Corn is a fascinating example of how scientific classifications can differ from everyday usage. Botanically speaking, corn is a fruit, as the kernels we eat develop from the plant's flower. However, due to its culinary and agricultural uses, corn is often considered a vegetable.
The USDA, in its "AskUSDA" website, categorizes corn as a vegetable based on its high water content and common use in culinary preparations.
Furthermore, corn is also classified as a grain due to its structure and growth characteristics. It's essentially an oversized grass with kernels that contain the plant's seeds.
So, in short, corn can be considered a fruit, a vegetable, and a grain depending on the context.
