Behind-the-Scenes with WTFCF s4, e13: Fruit or Vegetable?

If you’re not a farmer, understanding plant classification, like what’s a fruit and what’s a vegetable, can be more confusing than you thought.

Sometimes there is not a cutesy way or shock factor to lead into a Behind-The-Scenes — not every story’s like that and this, my friends, is one of those. The adjectives I will use are beautiful, a bit mind-blowing, and a surprise ending doesn’t hurt either. I know, kind of a strange combination but trust me, you’ll soon understand.

“Where The Food Comes From” visited the University of Georgia (UGA) Horticulture Research Farm in Watkinsville, GA, just a few minutes off the main campus in Athens, July 13 and it is beautiful. Massive Hibiscus bushes, huge evergreen trees, and so so many beehives made it all picture perfect.

But it was summertime in Georgia. With a heat index of 105 degrees, an open field, and a blistering sun we were in for a hot and sweaty shoot. Not my favorite kind. As the saying goes, “The show must go on!” And it was here we met the Professor of Horticulture and UGA Extension Vegetable Specialist Tim Coolong. I might add he looked as cool as a cucumber.

If you’re not a farmer, understanding – ready for this? – plant classification, like what’s a fruit and what’s a vegetable, can be more confusing than you thought. And it is important, though it’s initially hard to understand why. This was the first topic of conversation between Chip and Tim amongst the beautiful Hibiscus bushes.

So how does plant classification work? It’s based on the characteristics or taxonomy of the fruit or vegetable. I really wish I could use a flowchart to attempt to explain this.

Classification starts with the family. In this case the family is determined by flowers or reproductive parts. Not bad so far.

READ MORE

Related Stories
Specialty Risk Insurance joins us as they demonstrate why they are different from their competitors, taking a well-rounded approach to risk management.
The Louisiana Farm Bureau has made 2024 a year for change and advocacy. The state’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Club recently met with congressional delegates on the issues affecting their employees and operations.
The Farm Monitor introduces us to Trip Stillwell, and he shares how farming helped him rebuild his life.

More Shows
Dennis Brouse, the entertaining and charismatic host of “Saddle Up with Dennis Brouse,” is a true horse expert having worked with horses since the age of 14. Born in Iowa and raised in Nebraska, Brouse has had a fascination and admiration for horses for as far back as he can remember.
Every week on RFD-TV, “Total Team Roping” will bring you tips, training hints, and some inside knowledge to make your heading or heeling skills improve. Topics regularly covered include: horsemanship, groundwork, rope handling, practice techniques, equipment, horse care, catching and handling cattle – and much more!
For more than 20 years on the air during its original run, HEE HAW did more than simply make people laugh; it made an unforgettable mark on country music and became an American Institution.
Music & Entertainment Shows
First introduced to RFD-TV on Larry’s Country Diner, The Malpass Brothers, modern day troubadours, bring you their very own, brand-new show to RFD-TV. Viewers can enjoy traditional country music from the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass, a featured celebrity guest on each episode, and loads of clever humor.
Music & Entertainment Shows
Ray’s Roadhouse is a weekly program featuring the music of Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel. Ray and his band Asleep at the Wheel has had a more than 50 year career in the music industry and over the years have earned nine Grammy Awards. The program also will feature guest performers such as Pat Green, Stoney LaRue and Kelly Willis.
Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Rural Lifestyle Shows
RanchHER profiles the extraordinary women of the ranching industry — highlighting their grit, grace, and glory.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Dailey & Vincent are BACK ON RFD-TV for another great season, brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms. Join them as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests!
Dogs truly are man’s best friend. Maycon Moura from Moura Stock Dogs has been implementing his dog training method for more than 17 years.