Botanically, corn is classified as a fruit, although it's often eaten as a vegetable or grain.
While we frequently think of corn on the cob as a vegetable, its botanical classification is different. Here's a breakdown:
- Botanical Classification: From a botanical perspective, corn kernels develop from the flower of the corn plant and contain seeds, making it a fruit. This is similar to how tomatoes, cucumbers, and squashes are technically fruits because they develop from a flower and contain seeds.
- Culinary Usage: In cooking, corn is often used as a vegetable alongside other vegetables in savory dishes. This is based more on its flavor profile and how it's used in meals rather than its biological classification.
- Grain Classification: Corn is also considered a grain due to its composition (primarily carbohydrates) and how it's used as a staple food source worldwide.
Therefore, the answer depends on the context:
- Botanically: Corn is a fruit.
- Culinary: Corn is often considered and used as a vegetable.
- Agriculturally/Nutritionally: Corn is also classified as a grain.
