Explain why tomatoes are often referred to as vegetables even though they are fruits?

In short (click here for detailed version)

Tomatoes are often called vegetables in cooking because they are used in savory dishes. From a botanical perspective, tomatoes are fruits because they come from the flower of a flowering plant and contain seeds.

Explain why tomatoes are often referred to as vegetables even though they are fruits?
In detail, for those interested!

Why are tomatoes considered as vegetables?

Tomatoes are often considered as vegetables, even though from a botanical point of view, they are actually fruits. This culinary classification mainly stems from the traditional use of tomatoes in cooking. Indeed, tomatoes are often incorporated into savory dishes such as salads, sauces, and soups, rather than sweet desserts.

In the 19th century, in the United States, a decision by the Supreme Court reinforced this culinary classification. In 1893, in the case of Botanical versus Nix, the Court decided that tomatoes should be taxed as vegetables, based on their common culinary use, despite the fact that they are botanically fruits. This decision therefore contributed to solidifying the idea that tomatoes were vegetables from a legal and fiscal perspective.

Thus, the classification of tomatoes as vegetables rather than fruits largely relies on culinary and legislative criteria, overlooking their actual botanical classification.

Botanical classification of tomatoes.

The tomato belongs to the Solanaceae family, just like potatoes and eggplants. Botanically speaking, the tomato fruit is a berry, a type of fleshy fruit containing seeds inside. Tomatoes are classified as botanical fruits because of these characteristics. However, in everyday language and in cooking, tomatoes are often considered vegetables because of their flavor and their use in savory dishes.

The historical role in the decision of the United States Supreme Court

The United States Supreme Court played an important historical role in the classification of tomatoes as a fruit or a vegetable. In 1893, a famous case known as Nix v. Hedden was brought before the Supreme Court. The case revolved around a customs question: should tomatoes be taxed as fruits or as vegetables? Fruits and vegetables were subject to different customs tariffs at the time. Tomato importers argued for their classification as fruits, claiming that botanically, tomatoes were fruits because they contain seeds and develop from the flower of a flowering plant. However, the United States government argued for their classification as vegetables, based on the popular culinary use of tomatoes in savory dishes rather than sweet ones. Ultimately, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the government, declaring that tomatoes should be considered vegetables for customs purposes, based on culinary usage and common trade, rather than botanical considerations. This decision established an important legal precedent and contributed to the common perception of tomatoes as vegetables in popular culture.

The confusion between culinary use and botanical classification

When it comes to the question of whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable, it is important to understand the distinction between culinary usage and botanical classification. Botanically speaking, a tomato is indeed a fruit, as it develops from the ovary of a flower and contains seeds. However, from a culinary and commercial standpoint, tomatoes are often considered vegetables due to their use in savory dishes, such as salads or sauces. This confusion stems from the differing interpretation between scientific classification criteria and practical uses in everyday life.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1

Why are tomatoes often called vegetables?

Tomatoes are often considered as vegetables because of their culinary use in savory dishes rather than sweet ones.

2

What is the botanical classification of tomatoes?

Botanically speaking, tomatoes are fruits since they come from the flower of a flowering plant and contain seeds.

3

What is the historical role of the decision of the United States Supreme Court regarding tomatoes?

In 1893, the United States Supreme Court ruled that tomatoes would be classified tax-wise as vegetables rather than fruits, for the purpose of import taxes.

4

What is the common confusion between the culinary use and the botanical classification of tomatoes?

The confusion lies in the fact that tomatoes are often used in savory dishes, giving the impression that they are vegetables, when they are botanically fruits.

5

Is it common for fruits to be considered as vegetables in common usage?

Yes, other examples include cucumbers, zucchinis, and peppers, which are botanically fruits but often considered vegetables in cooking.

Natural Sciences : Botany

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