Strawberries are sweet and delicious, one of the favorite berries for most people. But are they a
fruit or a vegetable? Wrangling over strawberries has been going on among culinary experts for
centuries.
People are confused about the classification of strawberries because they believe all fruits grow
on trees.
However, this is not true. For example, peaches and grapes are grown on vines and still are
considered fruits.
To solve this confusion, it’s essential to understand the difference between vegetables and fruits
botanically and culinary.
Difference Between Fruits and Veggies – Botanically
Speaking
In the language of botany, fruits and vegetables are categorized as parts of plants. To
understand the difference, let us discuss both separately.
● Vegetable
A vegetable is any plant or part of a plant that is used as food. Vegetables are divided into many
categories: root, stem, stalks, leaves, and tuber.
The broccoli plant is an example of a root vegetable, and carrot tops are a stem vegetable.
Other than that, vegetables are stalks. Example of which is rhubarb, lovage, and celery.
Cabbage and lettuce are leaves veggies, while potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, and carrots are
perfect examples of root and tuber veggies.
If you think about it, none of those mentioned above vegetables have seeds, while strawberry
has seeds.
● Fruit
Fruit is a part of a plant that comes from a mature and ripened ovary. A fruit usually emerges
from a flower blossom and matures into the plant’s edible fruiting portion.
Fruit’s ovaries contain seeds. Apples, oranges, watermelons, kiwi, mango, pomegranate, and
peaches are examples of fruits and have seeds.
Difference Between Fruits and Vegies – Culinary
Standpoint
Fruits and vegetables are also categorized depending on their flavors. Fruits are sweet or tart in
taste and flavor and can be consumed on their own or used in desserts and juices.
On the other hand, vegetables have a milder or savory flavor profile. They are typically served
as a side dish or main course.
Is Strawberry A Vegetable?
Back to the agenda! Is strawberry a vegetable?
No, a strawberry is not a vegetable. Why do we say so? In the light of the facts mentioned
above, we have three reasons to say so.
Reason#1: Vegetables do not have Seeds, While Strawberries have
Seeds.
A vegetable is part of the plant other than the flowering part and doesn’t have seeds, while
strawberries have seeds.
We also know that any part of the plant that has seeds is categorized as a fruit. So, strawberry
falls in the category of fruits and not vegetables.
Reason#2: Strawberries Reproduce from A Flowering Bud Just Like Other
Fruits
Unlike vegetables, fruits come from flowers containing seeds that reproduce when planted in
soil. This means that strawberries are actually fruit plants because they emerge from the
strawberry plant’s flowering bud and have seeds inside them that can be planted in soil for
growth.
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Reason#3: Strawberry is Sweet as A Fruit, Not Savory as A Vegetable
Strawberries are sweet and used in desserts and shakes like other fruits. We also use
strawberries to make delicious ice creams and frozen yogurts.
They are not at all savory in taste like vegetables and nor are they used to make main cuisines
and spicy dishes.
Strawberry is a Fruit, Not a Vegetable – USDA Report
USDA says strawberry is a fruit and not a vegetable. The USDA’s Food, Agricultural, and
Resource Economics division has a clear answer on the topic of strawberries.
It turns out that the answer depends on your definition of “vegetable.” According to the USDA,
there are three basic definitions of vegetables:
● A plant (or part thereof) eaten as food (examples: tomato, potato, carrot)
● An edible part of a plant, such as tubers or leaves (examples: onion, lettuce)
● Plants cultivated for use as food crops (examples: corn)
Hence, strawberry doesn’t fall into any of these categories of vegetables. Therefore, we can say
that it is not a vegetable.
Is Strawberry a Berry?
Strawberry is not a berry. Strawberries are an aggregate fruit, which means they grow with more
than one seed. A strawberry comprises many seeds, and a large fleshy part is called the
receptacle.
What Is an Aggregate Fruit? An aggregate fruit is a fruit that has multiple seeds fused in a
single fleshy part. A strawberry is an aggregate fruit because its receptacle has many tiny seeds
inside it. Other common examples of aggregate fruits include oranges and tomatoes.
Should You Wash Your Strawberries Before Eating Them?
The short answer is yes. Strawberries are a low-acid fruit and need to be washed before eating.
A good rule of thumb is to wash all your fruits and vegetables under cold water, but don’t use
soap or detergent—it will damage the fruit’s skin and make it more susceptible to bruising.
How Do You Choose A Good Strawberry?
Choose strawberries that are firm, bright red, and blemish-free. Look for strawberries with
glossy green caps (the top part). Avoid those with soft spots or moldy areas, as these may
indicate that they have been picked too early or have spent too much time in storage.
How Long Do Strawberries Stay Fresh Out of The Fridge?
Strawberries will stay fresh for up to 2 days if you keep them in the fridge, but they’re best
enjoyed at room temperature, so leave them on your countertop.
Does Strawberry Cause Allergies?
Strawberry allergy is common among children. Strawberries include a protein that can trigger
symptoms in those who are allergic to birch pollen or apples (pollen-food allergy).
Itching or tingling in the mouth, headaches, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or
throat are all common symptoms, as can breathing difficulties in severe cases.
Conclusion
Think about it: A fruit has seeds. A vegetable does not. Strawberries have seeds, so they are a
fruit.
This may seem confusing, but it’s very simple to understand. Think about other types of fruits
that grow on bushes or vines, like raspberries and blackberries.
Fruits are generally sweet and eaten for dessert. At the same time, vegetables are usually
savory and consumed as part of the main course.
All these things lead us to say that strawberry is definitely fruit and not a vegetable.
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