How Did These Fruits Get Their Names in English?

How Kiwifruits Got Their Name Kiwifruit were first found in the Chang Kiang Valley of China and as they spread to other parts of the world, they were called Chinese gooseberries. They were named ‘kiwifruit’ in the mid twentieth century. The new name refers to the furry covering that resembles the kiwi bird.
Kiwifruits in the Kitchen
Kiwifruits contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and potassium. One kiwifruit has about 42 calories. They can be served alone, as a healthy snack, or used in recipes such as Chicken Breast with Kiwifruit. You can find kiwifruits in the produce section of most grocery stores. Choose kiwifruits that are firm with no blemishes or cracks in the skin.

How Apricots Got Their Name
Apricots were originally harvested in China and spread to the Mediterranean region. The common name ‘apricot’ comes from the Latin word praecox, which means ‘early ripening,’ similar to the word precocious.
Apricots in the Kitchen
Apricots contain vitamin C, iron, potassium, vitamin A and fiber. Apricots are low in calories – one apricot has only 17 calories. You can buy dried apricots in most grocery stores and add some to homemade trail mixes in place of raisins or slice them and serve on top of a bowl of oatmeal. Fresh apricots are difficult to find in most areas, but if you do find them, choose apricots that have a firm texture and bright color.

How Nectarines Got Their Name
Nectarines are really peaches with smooth skin. The name ‘nectarine’ comes from the word nectar, which refers to a sweet liquid that was believed to be enjoyed by Greek and Roman gods.
Nectarines in the Kitchen
Nectarines offer potassium, magnesium, fiber and vitamin A. One medium-sized nectarine has 62 calories. Fresh nectarines are found in the produce section of the grocery store. Choose nectarines that are firm with a fresh aroma. Nectarines can be eaten as snacks or used in recipes such as Nectarine Sole.

How Tangerines Got Their Name
Tangerines are a type of Mandarin orange that were first cultivated in China and Japan. The name ‘tangerine’ refers to Tangier, Morrocco because the that’s the route by which they were first brought to Europe.
Tangerines in the Kitchen
Tangerines are a good source of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and vitamin A. One tangerine has about 47 calories. You can find fresh tangerines in the produce section of the grocery store near the oranges and grapefruits. Choose tangerines that have a firm skin and feel heavy for their size. Peel and eat a tangerine as a healthy snack or use tangerines in recipes that call for Mandarin oranges, such as a Sweet Cucumber and Mandarin Orange Salad.

How Pomegranates Got Their Name
Pomegranates originated from tropical Asia and spread throughout the Mediterranen and the Middle East. The name ‘pomegranate’ comes from the French words pom grenate, which mean seeded apple.
Pomegranates in the Kitchen
The edible red seeds are called arils. One-half cup of pomegranate arils offers potassium, vitamin C, folate, phytochemical antioxidants and fiber, for about 72 calories. Fresh pomegranates should be red with a smooth unbroken covering. Cut open the pomegranate and remove the red fleshy arils. They can be eaten alone as a snack, added to salads and side dishes or used in recipes like a Creamy Pomegranate Parfait.

How Grapefruits Got Their Name
Grapefruits were discovered in the West Indies and imported to the state of Florida in the 19th century. The name ‘grapefruit’ refers to the appearance of the fruits as they grow on trees in clusters – similar to grapes.
Grapefruits in the Kitchen
Grapefruits are rich in vitamin C and are also a good source of potassium and vitamin A. One-half of a grapefruit has 37 calories. One-half of a grapefruit with a little sweetener makes a nice addition to breakfast, or you can make a Grapefruit Sunrise Smoothie

How Cranberries Got Their Name
Cranberries are one of the few fruits that are native to North America. The name ‘cranberry’ came from European immigrants who thought the bird-like flowers resembled the heads of cranes.
Cranberries in the Kitchen
One cup of whole cranberries is rich in fiber and also a source of vitamin C, and phytochemical antioxidants. They’re too sour to eat without some type of sweetener; you can buy them in dried from sweetened with sugar or fruit juice. Fresh or frozen cranberries are best used in recipes like Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash.

How Watermelons Got Their Name
Watermelons originated in Africa but are now grown worldwide. They got the name ‘watermelons’ because explorers used them as portable sources of water. They work well for that purposed since they have heavy rinds and have a very watery flesh.
Watermelons offer vitamin C, potassium and potassium. One cup of diced watermelon has 46 calories. Fresh watermelon can be sliced and eaten as a refreshing snack. Watermelons are found in most grocery stores. Be sure to choose watermelons that have a dull colored rind and give slightly to pressure. Watermelons can also be used in salads or in a Beet and Watermelon Soup.
Source: http://nutrition.about.com/od/fruitsandvegetables/ss/How-Did-These-Fruits-Get-Their-Names.htm