In everyday cooking, we often have a clear distinction between vegetables and fruits. However, nature has a way of blurring the boundaries between these two categories. Prepare to be surprised as we unveil some common foods you’ve always considered vegetables but are, in fact, technically fruits.

For basic culinary uses, we can narrow down the difference between fruits and vegetables -fruits are usually sweet and vegetables are savoury. And it’s a common misconception we call certain vegetables which are fruits. Well, botanically, fruits are the mature ovary of a flowering plant, typically comprising seeds. At the same time, vegetables are the edible part of a plant from flower buds to roots, stems and leaves. While it’s not necessary that all fruits are sweet, and all vegetables are savoury.
vegetable that are fruits

Knowing this difference expands our knowledge and highlights the unique nutritional benefits these fruits bring to our diets.

 Seven Vegetables that are Technically Fruits

Tomatoes

Tomatoes belonging to the Solanaceae family, are one of the best-known examples of a fruit often mistaken for a vegetable.

Also Read: 5 Health Benefits of Juicy, Red Tomatoes

Nutritional Value:

  • It is endowed with ample reserves of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A.
  • Contains potassium and folate.
  • It is abundant in lycopene, an antioxidant known for its heart-protective properties.

Health Benefits:

  • Lycopene in tomatoes is well-known to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by diminishing LDL cholesterol and controlling blood pressure.
  • The goodness of Vitamin C content aids in collagen production, which is vital for sustaining skin elasticity and speeding up the wound healing process.
  • Incorporating tomatoes into daily meal regimens has been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a fruit that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family of plants, which also comprise watermelon and cantaloupe.

Also Read: Cucumber Juice: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Uses And Side Effects

Nutritional Value:

  • Contains ample amounts of vitamin K, Vitamin C, and small amounts of Vitamin A.
  • It contains 95% water, making it excellent for hydration.
  • Offers good reserves of potassium and magnesium.

Health Benefits:

  • The high water content in cucumbers helps keep the body hydrated and supports skin health.
  • Being very low in calories but high in fiber, cucumbers promote satiety and aid in shedding surplus kilos.
  • The Vitamin K content supports bone health by aiding calcium absorption and averting the risk of osteoporosis.

Peppers

Bell peppers, chilli peppers and other varieties are members of the Solanaceae family. They are botanically classified as berries and their seeds are surrounded by flesh tissues.

Nutritional Value:

  • Rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B6.
  • Packs a good amount of carotenoids like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
  • A good source of dietary fiber.

Health Benefits:

  • The goodness of carotenoids in bell peppers, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, are known to support eye health and reduce the risk of cataracts.
  • Loaded with vitamin C peppers boost the immune system and support skin health.
  • Bell peppers possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Eggplants

The eggplant also belongs to the Solanaceae family or nightshade family are technically seed-bearing fleshy fruits

Nutritional Value:

  • Packs a good amount of vitamins C, K, and B6.
  • Rich in anthocyanins, particularly nasunin.
  • High in dietary fiber.

Health Benefits:

  • The potent antioxidants in eggplants help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Eggplants are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to a weight-loss diet regimen.
  • Nasunin, an antioxidant in eggplants, may protect brain cell membranes from damage and improve brain function.

Zucchini

The Cucurbitaceae family acts as host to numerous other fruits that pretend to be vegetables, including zucchini, acorn squash, butternut squash, and all other kinds of squash.

Nutritional Value:

  • Packed with vitamins C and A.
  • Contains potassium and manganese.
  • Very low in calories, making it a great option for calorie-conscious diets.

Health Benefits:

  • Zucchini is rich in water and fiber, which aids digestion and helps prevent constipation.
  • The potassium content in zucchini helps control blood pressure levels.
  • The wealth of vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants, support healthy vision and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Pumpkins

The strong rinds, covered with fleshy interiors and seeds, pumpkins are botanically a fruit. They are also a type of squash and a close relative of the cucumber family.

Nutritional Value:

  • Rich in vitamins A, C, and E.
  • Contains a good amount of potassium and magnesium.
  • Packed with beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant.

Health Benefits:

  • The richness of vitamins A and C content in pumpkins enhances the immune system, helping to combat infections.
  • Beta-carotene in pumpkins helps safeguard the skin from UV damage and promotes a healthy complexion and tone.
  • The fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C in pumpkins support heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Corn

Surprisingly each corn kernel is an ovary that comprises a single seed. As the ovary wall is connected directly to the layer surrounding that seed, it lacks the fleshy middle and dries out easily. These fruits are also called caryopses or grains.

Nutritional Value:

  • Heaped with vitamins A, K, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and several B vitamins.
  • An ample amount of potassium and magnesium
  • High in soluble fiber

Health Benefits:

  • The richness of soluble fiber in corn promotes a healthy digestion process and prevents constipation.
  • Vast reserves of vitamins A, C, and E aid in improving vision and eye health.
  • The potent antioxidants avert oxidative damage to healthy cells and promote heart health.

(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

 References:

Fruits and Vegetables Versus Vegetables and Fruits: Rhyme and Reason for Word Order in Health Messages

Lisa C. Offringa, PhD, Michael V. Stanton, PhD, Michelle E. Hauser, MD, MS, MPA, and Christopher D. Gardner, PhD

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6506980/

https://foodwastefeast.com/veggies-that-are-actually-fruits

Fruit and Vegetable Intake: Benefits and Progress of Nutrition Education Interventions- Narrative Review Article

Dhandevi PEM and Rajesh JEEWON*

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4644575/