Botanically speaking, yes, peas are fruits.
This might seem counterintuitive, as we often think of fruits as sweet and dessert-like. However, in botanical terms, a fruit is defined as the mature ovary of a flowering plant that contains seeds. Since pea pods develop from the ovary of the pea flower and contain seeds (the peas themselves), they technically fit the definition of a fruit.
Here's a breakdown to clarify:
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Botanical Definition of Fruit: A fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant, containing seeds. Examples include apples, tomatoes, cucumbers, and, yes, even pea pods.
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Culinary Definition of Fruit: In cooking, fruits are generally considered to be sweet or tart and are often used in desserts or as snacks. Vegetables, on the other hand, are savory and used in main courses or side dishes.
Therefore, while peas are botanically fruits, they are generally used as vegetables in cooking due to their savory flavor profile. This distinction highlights the difference between botanical classifications and culinary uses.