Fruits vs. Vegetables

Fruits and Vegetables are classified at least two different ways: botanically and nutritionally.

Botanically, a fruit is that which bears a seed. Apples, oranges, bananas, and berries are all botanically fruits. Additionally, green beans, peas, pumpkin, tomatoes, and cucumbers are also botanically fruits.

Botanically, a vegetable is a part of a plant that is not a fruit. Spinach (leaves), celery (stems), cauliflower (flowers), and carrots (roots) are botanically vegetables.

Nutritionally, fruits and vegetables are divided by their nutritional content and general use. Fruits have more natural sugar, fewer trace minerals, and little to no protein. Vegetables have less sugar, more minerals, and small amounts of protein.

Apples, oranges, bananas, and berries are nutritionally fruits. Green beans, peas, pumpkin, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach, celery, cauliflower, and carrots are nutritionally vegetables.

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