Are cucumbers fruits or vegetables? Uncover the botanical truth behind this crunchy salad staple and discover why it's both a scientific marvel and a culinary chameleon.
Cucumbers, also known as Cucumis sativus, are common vegetables that can easily be grown at home in the vegetable garden..
Botanically speaking, cucumbers are considered a fruit because they develop from the flower of the cucumber plant and contain seeds.
However, in common culinary usage, cucumbers are often considered a vegetable because they are typically used in savory dishes and are not as sweet as many other fruits.
Ultimately, whether cucumbers are considered a fruit or a vegetable may depend on the context in which they are being discussed.
Many people consider cucumbers to be a vegetable, yet they are considered to be a fruit because they start from seed and grow from the plant’s flowers.
Cucumbers also fall within the squash and pumpkin families, which are also classified as fruits.
Follow along to learn more about how to cucumbers.