What is a Vegetable?

Vegetable Attributes

Vegetables are defined by how they grow, and how they taste. The various parts of the plant that can be eaten (defined below) qualify each section of the plant as either a fruit or a vegetable. The overall taste of vegetables is defined by culinary specialists as less sweet, more savory, and served along with the main meal.

Compared to Fruit

According to botanists, fruit is the part of the plant that develops from a flower and contains the plant’s seeds. The remaining parts of the plant (root, stem, etc.) are then considered vegetables. This makes things like avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes, and pumpkins technically fall into the fruit family, plant wise.
Nutritionally speaking, fruits and vegetables are very similar, containing antioxidants, high fiber, and loads of vitamins and minerals. The only variable being that most fruits have more calories in one serving than vegetables do. The exception to this are dense, starchy vegetables like potatoes and beets. Taste wise, fruits tend to be sweeter and tart, and often are served as a dessert or snack.

Vegetable Classification

Vegetables are placed into groups according to which part of it is eaten. Some vegetables may fit into multiple categories as they have multiple sections that can be consumed.
Bulbs grow just below the surface and produce a fleshly, leafy shoot above ground. They usually consist of layers or clustered segments and include vegetables such as onions, garlic, and leeks. Flowers are the edible flowering parts of the plant which can include broccoli, artichoke, and cauliflower.
Fruit refers to items produced by the plant that is fleshy and contains seeds. This includes, pumpkins, squash, and tomatoes.
Fungi consist mainly of mushrooms, such as portabella, shiitake, and truffle.
Leaves are the edible leafy parts of the plant that are commonly found above the surface, such as cabbage, spinach, and bok choy.
Roots are long or round-shaped taproots that absorb the majority of the nutrients for the plant. Beets, carrots, and radishes fall under this category.
Seeds and legumes grow in pods which can be eaten along with the seed, like green beans and peas.
Stems are the main stalks fo the plant that can be consumed, like celery and asparagus.
Tubers grow underground on the root of the plant. This is different from roots because it is not a part of the root, but a separate section that receives nutrients from the roots while underground. This label qualifies for potatoes and yams.