Is Lemon a Vegetable?
Lemons are citrus fruits that are widely used in cooking or eating raw. This has created confusion whether lemon is considered as a vegetable or a fruit. Lemon is not considered to be a vegetable because it belongs to the citrus family.
Identification
To understand the difference between a fruit and a vegetable it is essential to understand what qualifies as a fruit and a vegetable. Fruits are typically associated with sweetness due to its sugars. It follows a cycle of ripening and is constructed as an outer soft or hard shell that encases a seed or a number of seeds. Vegetables, on the other hand, are identified as parts of plants or roots of the plant that are consumed as food.
Characteristics
Lemons have all the characteristics of a fruit that disqualify it from being a vegetable. It has a citrus flavor due to high acidity. It has an outer peel with an inner flesh-like pulpy interior that contains numerous seeds. Hence, it is a fruit and not a vegetable. Lemons ripen and could keep in a refrigerator longer than usual fruits.
Uses
Lemons are widely used in cooking and are mostly used as main ingredient in sauces, dessert, drinks, and marinades. Lemon juice is also used in cleaning and making household products. The peel is also used as a garnish in many dishes.
Health Benefits
Lemons are high in Vitamin C and contain many other essential minerals and vitamins that improve one’s health. It has anti-cancer properties and is also said to be effective in weight loss.
Conclusion
So to conclude, lemon does not qualify as a vegetable because it does not have the characteristics of a vegetable. Lemons are a fruit and have a citrus flavor to them and are used in various dishes. Lemons are also beneficial for one’s health.
