Crops You’ve Never Heard Of

Based here in Nebraska, the team at Crop Insurance Solutions is proud of our Nebraskan roots (Go ‘Huskers!). While being proud of your state and the crop you produce is important, it’s also crucial to appreciate the crops you’re unable to grow. That’s why we’re here to discuss some of the crops you didn’t know have to grow in specific places in order to achieve the perfect production.

Pawpaws

Have you ever heard of a pawpaw? It’s a custard-like fruit native to North America, and it’s growing in popularity. To eat the banana-pudding-esque fruit, you jam your finger through it’s softer skin and suck the yellow mean through the hole. The fruit is becoming so popular in fact, that there are pawpaw festivals all over the country.

Persimmons

Translated from latin, persimmons literally translates to “food of the gods.” How could you not be eager to try this food? While some persimmons grow in southern states and California, they originated from Japan. Now, you can find this crop growing throughout China, Burma, Northern India, and Australia.

Hydnellum Peckii

Also known as the bleeding tooth fungus, this mushroom is a little bit spooky. The white mushroom (resembling a tooth) bleeds hot pink or red liquid through its pores, appearing like the mushroom is bleeding. Underneath the cap the mushroom has teeth like spines, and the base slowly becomes a richer red with maturation. Spotted mainly in North America’s Pacific Northwest, the mushroom can be used to dye fabrics and is popular for its antibacterial properties.

Bael Fruit Tree

Common to India, the “wood apple” has been used for its medicinal properties since 2000 BC. The fruit has been known to cure or lessen the effects of diarrhea, cholera, and haemorrhoids. When eaten on a regular basis, the fruit can help lower cholesterol and signs of diabetes. The only downside we found in our research is that too much bael can have negative effects on pregnancies and should be avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Seed of Heaven

Scientifically referred to as aframomum sp uganda, this fruit grows only in West Central Africa. This fruit made our list due to its many different purposes and flavors. On the inside, the edible pulp is tangy and juicy. The seeds resemble peppercorns and are commonly used as spice. On the inside, giant ginger plants are grown producing a slightly spicy flavor and dense texture. They grow best in shade, and are a bright red color on the outside, making them hard to look past.

Tit-berry

The allophylus cobbe is found in Singapore, but can also be spotted in other similar climates around the world. The shrub tree has a wooden like stem that can be used for firewood, roofing stabilization, and strings and bows for instruments. The smooth leaves are used for mouthwash, and the red berries can be eaten for their bitter taste.

It’s important to appreciate the crops around the world to gain an appreciation for farmers everywhere. If you have questions about how or which crop insurance might be the best fit for your farming operation, call us today and we’d be happy to guide you through this journey.