How to Tell the Difference Between Fruits and Vegetables

The difference between fruits and vegetables seems obvious—for example, we all know that apples are fruits and cucumbers are vegetables. But are they really? Apples are indeed fruits, but you might be surprised to learn that cucumbers are, botanically speaking, also fruits. There are edible plants that we designate fruits and vegetables based on their flavor and how we use them in cooking, but by using that way of identification, some plants are often misclassified.

The most controversial example of misclassified produce is the tomato—is it a fruit or a vegetable? It has seeds and a structure like an apple, but it doesn't have the same sweet taste as most fruits. Most of us would call tomatoes a vegetable because you grow them in a vegetable garden with potatoes, lettuce, and carrots (which are vegetables). Since a court ruling in 1893, tomatoes are considered vegetables in the United States. But, scientifically, tomatoes are actually fruits. Here are a few more facts about fruits and vegetables that might make you rethink a few things.

The Difference Between Fruits and Vegetables

From a culinary standpoint, the difference between fruits and vegetables is based on flavor: fruits are sweet or sour, and vegetables are mild and savory. Fruits make great garnishes, desserts, or juices, while vegetables are a hearty side dish or base for a main course.

Nutritionally, the only large difference between fruits and vegetables is that sweet fruits tend to be higher in natural sugars. Other than that, vitamins, sugar content, fiber, and carbohydrates vary a lot by the individual plant. The USDA recommends eating a mix of fruits and vegetables throughout the day to get a larger variety of vitamins and nutrients.

Although we use these fruits and vegetables in a certain way in the kitchen, the difference between fruits and vegetables is based on their botanical makeup. Fruits come from the flower of the plant that they grow on. If the produce develops in parts of the plants other than the flower, it's considered a vegetable. Fruits contain seeds. Vegetables consist of roots, stems, and leaves.

Fruits That Are Commonly Misclassified as Vegetables

Just because we think some produce used in savory meals are veggies doesn't mean they're technically vegetables. Although these fruits are mild and savory in flavor, they come from the flower of the plant they grow on. They also have seeds (or a pit).

• Avocado
• Tomato
• Cucumber
• Peppers
• Eggplant
• Olives
• Pumpkin
• Peas
• Zucchini
• Squash
• Okra
• Beans

In the kitchen, it doesn't matter if the plant product you're using is a fruit or a vegetable—vegetables can be used in dessert (hello, carrot cake). Fruit can be used in savory dishes, like a summery dinner salad. Although it won't change your cooking, it's always good to know what you're dealing with concerning fruits and vegetables, especially if you're growing the produce yourself. Plus, now that you know the difference between fruits and vegetables, your new knowledge may help you at your next trivia night.

Fruits and Vegetables That May Be New to You

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