Is a tomato a vegetable? Is an avocado a fruit? If you’re an avid herbivore, chances are you’ve spent some time wondering what truly differentiates fruits from vegetables. Although botanists, grocers, chefs, and laymen all have differing opinions on this issue, the rule that is most widely accepted is that a fruit contains seeds, whereas a vegetable does not.

The explanation behind the seed/no seed rule is that fruits are the matured, or ripened, ovary of a plant and a vegetable is simply a part of a plant. Using this guideline, you may be surprised to know that:

• Pumpkins, zucchini, avocados, peppers, and tomatoes are fruits.
• Nuts are technically considered a fruit.
• Since grains are considered large seeds, they too are considered to be fruits, though not according to standard dietary classifications.
• Seeds, roots, stems, leaves, and tubers are all considered vegetables.
• Rhubarb, sweet potatoes, and jicama are vegetables.
• Bananas are a type of herb, not a fruit, belonging to the orchid family.

For most of us, these definitions won’t really change the way we eat, and we’ll most likely keep labeling sweet-tasting produce as fruit and savory-tasting produce as vegetables, a distinction which has mainly come about based on how grocers organize the produce section. However, the above facts might come in handy the next time you want to play some dinnertime trivia. When you see someone take a bite of guacamole, ask them how they like the fruit dip – you’ll have a pretty fun debate on your hands.

No matter what stance you take on fruits and veggies, you’ll have a luxurious, spacious kitchen to prepare any meal you want at One 51 Place apartments in Alachua, Florida. Our community offers spacious apartments, top-of-the-line features, and a variety of community amenities. Call our leasing office today to find out more.