A berry is typically thought of as a small, sweet fruit that grows on a bush or a vine, like strawberries or blueberries. However, from a botanical standpoint, a berry is actually a specific type of fruit that has three distinct features: it comes from a single ovary in the flower, it has three distinct layers of tissue, and it has seeds embedded in the fruit itself. So, does a pumpkin fit the bill?
The answer is a resounding yes! A pumpkin meets all the criteria of a berry: it comes from a single ovary in the flower, it has the three distinct layers of tissue, and it has seeds embedded in the fruit itself. It's just a really big, orange berry that we happen to use in pies, soups, and as a decorative centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner.
Fresh and Juicy Berry Fruit Salad With a Pumpkin Twist - The Produce Moms
So, why does it matter whether a pumpkin is a berry or not? Well, for one thing, it's just plain cool to learn about the science behind the food we eat. It's also a great way to impress your friends at your next holiday dinner - just casually drop the fact that pumpkins are actually a type of berry and watch the conversations that follow!
