Green Giant, the frozen vegetable outfit, claims a consumer survey it commissioned found that broccoli is America's favorite vegetable.
Really?
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The company says it polled over 5,000 Americans ages 18-94 online in its annual "Favorite Veggie" survey for National "Eat Your Vegetables" Day, June 17.
Broccoli was supposedly the favorite vegetable in 29 states including Texas. Runners up were corn, carrots, potatoes and asparagus.
Sorry, but I've always considered broccoli the poster child for loathed vegetables.
Some may not understand how it could create such strong feelings, but there’s a compound called propylthiouracil in broccoli not everyone can taste. For many it can make it bitter and basically unpalatable.
On average, about 70% of us can taste something we don't like in broccoli. Other cruciferous vegetables make that list, too - like cauliflower, bok choy and Brussels sprouts. And while not all of us may absolutely detest it, broccoli certainly wouldn't rank as our favorite.
About 25 percent of the population can't taste propylthiouracil. I'm betting that's where Green Giant found their survey respondents. Or they polled people who hide their broccoli in smoothies.
Some research suggests hating broccoli may be genetic. And, some may avoid it because it can cause excessive gas or bloating.
In any case, many Americans say they don't eat vegetables at all. And of those who do eat vegetables, research shows only a third of their meals actually include one.
That's not good.
Still, Americans are at least trying - studies show 72 percent say they wish they ate more veggies than they currently do. And 67 percent of Americans say they feel guilty when they fail to eat them with a meal.
So, what’s holding them back? One in four Americans say vegetables cost too much. Twenty-two percent say they take too long to prepare, and one in five says they don’t know how to cook them correctly.
But the biggest reason Americans say they don’t eat more vegetables? Because fresh produce spoils before they get a chance to eat it. Well, thank goodness for the everlasting frozen goodness of Green Giant Riced Veggie Blends with Broccoli and Cheddar.