Why are some fruits also called vegetables?

Question

Why are some fruits also called vegetables?

Answer 1

a fruit has seeds

pumpkin tomato cucumber and zuchinni

a vegie doesnt

Answer 2

I think the origin of the use of the word in such a broad sense came from any plant being cultivated for food. If its edible, whether herb, root, or fruit it could be called a vegetable because it was grown in cultivation. This derives from Latinate languages as verdura for green or growing. Vegetation links closely to the idea of quickening, growing so covers all of a plant in the sense that all parts grow. The first recorded use of vegetation meaning 'plant life' was 1727. The modern botanic uses are clearly delineate the reproductive parts from the stem, root or leaf but are of relevance mostly to those involved in cultivating plants rather than those who prepare them for table.

So if someone wishes to include fruit as vegetables there is no reason not to, so long as the broad meaning is understood.

Just remember, "Never argue at the dinner table, for the one who is not hungry always gets the best of the argument."

Voltaire

Answer 3

I think the reason we call fruits (like cucumbers, squash, peppers, tomatoes) vegetables is because we think of fruits as sweet things we use often in deserts.  So, these fruits are commonly called vegetables for culinary purposes, not for botanical purposes.

Answer 4

because it can be eaten even raw