Coffee – Fruit or Vegetable?
For many, coffee is a daily drink that helps kick-start the morning. But is coffee actually a fruit or a vegetable?
Fruit or Vegetable?
By definition, coffee is neither a fruit nor a vegetable. Coffee is a plant-based drink made from coffee beans, which are the seed of a coffee cherry.
The Coffee Plant
The coffee plant is actually a fruit-bearing shrub or small tree. The beans of the coffee plant are the seed of this fruit-producing plant, but the beans themselves are not considered fruit. The beans are roasted to produce the familiar coffee scent and have a more palatable flavor.
Other Coffee Products
Depending on where you live, you might find other coffee-based products. The popular food item known as Kopi Luwak is often referred to as civet coffee and is actually the partially digested coffee beans found in the civet’s feces.
Coffee Flavorings
Some products may contain coffee flavorings, which could be considered fruits or vegetables. Common additions to coffee can include pumpkins, vanilla, and caramel, which all come from plants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coffee is neither a fruit nor a vegetable. Coffee is a plant-based drink made from the seed of a coffee cherry. Depending on where you live, other coffee-based products may contain fruits or vegetables.
