How do you know if something is a fruit or vegetable?

There are several ways to distinguish between fruits and vegetables, but the most common way is by looking at the plant's reproductive structure.

- Fruits are typically the fleshy or juicy parts of a plant that develop from the flower's ovary after fertilization. They contain seeds and are usually sweet or sour. Examples of fruits include apples, oranges, bananas, and tomatoes.

- Vegetables, on the other hand, are the leaves, stems, roots, or other plant parts that are used for food. They are usually not as sweet as fruits and can be eaten raw or cooked. Examples of vegetables include lettuce, carrots, broccoli, and potatoes.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between fruits and vegetables:

| Characteristic | Fruit | Vegetable |

|---|---|---|

|Reproductive structure| Ovary of a flower| Any plant part|

|Taste| Typically sweet or sour| Typically not sweet|

|Color| Varies, but often bright| Varies, but often green|

|Texture| Varies, but often juicy or fleshy| Varies, but often firm|

|Nutritional value| High in vitamins and minerals| High in fiber and nutrients|

It's important to note that there are some exceptions to these rules. For example, some fruits, such as avocadoes, have a high fat content and are not as sweet as other fruits. And some vegetables, such as rhubarb, can be eaten raw and have a sour taste.