We’re settling this once and for all, and the answer might surprise you.
They’re available year-round and delicious in everything fromsandwichestosalads.
However, cucumbers are hard to classify.
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But are cucumbers actually a fruit?
Here we settle this once and for all: Is a cucumber a fruit or a vegetable?
What Is a Cucumber?
Members of thegourd family of plants, cucumbers originated in Southeast Asia and have become a globally cultivated crop.
Cucumbers are most commonly known for their long body, cylindrical shape and bright green color.
But with nearly 100 varieties, they can vary widely in shape, size and color.
A botanist would explain that fruits grow from the ovary of a flowering plant, and they possess seeds.
Examples of botanical vegetables include lettuce, carrots, asparagus and broccoli.
This is due to the cucumber’s appearance, texture and flavor.
So while botanically, cucumbers are a fruit, culinarily, they can be classified as a vegetable.
The Bottom Line
So, are cucumbers a fruit or a vegetable?
The answer is: both!
Either way, cucumbers are a hydrating and tasty ingredient that can be beneficial to your health.
