southeast Asia
South America
Central Asia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We can thank Central America for the papaya. This orange-hued superfood originated in the tropical climates of Costa Rica and Panama, but is now found and enjoyed all over the world.

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mushrooms
Clover No.7 Photography/Moment/Getty Images
Mushrooms come in all shapes and sizes, but who knows which part of the world had the first mushrooms?
North America
Central Asia
Europe
Central America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The first record of mushrooms came from ancient Europe, specifically France. This vegetable is now eaten all over the world and is used in a variety of beloved main dishes and sides.

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passion fruit
MarkGillow/E+/Getty Images
Purple passion fruit is one of the staple foods of this region. What is it?
South America
Southeast Asia
North America
Europe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Purple passion fruit can be found all over South America. This sour and delicious fruit is perfect in smoothies, fruit salads or all by itself. It's high in antioxidants and nutrients.

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24 Leeks GettyImages-683732685
Diana Miller / Cultura / Getty Images
Leeks are an underrated vegetable. Can anyone tell us where they come from?
Southeast Asia
Central Asia
Middle East
Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Leeks come from Central Asia and are used in a number of different dishes from that region. They are known for their mild and versatile flavor and their ability to complement other vegetables in savory stews.

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17 Kale GettyImages-172657626
Suzifoo / E+ / Getty Images
Before kale became a hipster fave it came from which region?
South America
Australia
Southern Europe
North America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kale originally comes from Southern Europe. This extremely healthy green is now popular all over the world as a renowned superfood. It is delicious stewed, stir-fried, baked or fried.

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Rhubarb
Lisa Stokes / Moment / Getty Images
This vegetable makes a delicious pie. Where did rhubarb originate?
Australia
Central America
Southern Europe
Central Asia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rhubarb is popular all over the world, but this humble vegetable comes from Central Asia. The climate is perfect for growing tons of rhubarb. Enjoy it in savory dishes or sweet versions like rhubarb pie.

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Ginger
Shutterstock
Ginger is one element that can add depth and flavor to a dish. Who can tell us where it comes from?
South America
Middle East
Southeast Asia
Central America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ginger comes from Southeast Asia, where it is used liberally as a potent flavor in noodle dishes and curries. Ginger has powerful antioxidant properties and a lovely spicy flavor that is loved all over the world.

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Tamarind
LuVo / E+ / Getty Images
Who can tell us what corner of the world tamarind comes from?
Africa
Southeast Asia
North America
Europe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tamarind originally comes from Africa. This sticky, very tart and slightly sweet food is used to flavor both sweet and savory dishes and can even be enjoyed raw right out of the pod.

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Daikon
shutterstock
Daikon is delicious. Who knows where it comes from?
Middle East
Southeast Asia
Central America
North America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Daikon is native to Southeast Asia and is added to a lot of different foods to give them a crunchy and spicy texture. Best eaten raw, daikon is a unique and delicious food that is sure to please any taste.

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21 Artichokes GettyImages-184301951
LuVo / E+ / Getty Images
Artichokes have a totally unique flavor. Where do they come from?
Europe
North America
Southern Europe
Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Artichokes are originally from the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe. They are delicious with a little oil and butter or stuffed with cheese and breadcrumbs and baked to perfection.

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beets
LOVE_LIFE/E+/Getty Images
The humble beet has been getting a lot of play these days. Where does it come from?
North America
Africa
Middle East
Europe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Beets come from Eastern Europe where they are used in a variety of dishes ranging from salads to soups and stews. Beets are packed with nutrients and a true favorite all over the world.

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Corn
n/a
Whether it's on the cob, creamed or tossed in a salad, corn is amazing. Who can tell us where it comes from?
North and South America
Southeast Asia
Australia
Africa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Corn is native to both North and South America, where it's featured in a number of different dishes. It's now eaten all over the world in soups, stews, fresh salads or straight off the cob.

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30 Bok choy GettyImages-697489900
Jennifer A Smith / Moment / Getty Images
Bok choy might be one of the world's least understood vegetables. Where does it come from?
Southeast Asia
Central Asia
Europe
Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An often overlooked vegetable, bok choy comes from Central Asia, where it's paired with oyster sauce and tossed in different stir-fries. It is highly nutritious and very versatile.

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Carrots
n/a
They are good for your eyes and delicious on your plate. Where do carrots come from?
North America
Europe
Africa
Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Carrots are indigenous to Europe, although they are now available all over the world. These nutritious and tasty vegetables are great raw or cooked and contribute heavily to a healthy diet.

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