With students from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds, BCA is a place where different perspectives and experiences come together. But beyond language and heritages, what about food? Despite all the differences, there seems to be a staple in everyone’s diets–fruit.
Fruit is a must in many people’s daily eating habits. Rich in essential nutrientslike vitamins and minerals, fruits help maintain a healthy body and a balanced lifestyle. In a recent survey of BCA students, around 14% said that they eat fruit primarily for health reasons. “I mainly try to get more fruitsand vegetables in my diet so I can increase my fiber intake,” said Elena Gergis, a senior in AVPA-T. “Colon cancer is one of the most common causes of death here in the United States and it’s mainly attributed to our lack of fiber.”
Still, for most students, taste comes first. Grapes and strawberries were the most popular choices, with 54.8% of respondents naming them as their two favorite fruits. Their versatility and flavor seem to have gained the love of many students. The sweet, refreshing taste of grapes pairs perfectly with a variety of other fruits, while strawberries bring a burst of color and flavor to any dish. These fruits not only satisfy the taste buds but also provide essential vitamins andantioxidants, making them a top choice for both flavor and health-conscious students alike.
Even so, favorite fruits vary from person to person. For example, cantaloupe is a go-to fruit for Elena. “They’re so juicy and sweet, and they have great texture. They’re a bit firm with some softness,” she said. “I think most people who say they don’t like cantaloupe haven’t had a good one and have only tried the fruit out of season.”
With such a large variety of fruits to choose from, another question arises – how do students usually eat their fruit? They could be eaten frozen, dried, baked, or simply fresh. “I usually eat popsicle sticks that are fruit flavored, like raspberry, my favorite,” said Elizabeth An, a sophomore in AMST. “But my dad also likes to bake pies or tarts with fruits like apples and blueberries.”
Another fruit is longan, which is a favorite for Kimberly Ni, a senior in ATCS. It is similar to lychee, rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, and is a great option for a healthy, but also great snack. It is also a popular ingredient in various Asian dishes, often eaten fresh with the peels peeled off. “It’s more of a tart sweet, and I like that it’s juicy,” said Kimberly. “I think it’s rewarding to get the fruit after taking off the peel from each individual fruit.”
Longan isn’t just a delicious fruit for Kim. “It’s tied to a lot of my travel memories of family in China, which is why it’s my favorite.” Whether enjoying it after picking it up from her local Asian market or being with family in China, longans seem to be a nostalgic link between past and present for Kim.
Whether it’s for taste, health, memories, or just fun, fruit clearly plays a meaningful role in the lives of BCA students. It bridges cultural differences and preferences, offering something sweet and meaningful for everyone. And it’s always nice to try something new, so next time you’re at thestore ormarket, try a fruit you’ve never had before!
