Jalapenos – A Fruit or Vegetable?
Jalapenos may be one of the most misunderstood ingredients out there– its categorization as either a fruit or vegetable is often debated. If you have ever asked yourself this question, the answer may surprise you.
What is a Jalapeno?
Jalapenos are a type of pepper that is a popular ingredient for spicing up dishes. They ranges from being mild to very hot in flavor and are commonly seen in Mexican and Tex-mex cuisines.
Are Jalapenos Fruit or Vegetables?
Technically, jalapenos are a type of fruit. Even though they are known for their savory flavor, they are still considered a type of berry, and are classified scientifically as a pome fruit.
The Difference Between Fruits & Vegetables
It’s easy to confuse fruits with vegetables, but they are distinct from one another. Fruits are typically characterized by:
- being sweet
- containing seeds
- developing from the ovary of a flowering plant
Vegetables, on the other hand, are often:
- not as sweet
- seedless or containing a single seed
- developing from parts of the flowering plant like the leaves, stems, and roots
Conclusion
In conclusion, jalapenos are a type of pome fruit and thus a fruit rather than a vegetable. Even though you may find them in the vegetables aisle, not to mention their savory flavor, jalapenos are technically a type of berry.
