No, a mushroom is not botanically a vegetable. Although culinarily and nutritionally it's often treated as one, mushrooms belong to the kingdom Fungi, not Plantae.
Culinary vs. Botanical Classification
- Culinary Classification: Mushrooms are frequently grouped with vegetables in recipes, menus, and dietary guidelines like the USDA's "MyPlate." This is due to their use in savory dishes and their nutritional profile, which aligns with many vegetables. Sources like Progresso even label their creamy mushroom soup as a "vegetable soup." Progresso Soup Example
- Botanical Classification: Scientifically, mushrooms are fungi. Unlike plants, they lack leaves, roots, and seeds, and don't require sunlight for growth. BestFoodFacts
Nutritional Considerations
While not a vegetable, mushrooms share some nutritional similarities. They are low in calories, fat, and sodium, and offer various nutrients. Have A Plant The USDA even considers them vegetables when planning a healthy plate. Quora Their nutritional value makes them a suitable vegetarian meat substitute. Scelta Mushrooms
In Summary
The classification of mushrooms as a "vegetable" is largely a matter of culinary convenience and nutritional similarity rather than strict botanical definition. They are functionally used like vegetables, yet their biological makeup firmly places them within the fungal kingdom.
