Difference Between Fruit and Vegetable

The main difference between fruit and vegetable is that fruit is the mature ovary of higher plants whereas vegetable is the edible parts of the plant such as stalks, roots, leaves, tubers, bulbs or even flower buds.

Fruits and vegetables are two parts of plants that are edible. Fruits can be vegetables but, all vegetables are not fruits. Most fruits contain seeds. But vegetables do not contain seeds. Furthermore, most fruits are sweet in taste.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Fruit
     – Definition, Importance, Classification
2. What is a Vegetable
     – Definition, Importance, Classification
3. What are the Similarities Between Fruit and Vegetable
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Fruit and Vegetable
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Edible Parts, Fruit, Nutrition, Seeds, Vegetable

What is a Fruit

A fruit is a sweet fleshy product of a plant, which contains seeds. The ovary of a plant develops into a fruit after fertilization. Most fruits are edible. Hence, fruits facilitate the dispersal of seeds, the sexual reproductive structures of plants. Fresh fruits are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and water.

Figure 1: Fruits

Classification of Fruits

What is a Vegetable

A vegetable is a part of a plant used as a food. Humans consume vegetables as a part of their meals. Vegetables may include stalks, roots, leaves, tubers, bulbs or even flower buds. The term “vegetables” generally exclude fruits, nuts, and cereal grains. Vegetables supply fiber, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.

Figure 2: Vegetables

Classification of Vegetables

Similarities Between Fruit and Vegetable

• Fruits and vegetable are edible parts of a plant.
• Both are low in fat and calories and high in natural sugars and fibers.
• Plants are cultivated for both fruit and vegetables.

Difference Between Fruit and Vegetable

Definition

Fruit: A sweet fleshy matured ovary of a plant, which contains seeds

Vegetable: A part of a plant used as a food

Seeds

Fruit: Contain seeds either inside or outside the fruit

Vegetable: Do not contain seeds

Taste

Fruit: Have a sweet taste

Vegetable: Distinct in taste – can be sweet, salty, sore or bitter

Color

Fruit: Color can be red, orange, yellow, green, purple, blue or black

Vegetable: Mostly green in color

Importance

Fruit: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and water

Vegetable:  Supply fiber, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements

Reproduction

Fruit: Facilitate the sexual reproduction of plants by bearing seeds

Vegetable: Involved in vegetative reproduction

Conclusion

A fruit is the mature ovary of a plant that contains seeds. A vegetable is a part of a plant that is edible. Both fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber. Fruits contain vitamin C and water as well. Vegetables are important sources of vitamins and other trace elements. The main difference between fruit and vegetable is the origin of each part of a plant.

Reference:

1. “Fruit: Definition, Types, Benefits & Examples.” Study.com, Available here.
2. “Vegetable.” ScienceDaily, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Culinary fruits front view” By No machine-readable author provided. Ionutzmovie assumed-Own work assumed (based on copyright claims) (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Marketvegetables” By Jasper Greek Golangco  (Copyrighted free use) via Commons Wikimedia