A Quarter of Americans Don't Know What Hummus Is

A Quarter of Americans Don't Know What Hummus Is

Also: some superfoods you may have never heard of

It may be hard for you to imagine life without hummus, but only 26 percent of households regularly buy the chickpea dip—and a quarter of Americans have never even heard of it, according to a recent Fast Company article. That's 80 million people!

MORE: 14 signs you're obsessed with hummus

Fortunately for these poor souls' taste buds, Sabra's working hard to spread the word about hummus. The company, which owns 60 percent of the U.S. hummus market, has sent six trucks out to roam the country and hand out hummus to passersby. Depending on the city, these hummus-mobiles can serve up anywhere from 5,000 to 12,000 samples a day, according to Fast Company.

Perhaps the best reaction to Sabra's little experiment came from a great-grandmother in Salt Lake City. Upon peering into her sample and seeing hummus for the first time, she said, "You know what that reminds me of? Chicken mesh. My mom and dad were farmers, and they ordered baby chicks through the mail. They fed them this kind of stuff." In case you were wondering, she ended up liking the hummus.

MORE: Hummus Chips—Healthier, or All Hype?

It may seem silly to you that so many people out there never heard of hummus—but chances are there are some health foods you've never heard of, too.

So take a look at this list and see if you can spot the good-for-you ingredients. Then scroll down to find out which ones are foods—and how they can up your health.

1. Freekah
2. Tempeh
3. Spirulina
4. Arame
5. Kohlrabi
6. Enoki
7. Romanesco

Answers:

The joke's on you—these are all health foods! Here's a primer on what these mystery foods actually are:

1. Freekah: A grain made from young wheat, freekah is higher in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and has a lower glycemic index than many grains. It has a smoky, nutty flavor and can substituted for rice or couscous.

2. Tempeh: This nutrient-rich soy product is made from culturing and fermenting soybeans, then binding them into cake form. It can be used similarly to tofu.

3. Spirulina: A type of blue-green algae that's rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's typically mixed into cereals and smoothies.

4. Arame: A Japanese sea vegetable that's loaded with vitamins and minerals. It's the perfect add-in for salads and soup.

5. Kohlrabi: A cousin of cabbage and broccoli, it looks like a turnip and is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and phytochemicals. It's great served in salads and stir-fries.

6. Enoki: Skinny, finger-like mushrooms that are high in antioxidants, protein, and fiber. They're available both dried and fresh and can be used in most any dish that calls for mushrooms.

7. Romanesco: Different countries call it different things: a romanesco cauliflower, a romanesco broccoli, or a romanesco cabbage. Whatever you choose to call it, the vegetable cooks a lot like a cauliflower and kind of tastes like broccoli. It's also loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.

MORE: The New Superfoods

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