How do you tell if a food is a fruit or a vegetable?

The distinction between fruits and vegetables can be confusing, as some foods can be classified as both or neither, depending on how they are defined. In botanical terms, fruits are the mature ovaries of flowering plants, containing seeds that can be used to grow new plants. By this definition, fruits can include many foods that are commonly thought of as vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Vegetables, on the other hand, are typically the leaves, stems, and roots of plants, which are harvested for their edible qualities.

However, in culinary terms, fruits and vegetables are often defined by their taste and use. Fruits are typically sweet and used in desserts, while vegetables are more savory and used in savory dishes. By this definition, some foods that are considered fruits in botanical terms, such as avocados and olives, are often used as vegetables.

To determine whether a food is a fruit or a vegetable, it's best to consider both the botanical and culinary definitions. If it's the mature ovary of a flowering plant, it's a fruit. If it's a leaf, stem, or root, it's likely a vegetable. However, if it's used in sweet dishes or eaten as a dessert, it's probably a fruit, while foods that are typically eaten as part of a meal are likely vegetables.