There is often a lot of confusion about whether certain foods should be called fruits or vegetables. Some types of produce are frequently considered to be vegetables, and many people are be surprised to learn that they are actually fruits. For example, this is the case with tomatoes. Tomatoes are considered to be vegetables, but botanically speaking, they fall under the category of fruits. This raises the question: what is the difference between vegetables and fruits, and how can we distinguish between them?
What’s the difference?
Fruits grow in a very specific way. When a plant matures, certain parts of the flower ripen to form the fruit, with seeds forming in or on it. Therefore, fruits originate from the flower of the plant, whereas vegetables arise from the other parts. Some vegetables are stems, some are leaves, while some are even roots.
Another difference between fruits and vegetables is their taste and flavor. Fruits have a slightly juicy, sweet, or tangy flavor, whereas vegetables have a more subtle flavor to them. Fruits are generally considered to be sweeter, while the vegetables usually have a more savory taste. Fruits can be eaten directly, or as desserts in cakes, pies, with creams and so on, whereas vegetables are usually part of a side dish or the main course.
Some of the fruits that are confused with vegetables because of their flavor are:
·Tomatoes
·Eggplant
·Cucumbers
·Avocados
·Olives
·Pumpkins
·Zucchini
·Bell peppers
It is easy to confuse these as vegetables and it is very common mistake. Similarly, there are certain vegetables that are thought to be fruits, such as several from the tuber category including sweet potatoes and yams. These are also sometimes used as a part of dessert due to their sweet taste.
Some other vegetables that have a sweet flavor are beets, carrots, and turnips. These should not be mistaken for fruits, even though beets and carrots are often used for natural juices. Fruits and vegetables also have some similarities that make it difficult to distinguish between them. Both fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber and vitamins. However, as we can judge from their taste, fruits normally have a higher sugar and calorie content than most vegetables. The most important difference is that fruits consist of seeds, whereas vegetables are other parts of the plants.
Both fruits and vegetables are beneficial for our health and studies have shown that eating more fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of heart attack and various heart related diseases. They are rich in a number of vitamins and citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C. Leafy vegetables are good for the body, and it is said that they help improve our eyesight. Therefore, irrespective of their terminology or nomenclature, we should eat fruits and vegetables daily to stay healthy.
