The Curious Case of Lemons and Tomatoes: Fruits or Vegetables?

In the world of grocery stores and kitchens, lemons and tomatoes often face a unique conundrum: are they fruits or vegetables? This article explores the botanical and culinary classifications of these curious produce, offering clarity on why they often appear in the vegetable section of grocery stores, despite being fruits from a scientific perspective.

Are Lemons and Tomatoes Fruits?

Botanically speaking, both lemons and tomatoes are fruits. A fruit, as defined by botanists, is the mature ovary of a flowering plant that usually contains seeds. In this context, lemons and tomatoes fit the definition perfectly:

Lemons

These citrus fruits develop from the flower of the lemon tree and contain seeds. This is why they are classified as a type of citrus fruit. From a botanical standpoint, lemons are the mature ovary of a flowering plant, making them a fruit.

Sepals, Petals, and Ovaries

The essential components of a flower, such as the sepals and petals, eventually develop into other parts of the plant. The ovary becomes the fruit, in the case of lemons and tomatoes, providing a clear botanical explanation for their classification.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes, on the other hand, are a specific type of fruit known as berries. They develop from the ovary of a flower and contain seeds, aligning perfectly with the botanical definition of a fruit. However, tomatoes are distinguished by their food uses as well as their botanical classification.

Why Are They in the Vegetable Section?

Despite being fruits, lemons and tomatoes are often found in the vegetable section of grocery stores. This is largely due to culinary traditions and uses.

Culinary Uses: A Key Differentiator

In cooking, lemons are used more like vegetables because of their acidity and flavoring. They are commonly used to add tanginess to main courses and salads. Similarly, tomatoes are widely used in savory dishes, such as sauces, soups, and stews. This culinary classification often leads to confusion but is a practical way to organize grocery stores for consumers.

Historical and Legal Context

The classification of lemons and tomatoes as vegetables versus fruits has a historical and legal basis. In 1893, the US Supreme Court settled a customs case by providing a simple rule of thumb:

If an item is used as a part of a main course meal or salad, it is to be treated as a vegetable. If it is used to sweeten a dish, or considered a part of a dessert, it is to be classified as a fruit.

According to this rule, tomatoes and lemons would indeed be classified as vegetables.

Exceptions and Nuances

It is important to note that there are exceptions to this rule. Certain vegetables, like carrots, ash gourds, pumpkin, and bottle gourds, are used to prepare delightful sweets and are found in the confectionary section. Additionally, sweet potatoes, which are actually a root vegetable, are often sold with other vegetables but are consumed like a sweet.

Conclusion

The classification of lemons and tomatoes as fruits or vegetables is a touchstone that highlights the complex interplay between botanical principles and culinary traditions. While lemons and tomatoes are scientifically classified as fruits, their use in savory dishes often puts them in the vegetable section of grocery stores. This article has explored the botanical definitions and culinary uses that lead to these classifications, offering a comprehensive understanding of the curious case of lemons and tomatoes.