An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
I’m sure you’ve heard this common proverb ever since you were young. But have you thought about whether an apple is a fruit or a vegetable?
This article takes a look at how to classify apples and to answer if an apple a fruit?
- Related article: Fruits vs Vegetables – What’s the Difference?
Are Apples Fruits?
The short answer is, you might have guessed it – Yes, apples are fruits!
There are usually two standpoints when considering if something is a fruit or vegetable – Botanical and Culinary standpoints.
From a botanical point of view, a “fruit” is defined as the mature ovary of plants. It’s the ovaries of a plant that contains seeds.
Apples fulfill that definition easily as we can clearly see their seed-containing ovaries on each individual apple.
But what does culinary mean in terms of the classification of an apple?
From a culinary standpoint, a fruit is the edible part of plants that usually tastes sweet. Fruits are usually eaten raw and used in desserts.
In other words, from a culinary perspective, an apple is definitely a fruit because it has a sweet flavor and often eaten raw.
Are Apples Vegetables?
Let’s look at defining vegetables from a botanical and culinary point of view.
From a botanical standpoint, “vegetables” are any parts of plants that do not contain seeds. They’re typically leaves, stems, roots, bulbs, tubers, corms, rhizomes, stolons, etc.
From a culinary standpoint, “vegetables” don’t taste sweet and are usually bland. They are usually cooked as part of dishes.
This solidifies that apples are not vegetables as they don’t fit the classifications of a “vegetable.”
Popular Apple Varieties
Now let’s take a closer look at some popular varieties of apples, which can differ in taste, texture, color, and size.
- Golden Delicious – The Golden Delicious is one of the most popular types of apples available today. Its yellow flesh makes for easy peeling and its crispness make them great for eating out of hand.
- Red Delicious – Red Delicious apples are also very popular among consumers. Their red skin with greenish white flesh gives them a distinctive appearance. These apples are good for baking and making pies.
- Gala – Gala apples are another type of delicious apple variety. This particular apple is known for being juicy and flavorful.
- Granny Smith – Granny Smith apples are small and round in shape. They tend to be tart but still quite tasty.
- Cortland – Cortlands are large, firm apples that are excellent for cooking. They hold up well during storage and transportation.
- McIntosh – McIntoshes are medium sized apples that are best suited for salads and sandwiches.
There are different types of apples for different uses. Some are better used for baking pies, apple juice, fruit salads, and other uses.
Health Benefits of Apples
The old saying of “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is based on truth. There area. number of benefits from those who regularly eat apples.
Apples has many health benefits, including:
- Vitamins and Minerals – Apples contain many nutrients like Vitamin C, B6, A, E, Potassium, Vitamin K and more.
- Improves Digestion – Apples contain fiber to help keep your digestive system healthy. It also promotes good gut bacteria to help improve overall gut health.
- Protect Against Cancer – Eating apples regularly may reduce risk of certain cancers such as colon cancer.
- Heart Health – Apples are rich in antioxidants called polyphenols.
- Antioxidants – Antioxidant compounds found in fruits and veggies protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals cause cell aging and disease.
- Weight Loss – Apples have been shown to increase metabolism and burn calories faster than other foods. Apples are also more filling, so you won’t overeat.Blood pressure lowering
- Lower Risk of Diabetes – One study showed people who ate an apple every day lowered their risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Apples are Fruits Final Thoughts
Whether you consider an apple a fruit or vegetable, there are plenty of reasons why eating apples can benefit our bodies. As long as you don’t have an apple allergy, keep eating those apples!
Here are other fruits and vegetables that people often have questions about:
- Are Mushrooms Vegetables or Fruits?
- Is an Onion a Vegetable or Fruit?
- Are Bell Peppers Fruits or Vegetables?
- Is Carrot a Fruit or Vegetable?
- Is Coconut a Fruit or Vegetable?
Apples are Fruits FAQs
Is Apple a fruit or not?
Yes, an apple is a fruit because it contains seeds inside. It fits the botanical definition with its seeds and it also fits the culinary definition of a “fruit.” Apples have a sweet flavor and are used in desserts or eaten raw.
Why is Apple called a false fruit?
Apple is called a false fruit because it develops from the thalamus and not the ovary. False fruits are ones that do not develop in the ovary and will from in other parts of the plant like the thalamus, perianth, and peduncle.
Is an apple technically a vegetable?
No, apples are not a vegetable. An apple is technically a fruit because it contains seed inside. They also fulfill the culinary meaning of fruits as they are eaten raw and/or used in desserts.
