Why Tomatoes Are a Fruit: Settle the Fruit-or-Vegetable Debate A tomato can sit in a salad beside lettuce, yet botany places it in the fruit category. The answer to why tomatoes are a fruit has nothing to do with sweetness. Tomatoes are fruits because they grow from a flower's ovary and contain seeds. This scientific definition differs from the way cooks group food. In the kitchen, tomatoes act like vegetables because they taste savory and appear in sauces, soups, sandwiches, and main meals. A famous 1893 U.S. Supreme Court case even classified tomatoes as vegetables for tariff purposes. Why Tomatoes Are a Fruit: They Develop From a Flower's Ovary Botanists define a fruit as the mature structure that develops from a flowering plant's ovary. The ovary is part of the flower's female reproductive system. As the tomato flower matures, its ovary grows into the fleshy fruit you pick and eat. The Flower-to-Fruit Process Explains Tomato Classification A tomato begins as a small...
Join Gin Lee, the Deep South Cook, as she guides you through the art of creating authentic Southern cuisine. From traditional dishes to decadent desserts like cakes, cookies, and pies, Gin Lee will teach you the secrets of candy making and holiday-themed recipes. And because pets are family too, she'll even share some special recipes for your furry friends. But the culinary journey doesn't stop there. Gin Lee will also delve into the world of gardening, offering helpful gardening tips too.