The Surprising Science Behind 8 Vegetables You Didn’t Realize Were Fruits

It’s true that in botanical terms, there are certain vegetables that are actually classified as fruits. This distinction is based on the scientific definition of a fruit, which refers to the mature ovary of a flowering plant that contains seeds. Here are eight examples of vegetables that are technically fruits:

1. Tomato: Despite being commonly referred to as a vegetable, the tomato is actually a fruit. It develops from the ovary of the tomato flower and contains seeds. This confusion arose due to a U.S. Supreme Court decision in the late 19th century that classified tomatoes as vegetables for tax purposes.
2. Cucumber: Cucumbers are also fruits since they develop from the flower and contain seeds. They are botanically classified as berries. Culinary practices often treat them as vegetables due to their savory flavor and common use in salads and savory dishes.
3. Bell Pepper: Bell peppers, including the green, red, yellow, and orange varieties, are fruits. They develop from the ovary of the pepper flower and contain seeds. However, they are commonly considered vegetables due to their culinary use and lack of sweetness.
4. Eggplant: Eggplants are fruits that belong to the nightshade family. They develop from the ovary of the flower and contain small, edible seeds. Like tomatoes, eggplants are often considered vegetables in culinary contexts due to their savory taste and use in savory dishes.
5. Pumpkin: Pumpkins are large fruits that belong to the gourd family. They develop from the flowering plant and contain numerous seeds. While they are commonly associated with desserts and savory dishes, pumpkins are technically fruits.
6. Zucchini: Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a fruit that belongs to the summer squash family. It is harvested before it reaches full maturity and is consumed in its immature stage. Zucchini develops from the flower and contains seeds.
7. Okra: Okra is a fruit that is harvested when it is still tender. It develops from the flowering plant and contains numerous seeds. Okra is often used in savory dishes, especially in cuisines like Southern American and Indian.
8. Pea Pods: Pea pods, which include snow peas and snap peas, are considered fruits. They develop from the pea flower and contain seeds. However, they are typically consumed when the seeds are still immature and the pod is tender.

These examples highlight how botanical classification can differ from culinary usage and perception. While these vegetables are scientifically fruits, they are often treated as vegetables in cooking due to their flavors, textures, and culinary applications.