I Recently Discovered That Strawberries Are Not Considered Berries

When it comes to the classification of fruits, the term “berry” can be quite misleading. Many of us assume that if a fruit has the word “berry” in its name, then it must be a berry. However, this is not always the case. Take strawberries, for example. Despite their name, strawberries are not actually berries according to scientific nomenclature. On the other hand, fruits like cucumbers, blueberries, and kiwi are classified as berries. This revelation can be quite surprising and mind-boggling for many of us.

To understand why strawberries are not considered berries, we need to delve into the botanical definition of a berry. In botanical terms, a berry must have just one ovary. Fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries have multiple ovaries, making them pseudocarps or false fruits. This means that they do not meet the botanical criteria to be classified as berries. Instead, they are referred to as aggregate fruits, as they come from a single flower with multiple ovaries. This distinction is crucial in understanding the true nature of fruits like strawberries and raspberries.

According to Ginger Hultin, a registered dietitian nutritionist, fruits like strawberries and raspberries are technically not berries at all. They are aggregate fruits due to their multiple ovaries. On the other hand, true berries, like blueberries, have only one ovary. Despite this classification difference, fruits like strawberries and raspberries still offer the same nutritional benefits, flavor, and versatility that we expect from berries.

Moving on to other surprising berry classifications, fruits like bananas, avocados, and kiwi are considered berries because they come from a single flower with one ovary. Even cucumbers, which may seem more like a vegetable, fall under the category of berries. Cucumbers are classified as “pepos,” along with other fruits like pumpkins, zucchini, and watermelons. These fruits have a hard rind for an outer layer and a fleshy middle, with a single ovary containing all the seeds within.

It’s important to note that not all fleshy fruits are considered berries. Stone fruits like apricots, plums, and peaches, which have a stone or pit inside, do not meet the botanical definition of a berry. These fruits are produced from a single flower with one ovary, but their stone sets them apart from true berries.

In conclusion, the classification of fruits as berries can be quite complex and surprising. Despite the technical distinctions, berries and so-called berries are all delicious and nutritious. Whether you enjoy strawberries, blueberries, or cucumbers, these fruits can be incorporated into a variety of dishes to add flavor and health benefits. So, the next time you indulge in a berry-filled treat, remember the fascinating world of fruit classifications that lies beneath the surface.