Vegetables vs. Fruits
For culinary purposes we use the term vegetable to describe an herbaceous plant. This non-scientific terminology is used to describe roots, leaves, tubers, seeds, stems, bulbs, and other plant features that are edible.
The botanical term “fruit” refers to produce with seeds. Fruits are generally formed from flower bearing trees/plants. The seeds of the fruit are formed within.
Tomatoes
Fruits without a distinctly sweet taste are often referred to as a vegetable. Botanically, a tomato is a fruit. It is classified as a berry. The tomato develops seeds within, and the tomato plant bears flowers. As far as its culinary usage goes, however, tomatoes are not usually considered a fruit.
Like peppers, cucumbers, and eggplants, tomatoes are a type of fruit that function as a vegetable. When it comes to culinary function, the tomato is a popular ingredient in veggie-based salads and is commonly prepared as a vegetable.
So botanically speaking, tomatoes are definitely fruits and not vegetables. You may prepare tomatoes as a vegetable or even plant them in your vegetable garden each year, but tomatoes are still a fruit!
