Yes, botanically speaking, a pumpkin is a type of berry. More specifically, it's a modified berry called a pepo.
What is a Pepo?
A pepo is a specific type of berry that comes from plants in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). These fruits have a few key characteristics:
- Hard outer rind: A tough, protective outer layer.
- Fleshy interior: A soft, pulpy inside.
- Numerous seeds: Many seeds are located within the fleshy interior.
Examples of Pepos
Besides pumpkins, other common pepos include:
- Squashes
- Cucumbers
- Watermelons
Why Call it a Berry?
The classification stems from the way the fruit develops from the flower's ovary. In botanical terms, a berry develops from a single ovary of a single flower. Because pumpkins develop in this way and fit the characteristics of a pepo, they are considered berries, even though this might seem counterintuitive based on everyday understanding of what a "berry" is.
