What is the difference between fruits and vegetables?

[dukeofbaja]

I thought this was an interesting article about something that I get peeved about whenever I go to the grocery store...

tomatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, and zucchini are also considered to be fruits botanically, even though many people refer to these fruits as “vegetables” because they are savory, rather than sweet. This is the result of convenience labeling used in the grocery industry, where fruits and vegetables are differentiated on the basis of whether they are sweet or savory, rather than with the use of any firm botanical criteria.

Full article below, with an interesting discussion about bananas as well \/\/\/

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-differences-between-fruits-and-vegetables.htm

 

[Tagh]

Very interesting pretty simple to tell the difference but never thought about it that way.

 

[ohhenry]

Well first of all, Scientifically there is no such thing as a "vegetable". It is more a Food Industry term then it is a scientific one. Vegetable can refer to any part of the plant which we determine edible or delicous (om nom nom). Anatomically, there is no "Vegetable" on a plant. A plant is comprised of many parts; Roots, Stems, Leaves and Fruits (or depending on the time; Seeds or Flowers). A vegetable is just any part of this said plant we decide is worth eating. The scientific definition of a fruit is the ripened and enlarged, ovary of a flower.
So in summation there is no difference cuz youre comparing apples with oranges. literally.

 

[Danielsgb]

Nice. I've known the seed/fruit, but never thought about veggie's being a made up industry term.
Daniels

 

[Maralyn45]

fruits are juicy.........

 

[Dinosaur Bone]

Brandy Wine Tomato's that taste like Hawaiian Punch... now that's a FRUIT.

 

[Dubious06]

... A vegetable is just any part of this said plant we decide is worth eating. The scientific definition of a fruit is the ripened and enlarged, ovary of a flower...

Mmmmm, enlarged flower ovaries does have a nice sound to it-- I can't imagine why that phrase didn't stick in the culinary world.

 

[Dinosaur Bone]

Mmmmm, enlarged flower ovaries does have a nice sound to it-- I can't imagine why that phrase didn't stick in the culinary world.

Enlarged Flower Ovaries .... sounds like the Llorona left you a few seeds in that brickweed. {approx 1 gram seed per 1/4 oz if you call that a little}

 

[resinraider]

whats the diff from a seed and a nut?

 

[ohhenry]

whats the diff from a seed and a nut?

a nut is a type of a fruit i'm fairly sure

 

[Spanishfly]

whats the diff from a seed and a nut?

A nut is a term we use for a harder type of fruit. Botanically, it is just a fruit.

 

[GoldenGloves]

The tomato was actually taken to the supreme court and ruled out and labled a vegetable for trading purposes.

I called v8 one day an accused them of false advertisement of their 100% vegetable juice, and they mailed me
some copys of the official documents, with coupons of discounts and free food, for giving them shit? Lol