Dates are a sweet, often dried delicacy that’s popular in Middle Eastern desserts. They also have an ever-increasing global market, reaching over a million tons in volume in 2021. In terms of health benefits, dates pack a good amount of protein, potassium, and fiber. However, there are many components to the date production process that can have a very negative impact on the environment. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of dates?

Papayas are a soft, sweet fruit native to Mexico. Today, they are grown everywhere from Florida to Hawaii. Papayas are also highly versatile. For example, they are commonly used in salads, desserts, and ice creams. But the process of growing and distributing papayas can actually have a substantial impact on the environment. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of papayas?

Pomegranates are a booming global business, valued at around $24 billion. They are also a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and several vitamins. They are especially popular as juices. But pomegranates can have a negative environmental impact. There are many components of the pomegranate industry that cause serious damage to the environment. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of pomegranates?

Figs are a sweet, squishy fruit popular in Italian cuisine. They are also becoming increasingly popular in the US, with the fresh fig market valued at around $1.5 billion. But as profitable and delicious as they are, figs can also negatively impact the environment in a number of ways. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of figs?

Cherries are a staple fruit in everything from pies to mixed drinks. Their blossoms draw millions of crowds to public parks every spring, especially in Japan. They’re healthy too—a cup of cherries provides 3 grams of fiber and 1.4 grams of protein. But cherries can also have a negative effect on the environment. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of cherries?

Asparagus has been cultivated for 2,500 years, and can be found in the world’s oldest cookery book – Apicius’ 9th Century ‘On the Subject of Cooking.’ In the right conditions, this vegetable can grow 2 inches a day! Filled with antioxidants and vitamins, asparagus is a fiber-rich healthy choice. However, much less is shared about the environmental impact, and especially the carbon emissions of asparagus. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of asparagus?

Limes are a very popular fruit with over 23.5 million tons produced every single year. They are commonly used in desserts like key lime pie and even classic cocktails. Limes pack a health punch too, containing a healthy amount of vitamin C and antioxidants. But limes can also negatively impact the environment through their farming and disposal practices. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of limes?

Pineapples are a booming industry, with 30 million tons produced every single year. They’re nutritious too, as a cancer-fighting fruit loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin C. Furthermore, this fruit has been a historical symbol of hospitality and welcome, especially in South America. But there are also plenty of ways that the pineapple industry can harm the environment. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of pineapples?

Avocados are a delicious and trendy fruit. They have exploded in popularity over the past few decades, with their US consumption increasing by around 500% between 1985 and 2021. Avocados also have lots of health benefits, including generous helpings of vitamins C+E, as well as magnesium and potassium. They are a classic staple on toast, in salads, and of course, as guacamole. But many steps in the life cycle of avocados can have a serious impact on the environment. So, we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of avocados?

Mangoes are a delicious and versatile fruit. They can be used in anything from chutneys to salads and delicious desserts. They are popular too, with 43 million tons of them produced globally every year. Healthwise, they’re powerhouses with vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K. In fact, just one cup of mangoes has two-thirds of your daily vitamin C requirement. But mangoes can also have some very detrimental environmental effects. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of mangoes?

Strawberries are a tasty summer treat. Featured in everything from jams and smoothies to the iconic strawberry shortcake, these fruits are versatile. They are popular too, with the average American consuming around 8 pounds of strawberries every year. In terms of their health benefits, strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges and significant protein and fiber. But strawberries can also significantly damage the environment throughout their production processes. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of strawberries?

A summer picnic isn’t complete without some watermelon slices. They are a hydrating fruit, containing over 90% water, as well as protein and fiber. Watermelons are a quintessential American crop, as one of the top three agricultural products produced in the country. But the production of watermelons can also have a severe impact on the environment. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of watermelons?

Kiwis are a delicious tropical fruit. In popular culture, they are most associated with the nation of New Zealand and their birds of the same name. They are a lucrative industry too, with the global kiwi market worth almost $7 billion as of 2019. Moreover, they pack in a significant amount of fiber and vitamin C. However, kiwis can have a negative impact on the environment through their growing, manufacturing, transportation, and waste disposal practices. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of kiwis?

Bananas are a very popular fruit, with over 100 billion consumed every year, especially considering their wide culinary uses, from banana bread to milkshakes. They also have some notable health benefits. They’re high in fiber, protein, and potassium. But all this can come at a high price to the environment. Many aspects of banana farming and distribution can negatively impact the environment. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of bananas?

Kale is the face of healthy-eating, and one of the most nutritionally dense foods around. Prior to the 90’s, kale was largely grown as an ornamental plant, before a meteoric rise in popularity. Whether in green smoothies, kale chips, or salads, you have likely heard of the superfood power of kale. However, much less is shared about the environmental impact, and especially the carbon emissions of kale. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of kale?