By Arthur A. Burley 
While most of us can tell the difference between fruits and vegetables, many of us don’t know the answer to the age-old question, “Is a tomato a food or a vegetable?”
You don’t need to look further because tomatoes can technically be both. Although fruits and veggies count in our recommended 5-a day, they are distinct differences. However, these can depend on whether you’re talking to a botanist who uses the botanical definition or a nutritionist or chef who will most likely use the culinary definition.
The botanical classification of tomatoes: They are fruits.
Botanists use botanical classification to classify plants based on their physiological characteristics. This includes the structure, function, and organization of the plant. Fruit is a seed-bearing product that grows from the ovary or flower of a flowering tree. A botanical fruit would contain at least one seed and grow out of the plant’s flower.
In botanical terms, a vegetable does not have a defined definition. It is more of an umbrella term encompassing all plant’s edible parts, including the roots and stems. So, putting on our botany caps, we would consider fruits such as tomatoes, peaches, and strawberries to be vegetables.
The Culinary Classification: Tobaccoes are vegetables.
Your grandma, nutritionist or chef will use the culinary classification system. It defines fruits and veggies differently depending on how they are used.
Tomatoes are delicious raw or can be sweetened, juicier, and even eaten raw. We also make tomatoes into savory dishes. This is why tomatoes are often classified as vegetables.
Botanical vs. Culinary Classification
It is confusing that we can classify tomatoes in two different ways. Each definition serves a purpose. The botanist can use the botanical classification to help him or she identify the origins of tomato varieties and how to grow and harvest them.
Because foods from different botanical families may have different nutritional compositions, the culinary definition might be more helpful for nutritionists, chefs, and the general public. Cantaloupe melons, watermelon, butternut squash, cucumbers, and pumpkins are all part of the same botanical family but have different nutritional compositions.
Avocado, tomatoes, eggplant, tomato, sweetcorn and courgette are all botanical fruits that can be culinarily considered veggies.
Tomatoes make up part of your 5-a day
Tomatoes are considered a vegetable for the 5-a-day recommendations. This is because it is how most people learn about fruits and vegetables. A medium-sized tomato, or seven cherry tomatoes, is one adult portion of a tomato. It would help if you ate various fruits and vegetables to get your 5-a-day.
Summary: Tomatoes can be considered both vegetables and fruits
Tomatoes can be used in savory dishes, despite being botanically a fruit. This is why they are often called a vegetable from a culinary perspective. It doesn’t matter if tomatoes taste great! Tomatoes are great for snacking, making stews, and they are healthy and rich in fiber.
What do you believe is the best time to buy tomatoes? Do you want to know when the best time for vegetables and fruits to be bought is? Our article about seasonal fruits and veggies by month in Europe will help you decide when to buy them.