Is Pumpkin a Fruit? Everything You Need to Know

Is pumpkin a fruit? Do you always get confused when you cook pumpkin? Or want to have the answer for the same? Well, we have an answer for you. Keep reading! 

Despite being one of the most popular autumn foods, you may need help wondering whether pumpkin belongs in the fruit or vegetable category. Pumpkin is as synonymous with autumn as any other cuisine; whether you appreciate it for your award-winning pumpkin pie crust recipe every Thanksgiving, crave it for that nearly flawless pumpkin bread recipe, or use it as the main component in your favorite fall beverage, the pumpkin spice latte. Pumpkin, though, is it a fruit or a vegetable?

Pumpkin is highly flexible, playing leading roles in savory meals like silky pumpkin soup and squash pasta. This may make the decision between fruit and vegetable even more perplexing. But let’s get to the bottom of it since it isn’t possible to have both. The quickest response to this frequently discussed subject is (drum roll please) that pumpkin is indeed a fruit.

One more answer that people always find is about pumpkin leaves. Whether pumpkin leaves are edible or not. Check the article to get the answer. 

What Things Make Pumpkin a Fruit?

Fruit is described by Encyclopedia Britannica as “the mushy or dry ripening ovary of a vegetation, containing the seed or embryos” in “the strict botanical definition.” We’re here to say that, honestly—and at the threat of being branded as a pumpkin conspiracy, philosophers don’t buy it. Yes, fine, we understand. That scientific encyclopedia description of pumpkin is accurate. Fleshy: a given. Have seeds: checked. Do we need to start referring to our rounded jack-o-lantern buddies as fruit?

Also Read: Growing Vegetables: A Beginner Guide

One more thing: If pumpkins are considered a fruit, then it stands to reason that anything with a seed is also considered a fruit. Avocados, walnuts, peppers, and legumes, we see you. You ask, what is that? Is each of those foods a fruit as well?

Do you wonder whether garlic is a vegetable or an herb? We have answered that question as well. Click on the link! 

What is the Difference Between a Gourd and a Pumpkin?

What we commonly refer to as a pumpkin is a form of squash. However, it’s also a gourd, primarily because it’s used as a garnish in addition to an ingredient. The main points to be aware of are as follows: A lot of squash are gourds. However, only some gourds are squash.

Also Read: What is Epazote? – Benefits of Epazote

Gourds are frequently used for adornment rather than as a food element because they are typically smaller and have harder skin. But both gourds and squash (also known as pumpkins) are members of the Cucurbitaceae family, including approximately 1,000 species of other fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, melon, cantaloupe, and more.

Do you know that harvesting pumpkins are not an easy job? Don’t worry, we got you covered, check our article on how to harvest pumpkins. You will learn how to grow pumpkins as well if you read the article. 

Is Gourd a Fruit?

Gourds are indeed all fruit. The name refers to a particular genus of inflorescence that frequently (sometimes not!) has a hard, dehydrated shell. We say it again: Gourds are all fruit.

Is Pumpkin a Form of Berry?

Technically, a pumpkin is a berry. The definition of a “berry” is a “simple, fleshy fruit that typically includes many seeds,” but it refers to a lot more than you might have previously imagined. According to that definition, watermelon, bananas, cucumbers, and tomatoes are also considered berries, making pumpkins not the sole surprising members of this delectable family.

Also Read: How to Plant, Grow and Care Mulberry Tree

Answered: Is Pumpkin a Fruit?

So, now you get to know that pumpkin is a fruit. From the viewpoint of a botanist, a pumpkin is a fruit since it arises from the structure of blooming plants that produce seeds.

The edible parts of plants, such as leaflets, stalks, roots, mulberries, blossoms, and tubers, are called vegetables. We classify pumpkins as vegetables since they are less sweet and more savory in terms of flavor.

In a nutshell, the answer to this question is a little tricky. However, we advise you to enjoy the pumpkin rather than finding out it is a fruit or vegetable.