National Fruit Cocktail Day is a holiday observed on May 13th annually. As its name eloquently suggests, it celebrates a dish many people enjoy. Fruit cocktail can be made fresh, or if you’re less adventurous, you can simply open a can of fruit cocktail and serve it.

In the United States, canned fruit cocktails can receive one of three different grades according to their quality: U.S. Grade A, or U.S. Fancy, is the best; U.S. Grade B, or U.S. Choice, is the next best; and Substandard is the worst.

Fun Facts About Fruit Cocktail

Once again, we’re here writing a trivia section for a popular food holiday. Since more and more people are celebrating National Fruit Cocktail Day each year, we’ve decided to list some of the facts that we’ve learned about it over the course of our research.

• Despite the addition of the word “cocktail” in its name, this food item doesn’t contain alcohol.
• The word “cocktail” is used because its secondary definition is an appetizer made from different bits of fruit or seafood.
• Fruit cocktails can be used to make a prison wine called “Pruno.”
• According to U.S. guidelines, fruit cocktail must have a composition of at least 30% to 50% diced peaches.
• Fruit cocktail also must have 25% to 45% sliced pears, and 6% to 16% diced pineapple.
• Fruit cocktails should also have 6% to 20% whole grapes, and 2% to 6% halved cherries.

Observing National Fruit Cocktail Day

Go ahead and make your own fruit cocktail or open a can of it on this holiday. We suggest that if you use the canned variety, it should be U.S. Grade A. When you’ve done so, be sure to use the hashtag #NationalFruitCocktailDay. Now you’re celebrating this holiday in style.