Are Pickles Considered a Vegetable?
Pickles are one of the most popular side dish condiments, but some may be wondering: are pickles actually a vegetable? The answer is complicated and depends on what type of pickle you are referring to and how they are made.
Pickles as a Fruit?
Traditional pickles are cucumbers that have been soaked in vinegar and other seasonings. Since cucumbers are a fruit, this would make pickles technically a type of “fruit pickle.” This is why they are served as a side dish and commonly used as a condiment.
Pickles as a Vegetable?
There are also pickles that are made with other vegetables such as carrots, onions, peppers, and even cabbage. These pickles are then typically pickled in vinegar and other seasonings. Since these vegetables are vegetables, this would make the pickles a type of “vegetable pickle”.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it depends on what type of pickle you are referring to and how they are made. Traditional pickles made with cucumbers are considered a type of fruit pickle, whereas vegetable pickles made with other vegetables are considered a type of vegetable pickle.
In summary:
- Traditional pickles made with cucumbers are a type of fruit pickle.
- Vegetable pickles made with other vegetables are considered a type of vegetable pickle.