Why is a tomato called a fruit not a vegetable?

 The classification of a tomato as a fruit rather than a vegetable is based on botanical and culinary distinctions. Botanically speaking, a fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant, typically containing seeds. In the case of a tomato, it develops from the ovary of the flower and contains seeds, meeting the botanical criteria for being a fruit.

However, the confusion arises because in culinary terms, fruits are often associated with sweetness and desserts, while vegetables are commonly thought of as savory. Tomatoes, despite being botanically classified as fruits, are often used in savory dishes, leading to their colloquial classification as vegetables in everyday language.

The legal and culinary distinction between fruits and vegetables also played a role in a historical Supreme Court case in the United States in 1893 (Nix v. Hedden), where tomatoes were classified as vegetables for tariff purposes. This decision further solidified the cultural perception of tomatoes as vegetables.

Botanically, a fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant, usually containing seeds. In the case of tomatoes, they develop from the ovary of the tomato flower and house seeds within the fleshy pulp. This biological classification is based on the reproductive function of the plant and is consistent with the criteria used by botanists to distinguish between fruits and vegetables. The presence of seeds is a key factor in defining something as a fruit in botanical terms.

However, the culinary world often employs different criteria. In everyday language and cooking, fruits are commonly associated with sweetness, while vegetables are considered savory. Tomatoes, despite being botanically fruits, are frequently used in savory dishes, contributing to the confusion. The dual classification of tomatoes as both a fruit and a vegetable reflects the nuanced interplay between botanical science and everyday language, highlighting the diversity of perspectives in how we classify and use different types of produce.

In summary, the botanical definition classifies tomatoes as fruits, while the culinary and legal contexts often lead to their practical classification as vegetables.