Celery is a food item that has been enjoyed by humans for centuries. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. But is celery a fruit or vegetable? That is a question that has been debated for a long time.
The answer to the question is actually a bit complicated. Celery is technically a vegetable, since it is the edible stem of a plant. However, it is also considered a fruit in some contexts. This can be confusing, but it is important to understand the differences between fruits and vegetables before deciding which one celery is.
What is a Fruit?
A fruit is a sweet or sour edible product of a plant. It is usually juicy and may contain seeds. Fruits can be divided into two categories: fleshy fruits and dry fruits. Fleshy fruits are those that have a juicy fleshy outer layer, such as apples, oranges, and pears. Dry fruits are those that have a hard outer layer and no juice, such as nuts, grains, and legumes.
Fruits are usually sweet, but some can be sour. Fruits are also a source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Fruits are generally eaten raw, cooked, or juiced.
What is a Vegetable?
A vegetable is a plant part that is edible, usually cooked. It can be a root, stem, leaf, or flower. Vegetables are usually not sweet, though some can be. They are usually eaten cooked or raw and provide a good source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Vegetables are typically classified into two types: starchy and non-starchy. Starchy vegetables are those that contain a lot of carbohydrates, such as potatoes, corn, and peas. Non-starchy vegetables are those that contain fewer carbohydrates, such as onions, celery, and broccoli.
So, Is Celery a Fruit or Vegetable?
Celery is considered a vegetable based on the definition of a vegetable given above. It is the edible stem of a plant and is usually eaten cooked or raw. It has a low carbohydrate content and is not sweet like a fruit. Therefore, celery is considered a vegetable.
However, some people consider celery to be a fruit in some contexts. This is because it is often used in sweet dishes, such as jams, jellies, and pies. Additionally, celery is often used to make juices and smoothies, which are usually considered to be fruit-based.
At the end of the day, the answer to the question of “is celery a fruit or vegetable” is a bit complicated. Technically, celery is a vegetable, but it can be considered a fruit in some contexts. Therefore, it is up to you to decide how you want to classify it.
