Is Cucumber A Fruit Or A Vegetable ?
Many people who regularly use cucumber for cooking or eat cucumber wonder whether it is a fruit or a vegetable. In order to come up with the right answer, we have to take a look at facts. So, with further ado, here are the facts that will finally answer the question whether cucumber is a fruit or a vegetable. |
In botanical terms, cucumber is classified as a fruit and not vegetable. However, it is known as a vegetable because it is used for cooking. Basically, it is fruit because it contains seeds, which harbor the genetic material of the plant. Cucumber is nothing but a mature ovary of a plant. The seeds are used for reproduction. The cucumber fruit grows from flowers just like any other fruit.
Basically all fruits are vegetables because they can be eaten. However, all vegetables are not fruits. For example, lettuce, spinach, carrots and turnips are vegetables and not fruits since they do not contain seeds. Whereas apple, peach, mango, cherry and tomato are classified as fruits along with cucumber because they contain seeds. In fact, the tomato is often mistaken as a vegetable along with cucumber.
However, there will be no end to this debate. People who grow cucumber say it is a vegetable; while botanists agree that the cucumber is a fruit.
Whether cucumber is a fruit or a vegetable should be immaterial to you. It is healthy to consume cucumbers because it is a good source of fiber, Vitamin C and calcium. Also, it has low calorie content and therefore, those looking to shed extra pounds can consume it without any fear.
More Articles :
|
