From how chocolate affects your brain to the origins of your favorite snacks, here are 10 weird and wonderful food facts that will change the way you think about food.

? 1. Chocolate Was Once Used as Currency

In ancient Mesoamerica, the Mayans and Aztecs used cocoa beans as a form of currency. One bean was worth more than a day's labor, and the Aztecs even drank a form of chocolate that was spicy, not sweet!

? 2. Cucumbers Are Technically Fruit

Most people think of cucumbers as vegetables, but they are actually fruits because they develop from the flowering part of the plant and contain seeds. The same goes for tomatoes, peppers, and even pumpkins!

? 3. French Fries Are Belgian, Not French

Despite their name, French fries were invented in Belgium, not France. Legend has it that Belgians were frying potatoes long before the French, who later adopted the dish and gave it their own twist.

? 4. Watermelon Is 92% Water

Watermelon is one of the most refreshing fruits out there—and for good reason! It’s made up of 92% water, making it a perfect snack to stay hydrated during the hot summer months.

? 5. Milk Was Once Used as a Form of Currency in Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians considered milk to be so valuable that they used it in rituals and as a form of exchange. It was even offered as a tribute to gods!

? 6. The World’s Most Expensive Coffee Comes from Animal Poop

The world’s priciest coffee, known as Civet Coffee, comes from beans eaten by civets, a type of small mammal. After the beans pass through their digestive systems, they are collected, cleaned, and brewed into a pricey cup of coffee.

? 7. Pizza Was Once a Simple Dish for the Poor

Pizza, as we know it today, started as a humble dish for poor people in Naples, Italy. It was originally just a flatbread topped with tomatoes, cheese, and simple herbs—far from the gourmet varieties we see today.

? 8. Apples Float on Water Because They Are 25% Air

Apples are so full of air that they actually float on water. The next time you’re bobbing for apples, you’ll have a better understanding of how this fruit stays buoyant!

? 9. Strawberries Aren’t Actually Berries

In botanical terms, a berry is a fruit that comes from a single flower with one ovary. Strawberries, however, are considered aggregate fruits because they develop from multiple ovaries, not just one!

? 10. The Average American Eats Over 40 Pounds of Cheese Each Year

Cheese is a major food group in many households, and it’s no wonder! The average American consumes over 40 pounds of cheese annually, with cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese leading the way.

?️ Conclusion: Food Is Full of Fun Surprises

Food isn’t just about nourishment—it’s a treasure trove of interesting facts and history. If you’re curious about more food-related wonders, check out fun facts lovelolablog for an even deeper dive into the world of food!