Why do people say beans the magical fruit when are vegetables?

The notion that beans are a magical fruit is a play on words and misconception. Beans are categorized as legumes, which fall under the vegetable family.

The phrase "beans the magical fruit, the more you eat, the more you toot," is a humorous adage that's often used to describe the digestive or gastrointestinal effects of eating beans. Legumes like beans, lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans contain high levels of fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which can cause increased gas production in the digestive process.

Here are some points to clarify the status of beans:

1. Botanical Classification:

- Beans belong to the family _Fabaceae_ (Leguminosae), often referred to as the legume or bean family.

- Legumes are diverse, including plants grown primarily for their seeds (legumes like beans, peas, and lentils) and some grown for their nitrogen-enriching contribution to soil (cover crops).

2. Culinary and Nutritional Context:

- In most culinary and nutritional contexts, beans are considered vegetables due to their usage and composition.

- While they possess characteristics of both fruits and vegetables, they are more commonly recognized and consumed as vegetables in both culinary and nutritional classifications.

3. Botanical Definition of Fruit:

- Botanically, a fruit is a mature ovary that develops from a flower and typically encloses seeds.

- By this definition, beans could be considered fruits, as they develop from flowers and bear seeds.

However, the culinary and nutritional definition of a fruit generally refers to sweet and fleshy structures that are typically eaten raw, such as apples, oranges, or grapes. Beans do not fit this culinary description of fruit, as they are neither fleshy nor sweet and are typically consumed cooked. Hence, classifying them as vegetables in culinary contexts is more appropriate.

The expression "beans the magical fruit" is light-hearted and highlights the humorous side of the digestive effect commonly associated with consuming legumes.