AICR
More Americans are consuming fresh vegetables than canned and other processed veggies, driven largely by fresh potatoes, according to recent government report.
The USDA’s annual update of the Vegetables and Pulses Yearbook show that in the 1970, the average American ate about 90 pounds of fresh vegetables a year. In the 2000s that grew to almost 150 pounds yearly.
Canned, frozen and other processed vegetables remained stable between 110 and 130 pounds per capita. Fresh potatoes and tomatoes both account for over 20 pounds available per person, with potatoes reaching well over 30 pounds per person. Onions, lettuce, and bell peppers are all at over 10 pounds per person.
AICR recommends that people eat a variety of vegetables, along with fruits and other plant foods, whether they are fresh, frozen or canned.
Source: USDA, Economic Research Service, Vegetables and Pulses Yearbook Data
