Is Jalapeno a Fruit or a Vegetable?
Jalapeno peppers, which are also known as “hua jiao,” are one of the most popular hot peppers in the world. But it’s important to know that although jalapenos are typically considered a vegetable, they are actually a type of fruit.
Why People Think Jalapeno is a Vegetable
Jalapeno peppers are most commonly used as a seasoning ingredient, rather than eaten as part of a meal. For this reason, people tend to associate them with vegetables, even though they are still considered a fruit. Other factors that lead to people considering jalapeno as a vegetable include:
- Culinary Use: Jalapenos are often used in savory dishes and recipes. Therefore, they commonly considered a vegetable.
- Nutritional Profile: Despite being a fruit, jalapenos are very high in Vitamin C and other nutrients that are typically associated with vegetables.
The Difference Between Fruits and Vegetables
Actually, there is no real difference between fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and vegetables are types of plants and they both contain seeds. Fruits are technically the edible part of the plant that contains the seeds.
- Fruit: Fruit is the sweet and fleshy product of the growth of a flowering plant that contains the plant’s seeds.
- Vegetable: Vegetables are parts of plants such as the leaves, stems, and roots, that are typically eaten as part of a meal.
Conclusion
So, in conclusion, jalapenos are actually a type of fruit because they contain the seeds of a flowering plant. Although they are often used as a seasoning ingredient and are high in nutrients usually associated with vegetables, jalapenos are still considered a fruit.
