Cucumbers, a common ingredient, can be cooked both as a vegetable and as a raw fruit in our daily lives. So, what exactly does cucumber belong to?Let's unravel this mystery together.
First, let's clarify the definition of vegetables and fruits. According to the traditional classification, vegetables refer to those parts of the plant that can be eaten after cooking, while fruits are the mature ovary or ovary derived organs of the plant. From this definition, we can see that cucumbers do not seem to fit into either category.
Cucumbers are similar in appearance and texture to fruits, but their essence is closer to vegetables. Biologically, cucumbers belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, which belongs to the same family as pumpkins, loofahs, etc. Whereas, botanically, the fruit of cucumber is classified as a berry, which is similar to the fruit of tomato, pepper, etc.
However, in the botanical classification, the fruit of cucumber is considered as a part of the vegetable. This is because cucumbers are often used as a vegetable in cooking, cooked with other vegetables, or as a side dish. In addition, cucumbers are similar to vegetables in terms of nutritional value and are rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Nonetheless, cucumbers are also considered fruits in some cultures. For example, in regions such as India and Pakistan, cucumbers are often eaten raw as a fruit, along with other fruits. This may be related to local cultural Xi and food Xi habits.
To sum up, cucumbers have both the characteristics of a vegetable and the appearance and taste of a fruit. Therefore, we can conclude that cucumber is a special ingredient that can be cooked both as a vegetable and as a raw fruit. No matter which category you prefer to think of, cucumber is a nutritious ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways.
When choosing to buy cucumbers, we need to pay attention to choosing fresh cucumbers that are free of pests and diseases. At the same time, to ensure its freshness, it is better to choose cucumbers with green leaves. Also, to preserve its taste and nutritional value, it is best to wash it and store it properly before eating.