Is zucchini botanically a fruit or a vegetable? To clarify, I’m interested in the strict botanical definition, not how it’s typically used in cooking. I know that culinary usage often differs from the scientific classification. So, considering the zucchini’s development from the flower of the zucchini plant and the presence of seeds inside, does that qualify it as a fruit in the botanical sense, or are there other factors that classify it differently? I’m looking for a definitive answer based on botanical principles.
Answer
Botanically, zucchini is a fruit. This classification stems from the fact that it develops from the flower of the zucchini plant and contains seeds. In botanical terms, a fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant, containing seeds.
However, in culinary terms, zucchini is generally considered and used as a vegetable. This is because it is typically prepared and eaten as part of savory dishes, rather than sweet ones. The distinction between botanical and culinary classifications often leads to such differences, as culinary classifications are based more on usage and flavor profiles than on botanical origins.