The differences between fruits and vegetables may seem obvious; vegetables are often savoury and used in cooking while fruits
are sweet and used in desserts, right? It may seem that easy, but however it is not always that simple (think of the great tomato debate!), the distinction between the two is actually based on botany.
What is botany?
Botany is the science of plant life and a branch of biology. Botanists study over 400,000 species of land plants, and ultimately make the distinction between what is a fruit and what is a vegetable.
What makes a fruit a fruit?
The fruit is a seed-bearing structure that develops from the ovary of a flowering plant. Apples, squash, and tomatoes are all fruit.
What makes a vegetable a vegetable?
All other plant parts are considered a vegetable; such as roots, leaves, and stems. Beets, potatoes, spinach, and broccoli are all vegetables.
Try this…
Next time you are walking around the market pick up some of the produce and try to figure out if it is considered a fruit or a vegetable, you may be surprised with how many things we cook with and consider vegetables are actually fruit!
On Sunday, September 8 our POP Club kids will become fruit and vegetable experts as they learn the differences between the two. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.
The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.
Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!