Are French Fries Vegetables?
French fries are a beloved dish around the world, but the debate continues as to whether or not they are considered a vegetable. Let’s look into this question in more detail.
The Definition of “Vegetable”
The definition of a vegetable according to Merriam-Webster dictionary is “the edible part of a plant; a usually herbaceous plant cultivated for an edible part such as the root of the beet, the leaf of spinach, or the flower buds of broccoli or cauliflower”. Further, the definition states that a vegetable can also be a “fruit or a nut”. This definition does not encompass French fries; they are not an edible part of a plant, are not a fruit or nut, and lack any of the generally accepted components of a vegetable.
Nutrition Data on French Fries
Nutritionists do not consider French fries as an essential source of nutrients. To be defined as a vegetable, an item must contain certain properties of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. French fries are not the best source of any of these.
When fried in oil in the traditional way, French fries also tend to be very high in fat content. French fries are often served with ketchup or a mayonnaise-based dip, adding more calories and fat.
So, Are French Fries Vegetables?
In conclusion, French fries are not vegetables. They lack the important properties of vegetables such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, and are often high in fat content. French fries can be eaten occasionally as part of a balanced diet, but it’s important to remember that they should not be considered a vegetable or a healthy source of nutrition.
