Read by Michael Flamel

 

When you think about what Americans eat the most, images of cheeseburgers and soda might come to mind—but hold on to your harvest basket! The real heavy hitters in the American diet are fruits and vegetables, and they show up in the most delightful (and often surprising) ways. Let’s dig into the data, get our hands dirty, and have a few laughs along the way as we explore how many pounds of produce we all munch each year—and where in the world it comes from.

The Produce Pound-for-Pound Champs

According to the USDA and other food consumption surveys, the average American eats more than 300 pounds of fruits and vegetables each year. That’s roughly the combined weight of a large garden gnome and a full compost bin!

Let’s break it down with some of the biggest stars in the produce aisle:

Potatoes – ~124 pounds per person per year

Potatoes are America’s undisputed veggie champ—whether mashed, fried, baked, or turned into tater tots. Most U.S. potatoes are grown right here at home, especially in Idaho, Washington, and Wisconsin. Some processed potato products are imported from Canada, but overall, we’re proudly tuber self-sufficient.

Tomatoes – ~31 pounds per person per year

That’s a lotta marinara. While many tomatoes are fresh, a good portion comes in processed forms—sauce, paste, juice, and ketchup (of course). The U.S. grows plenty, especially in California and Florida, but we also import a significant number of fresh tomatoes from Mexico, especially during the Winter months.

Onions – ~21 pounds per person per year

Onions are the unsung heroes of flavor. Americans slice, dice, and sauté their way through about 21 pounds a year. The good news? We grow almost all of them in the U.S., with California, Washington, and Oregon leading the charge (and the tears).

Bananas – ~28 pounds per person per year

We go bananas for bananas! They’re America’s most eaten fruit by weight. But here’s the twist—none of them are grown commercially in the continental U.S. Most come from Guatemala, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Thank you, tropical friends!

Apples – ~26 pounds per person per year

An apple a day? We’re pretty close. The U.S. grows the majority of apples we consume, mostly in Washington State, but during off-season months, we also import apples from Chile, New Zealand, and Canada to keep the crunch coming.

Grapes – ~8 pounds per person per year

We enjoy grapes fresh, as raisins, or as a toast-worthy glass of wine. The bulk of our grapes are homegrown in California, but off-season imports arrive from Chile and Mexico.

Lettuce – ~25 pounds per person per year

Lettuce be honest: salads are a staple. Most of the lettuce consumed in the U.S. is grown here, especially romaine and iceberg, with California and Arizona producing over 90 percent of it. During colder months, some leafy greens come from Mexico.

Carrots – ~12 pounds per person per year

Crunchy, sweet, and Bugs Bunny-approved. The U.S. grows most of its carrots domestically, with California and Texas leading production. Occasionally, we import carrots from Canada and Mexico, especially when demand peaks around holidays and juice cleanses.

A Global Garden in Every Bite

While the U.S. is a powerhouse producer of many favorite veggies, our fruit basket is more of a global collaboration. Tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and avocados often come from Latin America. Berries like strawberries and blueberries are mostly grown here, but increasing demand means we supplement with imports from Mexico and Chile during the Winter.

This international flow of fruits and veggies means we can enjoy variety year-round, even when the snow is falling or the local garden beds are taking their Winter nap.

Grow It Yourself—And Eat Local!

With all these tasty tidbits in mind, many Americans are choosing to plant their own gardens—whether it’s backyard beds or balcony buckets. Tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and carrots are among the easiest and most satisfying crops to grow at home. Not only can you cut down on trips to the store, but you’ll also know exactly where your food comes from: your own patch of paradise!

Want More Fun Facts?

Hungry for more surprising stats and great gardening tips? Check out our complete guidebook to vegetable gardening in America. You’ll find:

• Easy grow-it-yourself charts for popular veggies
• Tips for extending your growing season
• Fun stories about America’s gardening history

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just sprouting your green thumb, there’s something delicious waiting for you! ❖