Although often treated as a vegetable in savory autumn cooking, pumpkin is scientifically classified as a fruit because it develops from a flower’s ovary and contains seeds.
Botanically, it belongs to a specific category of berry called a pepo, characterized by fleshy interior tissue wrapped inside a tough outer rind.
This dual identity stems from the clear divide between botanical science and culinary practice, where flavor profiles dictate kitchen usage over plant development.
Whether carved for Halloween or baked into sweet seasonal pies, the pumpkin stands as a fascinating bridge between the worlds of fruits and vegetables.