Is Eggplant a Fruit or Vegetable?

Is Eggplant a Fruit or vegetable: Eggplant, often called aubergine or brinjal, is a very common vegetable worldwide? Now my readers may ask me what I call a vegetable.  How am I so sure about it? Why is it not a fruit? Well, I will clarify all the queries in the following article. We will briefly discuss the characteristics and nature of fruits and vegetables. We will also discuss the facts that make these two different. There are some fun facts that we are going to discuss in the article.

What are the differences between fruits and vegetables? Is eggplant a fruit or vegetable?

Let us first know that fruits and vegetables are two different things. They have some similarities in them but they are not the same. The type of consumption, region, and culture play some very vital roles in the differentiation. 

A very common and popular confusion about fruits and vegetables exists. If we are asked about the differences we cannot answer clearly. The differentiation happens based on the region, type of consumption, culture, harvesting, and so on.  Some more facts make them different. They are two different genres yet share an important bonding. 

However, we should know there is no specific part of a plant that is called a vegetable. Any portion of the plant can be consumed as a vegetable. For example, potatoes, beet, carrots, radish, and these are roots of the plants and are consumed by people. We often consume various leaves through our meals like spinach, lettuce, and so on. But the fruit has to grow from a single or multiple ova of a flower otherwise it cannot be called a fruit. 

Now some vegetables are grown from flowers such as eggplants yet it is considered to be a vegetable. It is because eggplants are consumed as a part of savory meals. It is never eaten raw. The Indian subcontinent, China, Japan, and all the regions around consider eggplant as a vegetable and cook various dishes out of it. 

In India, almost all the states consume eggplants but it is more familiar as brinjal as the English term. Steamed, baked and gravy recipes are very popular in India. 

Is eggplant a fruit or a vegetable? How does it matter?

Although it is grown from flowers, eggplant is not a fruit. It is considered to be a vegetable based on the way it is perceived and consumed. Eggplant is never consumed raw. There are various recipes for eggplants all over the world. In my belief, there is no point in debating whether it is a fruit or a vegetable because that will make no difference in eggplants or the way it is popularly consumed. 

Is eggplant a fruit or a vegetable? What do we say?

We have discussed a lot about fruits and vegetables so far. We have seen the facts that make them either vegetables or fruits.  Eggplant is an Indian native which was cultivated during the 5^th century B.C. Then it has gained worldwide recognition with the passing time. The African and middle eastern regions are also quite familiar with eggplants or brinjals. The names vary from region to region. After Africa and the Middle Eastern region, it started spreading across Italy and entire Europe eventually. 

If we see the nutrition part, it does not have much value in it. But the good part is, this is low in calories and quite affordable for common people to consume regularly. It doesn’t harm your body as such. Eggplant is rich in vitamins B, and C, phosphorus, and potassium. 

People suffering from bone and joint problems or arthritis should avoid eggplants as it belongs to the nightshade family. The calcium inhibitor within may cause a mineral imbalance in the body.

Now coming to the point, eggplant is a vegetable. We have already mentioned at the beginning of the article that it does not always depend on how it grows but on how it is consumed. Eggplant is generally eaten as a part of savory meals. It is never consumed raw but cooked. All these facts make it a vegetable.

Summary of ‘Is Eggplant a Fruit or vegetable’

Eggplant is an Indian native which was cultivated during the 5^th century B.C. Then it has gained worldwide recognition with the passing time. The African and middle eastern regions are also quite familiar with eggplants or brinjals. The names vary from region to region. After Africa and the Middle Eastern region, it started spreading across Italy and throughout Europe eventually. Eggplant is generally eaten as a part of savory meals. It is never consumed raw but cooked. All these facts make it a vegetable. 

Read More: What are the Tips for Knowledge Check?