Are Mushrooms Vegetables or Fruits?
Mushrooms are an interesting item in the produce aisle and often cause confusion when it comes to categorization. Are they vegetables or fruits?
The Taxonomic Answer
Based on taxonomy, mushrooms are neither vegetables nor fruits. Taxonomically, they are classified as fungi.
Mushroom Characteristics
Mushrooms have core characteristics of both fruits and vegetables.
Vegetable Characteristics:
- Low calorie content
- Low fat content
- Low sugar content
Fruit Characteristics:
- High source of vitamins
- High source of minerals
- High water content
Conclusion
In conclusion, mushrooms are neither vegetables nor fruits. It is best to think of them as a category all their own, based on their unique characteristics.
