Yes, runner beans are botanically considered fruit.
This might seem counterintuitive, as we typically associate fruits with sweetness and desserts. However, in botanical terms, a fruit is defined as the mature ovary of a flowering plant, containing seeds. Runner beans develop from the flower of the runner bean plant, and the pod contains seeds. Therefore, according to this definition, they are indeed fruit.
Here's why they are classified as fruit:
- Development from a Flower: Like all fruits, runner beans originate from the flower of the plant.
- Seed Containment: The primary function of a fruit is to protect and disperse seeds. The runner bean pod does precisely that, holding the seeds (the beans themselves) within.
The distinction between "fruit" and "vegetable" is often based on culinary usage rather than botanical accuracy. In cooking, fruits are typically used in sweet dishes, while vegetables are used in savory dishes. Because runner beans are generally used as a savory ingredient, they are often referred to as vegetables. However, it's important to remember that this is a culinary classification, not a botanical one.
In summary, while often referred to as a vegetable in culinary contexts, the runner bean fits the botanical definition of a fruit because it develops from the flower and contains seeds.
