Millions of children have never heard of fruits such as cranberries, satsumas, or apricots. The study of 750 children, aged six to 12, also revealed more than a quarter don't know where bananas grow, and 23 per cent had no idea potatoes came out of the ground.
Only nine per cent correctly identified pineapples grow at the centre of its own plant, with 49 per cent believing they grow on trees. The research also revealed a lack of agricultural knowledge in pre-teens, with 24 per cent believing some fruit and vegetables come from animals, or even the sea.
Only four in 10 know of apricots, while just 40 per cent of youngsters are aware of satsumas, and only 35 per cent have heard of nectarines. The research was commissioned by Robinsons, to mark the launch of 'The Big Fruit Hunt' game: an Augmented Reality experience that challenges players to collect virtual fruit from their surroundings and enter a prize draw to win prizes.
Spokesperson Charlotte White said: “We were surprised by some of the statistics our research showed - especially with how many children were unaware of certain fruits. And it also seems it's not through lack of interest, so could be as simple as providing more engaging ways to encourage children to learn more.
“It’s also refreshing to see children would like to look into growing their own produce.”
However, the research demonstrated that 31 per cent think fruit and veg is from the supermarket, while 13 per cent believe they come from animals, and 11 per cent think we get them from the sea. ore than a quarter of those polled, via OnePoll, also believe all fruit and veg is grown in the UK.
Despite confusion about how and where they are grown, 54 per cent have tried to grow their own fruit and vegetables, and 64 per cent would be interested in learning more about how to do so. n average they are eating three pieces of fruit and veg a day - mostly because they think they are good for them, although half eat it merely because their parents tell them to.
Though, 62 per cent are interested in learning more about where their fruit and veg comes from. obinsons has teamed up with the National Schools Partnership to create bespoke, unbranded educational materials, to be delivered in over 350 schools to teach kids about the origins of fruit and veg.
Charlotte White added: “We know kids want to learn more about fruit and veg, and we’re really excited to be providing ways to help them get a greater understanding of the food on our plates, in an engaging and insightful way.
“We hope our educational materials will fill this knowledge gap, and the Big Fruit Hunt game offers families a fun and exciting way to spend time together outdoors during the school holidays."
TOP 20 FRUITS KIDS 6-12 ARE LEAST FAMILIAR WITH
1. Aubergine
2. Pomegranates
3. Nectarines
4. Cranberries
5. Satsumas
6. Apricots
7. Kiwis
8. Limes
9. Plums
10. Mangoes
11. Peaches
12. Blackberries
13. Melon
14. Cherries
15. Blueberries
16. Lemons
17. Raspberries
18. Watermelon
19. Pears
20. Pineapples
