Is strawberry a vegetable?
Many people may be surprised to learn that a strawberry isn’t technically a berry, but is it a vegetable? The answer to this question requires a little more in-depth examination from a botanical point of view.
Botanical classification of strawberry
Botanically speaking, the strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) belongs to the family of rose plants (Rosaceae). It is a perennial plant that produces edible fruits. However, the strawberry fruit is special because it is not a berry in the botanical sense. A berry is defined as a fruit that develops from a single flower and its single ovule. The edible part of the strawberry develops from the flower base, not the ovule, and the tiny “seeds” on the surface are actually tiny nuts called achenes.
Is a strawberry a vegetable?
Vegetables are usually defined as the parts of a plant that are used in cooking and are not sweet. This definition covers a wide range of plant parts such as roots, stems, leaves and flowers. Strawberry does not fit this definition because it is sweet and is mainly used in desserts and sweet dishes.
Culinary classification of strawberry
In a culinary sense, strawberry is classified as a fruit. Fruits are the parts of the plant that are usually sweet and are used in desserts, snacks and drinks. Strawberry is one of the most popular fruits and is widely used in various sweet dishes such as jams, pastries and salads.
Summary
Although the strawberry is not a berry botanically, it is not a vegetable either. It is a fruit that develops from a flower base and is sweet in taste. Strawberry belongs to the rose family and is culinary classified as a fruit.
You can read more information about the botanical classification of strawberry and its use from the following sources:
