Why is okra a vegetable?

Okra, scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus, is indeed considered a vegetable from a culinary perspective. However, from a botanical standpoint, it is classified as a fruit.

In botany, a fruit is a mature ovary that contains seeds. Okra fits this definition as it develops from the ovary of its flowers and encapsulates seeds within its pod-like structure.

However, in common usage, the term "vegetable" often refers to edible plant parts other than fruits and seeds, such as roots, stems, leaves, or immature fruits. Okra falls into the category of immature fruits that are harvested before they fully ripen.

The distinction between fruits and vegetables can sometimes be ambiguous, and the classification may depend on cultural and culinary conventions rather than strict botanical definitions. In culinary terms, okra is generally treated as a vegetable due to its savory flavor and its use in various dishes as a non-sweet ingredient.