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The practical classification seems better than the botanical classification. The botanical definition would also classify peppers, cucumbers, squash, and many o
by ssharp 5y ago
The practical classification seems better than the botanical classification. The botanical definition would also classify peppers, cucumbers, squash, and many other things we consider to be "vegetables" to actually be "fruit".
I think there is a general mental model that works well for diets where fruits are associated with being sweet and vegetables aren't and that vegetables are thought of to be healthier as a result and don't need as much moderation. Though that admittedly falls apart in some instances -- corn, root vegetables, and avocados all need moderated, though two of those are botanically fruit :)
- Someone 5y agoFor real fun, look up botanical “berry” (cucumber, eggplant, grape, pumpkin, tomato, fruits of the potato, banana, melon, but not strawberry, raspberry. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berry_(botany) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berry_(botany). Avocado seems to be an edge case that may be a berry or a drupe)
- colanderman 5y agoSimilar situation with nuts. Most food items classified as "nuts" -- including many with "nut" in the name -- are botanically not nuts, but seeds, drupes, or legumes. [1] [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nut_(fruit)#Production https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nut_(fruit)#Production