Fruit and vegetables are considered an important part of a healthy diet. But what is the difference between fruit and vegetables? We explain.
The difference between fruit and vegetables: Introduction
Fruit and vegetables are basically very healthy. Common ground is therefore quickly found. But have you ever asked yourself what the difference between the two terms is?
In fact, it is easy to list the similarities first, because they can be named more clearly than the differences:
Fruit and vegetables both come from plants
Fruit and vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals (micronutrients)
Relatively low in calories
Well suited for a high fiber diet
Healthy and therefore important for a balanced diet
Difference between fruit and vegetables: Is there a definition?
In almost every supermarket there is a separation of fruit and vegetables on the shelves. However, there is no clear separation or definition that is always valid and makes a distinction for all crops.
The following points are often used to make a distinction, but are not universally valid:
Sugar: Fruits and vegetables often differ in sweetness. While fruit, for example bananas or apples, can be very sweet, this is not the case with vegetables. Carrots, however, contain about as much sugar as raspberries.
Preparation: Fruit can be eaten raw and vegetables must be cooked? What about carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes or peppers? Many vegetables can also be eaten raw.
Fruits: Fruits are fruits or seeds of plants, while vegetables are characterized by roots, leaves or shrubs of plants? Sounds logical, but is by no means always the case. Peppers, tomatoes and zucchini are also fruits and are considered vegetables.
The difference between fruit and vegetables: definition from botany
Of all possible points of differentiation, the derivation from botany seems to be the most conclusive, even if it does not apply to 100 percent to all species.
Fruit: Fruit is the fruit and seeds of perennial plants such as shrubs or trees. The plants blossom anew every year and the fruit can be harvested.
Vegetables: Vegetables are a part of plants that can only be harvested once and die in the second year at the latest. Exceptions confirm the rule, e.g. with asparagus or artichokes.
You can find out here how you can easily create a diet plan. We will also show you what macronutrients are and how to integrate them into your diet.