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Which major food crops are angiosperms?
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Angiosperm
Snake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina) in bloom.
Angiosperms, or flowering plants, comprise the vast majority of all plant foods consumed by humans. They are characterized by producing seeds within protective fruits and utilizing flowers for reproduction.123
Major food crops that are angiosperms include:
- Cereals (Grass family, Poaceae): These are among the most economically important crops globally, including corn, wheat, rice, barley, oats, sorghum, and rye.43
- Legumes (Fabaceae): Important sources of protein, such as beans, peas, peanuts, and soybeans.4
- Solanaceous crops (Potato family, Solanaceae): Including potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers.4
- Mustard family (Brassicaceae): Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and radish.4
- Rose family (Rosaceae): Many common fruits, including apples, peaches, pears, cherries, and strawberries.4
- Squash family (Cucurbitaceae): Including pumpkins, melons, and cucumbers.4
Additionally, many other staples like onions, carrots, bananas, and sugarcane are also angiosperms.4