According to botanical revelations these vegetables are actually fruits
For culinary clarity, fruits are sweet, and vegetables are savory. But the botanical definition widens the spectrum. According to Lawrence M. Kelly, director of graduate studies at the New York Botanical Garden, a fruit is "a mature, ripened ovary, along with the contents of that ovary." Thus, some commonly labeled vegetables are, botanically speaking, fruits. Here are some so-called "vegetables" that are technically fruits.
Eggplant
Contrary to popular belief, the humble eggplant transcends its vegetable facade. Belonging to the Solanaceae family, also known as the "potato family" or "deadly nightshade family," eggplants defy conventional vegetable norms. With their seed-bearing, fleshy nature, they proudly claim their spot in the fruit category, challenging our preconceived notions of what belongs in the vegetable aisle.
Pumpkin
Move over, traditional fruits; pumpkin is here to challenge the status quo. With its thick rinds, fleshy interiors, and abundance of seeds, pumpkin aligns with the botanical definition of fruit. And very surprisingly it is a close relative of cucumbers and other squashes. Pumpkins hence prove that there's more to the vegetable patch than meets the eye.
Peppers
The diverse world of peppers, ranging from mild bell peppers to fiery chili varieties, shares an unexpected commonality — they are all fruits. Nestled within the Solanaceae family, peppers challenge our culinary expectations. Even the hottest of all the peppers, thanks to the presence of capsaicin, retains its fruity identity, defying the spicy reputation associated with traditional vegetables.
Corn
Corn, often relegated to the category of staple side dishes, harbors a surprising secret — it's a fruit! Each kernel, dismissed as a mere grain, is a fruit housing a single seed within its protective caryopsis. This revelation adds a new layer to the age-old debate over what constitutes a vegetable, proving that fruits can also be grains.
Zucchini
Zucchini, alongside its squash relatives such as acorn and butternut squash, boldly declares its fruit status. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, these fruits masquerading as vegetables challenge our culinary perceptions and redefine the boundaries of what we consider suitable for our pasta, soups, and pizzas. Next time you grab a zucchini, remember you're adding a fruit, not a vegetable to your dish.
