There are common misconceptions regarding the difference between fruits and vegetables. For example, is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? I had always known it as a vegetable, my grandma will still argue that it is a vegetable, but it really is a fruit.
What is the Difference Between a Fruit & a Vegetable?
When defining what fruits and vegetables are, there are two different definitions that are commonly used: botanical and horticultural. The botanical definitions are based on the scientific study of plants and their behaviors, and for that reason, this post is focusing on the botanical definitions of a fruit versus a vegetable. The horticultural definitions are what we are accustomed to, but are really defined based on when the produce is consumed. For example, if the produce item is consumed during the main part of the meal, it is horticulturally defined as a vegetable. While, if it is eaten as a dessert piece, it is defined as a fruit. It is for this reason that we were all raised to believe that tomatoes and many other botanical fruits are vegetables instead of fruit.
What is a Fruit?
Botanically speaking, a fruit is made up of a mature ovary and seed. Common examples include apples, peaches and strawberries. Some common misconceptions of produce that are perceived as vegetables, but are really fruit include:
What is a Vegetable?
While fruit is defined as the edible portion of a plant containing a mature ovary and seed, a vegetable is defined as all other edible portions of the plant. Some examples include:
- Roots – Carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, turnips
- Tubers – Potatoes
- Bulbs – Onions
- Leaves – Spinach, Celery, Cabbage
- Stems – Asparagus, kohlrabi
Regardless of whether it is a fruit or a vegetable, it is always a good idea to eat more and to learn more about the food that you are eating and where it comes from!
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