Difference between fruit vegetables and herbs?

It's important to understand that the terms "fruit vegetable" and "herb" are not formal botanical classifications. They're more about culinary and cultural usage. Here's a breakdown:

Fruits:

* Botanical Definition: Fruits are the mature ovaries of flowering plants, containing seeds. They develop from the flower after pollination and fertilization.

* Examples: Apples, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados, peppers.

Vegetables:

* Botanical Definition: Vegetables are all edible plant parts except for the fruits and seeds. This can include roots (carrots), stems (celery), leaves (lettuce), bulbs (onions), and flowers (broccoli).

* Examples: Carrots, potatoes, spinach, broccoli, onions, garlic, peas.

Herbs:

* Culinary Definition: Herbs are generally leafy, aromatic plants used for flavoring and medicinal purposes. They can be annuals, biennials, or perennials.

* Examples: Basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, thyme, rosemary, oregano.

The Confusing Part:

The term "fruit vegetable" often refers to fruits that are used in savory dishes, rather than as desserts. This is where the culinary and botanical definitions clash. For example:

* Tomato: Botanically a fruit, but often used in savory dishes like sauces and salads, making it a "fruit vegetable."

* Cucumber: Botanically a fruit, but commonly used in savory dishes like salads and sandwiches, making it a "fruit vegetable."

Key Takeaways:

* Fruit: Botanical definition is based on seed development from the flower's ovary.

* Vegetable: Botanical definition is based on all edible plant parts except fruits and seeds.

* Herb: Culinary definition based on aromatic leaves used for flavoring and medicinal purposes.

* "Fruit vegetable" is a culinary term for fruits used in savory dishes.

The distinction between these terms can be blurry, but understanding their botanical and culinary contexts can help you navigate the world of food!