Question: Is the tomato a fruit or a vegetable?
Is the tomato a fruit or a vegetable?
Answer: Botanically-speaking, the tomato is a fruit and can be further classified as a berry since it is pulpy and has edible seeds.
Most of us use the tomato as we do vegetables, primarily in savory dishes.
In 1893, an importer claimed the tomato as a fruit in order to avoid vegetable import tariffs imposed by the United States. This dispute led to the Supreme Court ruling for taxation purposes that the tomato be classified as a vegetable, since it was primarily consumed in the manner of a vegetable rather than a fruit which was usually used in desserts.
Other botanical fruits classified as vegetables include squash, cucumbers, green beans, corn kernels, eggplants, and peppers.
More about Tomatoes:
• Tomato History
• Tomato Lore and Legends
• Is the tomato a fruit or a vegetable? FAQ
• Vine-ripened Tomatoes FAQ
• Tomato Selection and Storage
• Commercially-Grown and Hydroponic Tomatoes
• Are there male and female tomatoes? FAQ
• Tomatoes and Health
• Tomato Cooking Tips and Hints
• Tomato Equivalents and Substitutions
• Tomato Recipes
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