As the third largest fresh vegetable industry in the United States, onions are a staple ingredient in many American households. In fact, onion consumption has risen by an enormous 79% over the last thirty years, and 93% of restaurants in America feature this root vegetable on their menus. However, much less is shared about the environmental impact, and especially the carbon emissions of onions. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of onions?

Roasted, fried, boiled, or mashed, potatoes are one of the more versatile vegetables, which is why they are the second most consumed food in the United States. Americans, on average, eat a potato every day. Potatoes were even the first vegetable to be grown in space! However, much less is shared about the environmental impact, and especially the carbon emissions of potatoes. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of potatoes?

Oranges are by far the most popular citrus fruit, and for good reason. They are suitable for juices, baking, and general consumption. They also pack a great health punch, with almost 100 grams of vitamin C per orange. But, oranges can also negatively impact the environment through many of their processing and waste disposal practices. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of oranges?

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 a lot of components to their production that can rack up significant carbon emissions. So, we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of dates?

Figs are an unusual fruit that is 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 climate. Factors from how they’re grown to how they’re distributed can all accrue carbon emissions. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of figs?

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 papayas can also have a significant impact on the earth. The processes used in their growth, transportation, and disposal can rack up some serious emissions. So, we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of papayas?

Apricots are a booming American industry, with more than 40,000 tons produced in each year. They also happen to be a delicious treat, popular in jams or as a dried fruit. But, there are also certain components of the apricot production process that can have significant carbon emissions. So, we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of apricots?

Grapefruits are the cousin of the citrus family, known for their semi-sweet, bitter taste. They are a breakfast staple, with lots of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A to help you start the day. Grapefruits are incredibly popular, with the grapefruit industry valued at $8 billion in 2018 and projected to grow to over $11 billion by 2027. But grapefruits can also have a significant impact on the environment. So, we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of grapefruits?

Kiwis are a delicious fruit with a strong nutritional content. In fact, they have more potassium than bananas and more vitamin C than oranges! Kiwi production is a booming industry, with about 5 million metric tons produced each year. In popular culture, they are most associated with the nation of New Zealand and their birds of the same name. But kiwis also have a significant carbon impact. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of kiwis?

Originating in Southeast Asia, limes have been a culinary staple for centuries. Today, they remain popular with over 23.5 million tons produced annually. In America, they are particularly famous as the prominent ingredient in the world-renowned key lime pie. But limes can also have an impact on the planet. Many resources that go into lime production can emit a lot of carbon. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of limes?

Blackberry picking is a favorite pastime of many Americans. The blackberry industry itself is worth over $38 million, with 51.3 million lbs produced every year. Hailed as a “superfood” blackberries are packed with many essential nutrients, not to mention their delicious tangy flavor. But certain aspects of the blackberry production process can release carbon emissions, negatively impacting the environment. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of blackberries?

Pomegranates are a booming global business, evaluated at around $24 billion in annual sales. Originating in the Middle East and featuring prominently in Greek myth, pomegranates also have a long culinary and symbolic history. But pomegranates can have a significant impact on the planet. Growing, transporting, and disposing of pomegranates can rack up significant carbon emissions. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of pomegranates?

Raspberries come in over 200 varieties, making them a diverse and popular fruit. Moreover, raspberry production is on the rise, with almost a million tons of the fruit being grown in 2021, an increase of 34% since 2011. But, there are many aspects of the raspberry production process that can be harmful to the planet. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of raspberries?

Cantaloupe is a popular fruit in the US, with over a billion pounds of cantaloupe produced each year. They’re also a source of many major nutrients, such as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. However, there are parts of the cantaloupe production cycle that can accrue some serious carbon emissions. The resources needed to grow them, transportation, and disposal can really add up. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of cantaloupe?

The humble carrot is a staple ingredient in kitchens around the world. So much so, that carrots take the winning role of America’s most trusted vegetable, and the sixth most consumed vegetable. Carrots are full of nutrients, antioxidants, and carotenoids. As an excellent source of Vitamin A, the debate about whether carrots can help you see in the dark is ongoing, but what cannot be disputed is the health benefits. Yet, much less is shared about the environmental impact, and especially the carbon emissions of carrots. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of carrots?