A pumpkin is botanically a fruit, but it is often treated as a vegetable in culinary contexts. Here's why:
Botanical Perspective: Fruit – Definition of a Fruit: In botanical terms, a fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant, typically containing seeds.
Why Pumpkin is a Fruit: Pumpkins develop from the flower of the pumpkin plant and contain seeds, fitting the botanical criteria for a fruit.
Culinary Perspective: Vegetable – Definition of a Vegetable: Vegetables are edible plant parts, such as roots, stems, and leaves, often used in savory dishes.
Why Pumpkin is Considered a Vegetable: Pumpkins are commonly prepared in savory dishes like soups, casseroles, and roasts, aligning with how vegetables are typically used.
Conclusion – Scientifically: Pumpkin = Fruit. – Culinary Use: Pumpkin = Vegetable.
So, it depends on the context, but botanically, it is classified as a fruit!