The Botanical Definition of Berries

In the world of botany, the classification of fruits is based on specific criteria. According to these criteria, bananas are considered berries. A true berry, in botanical terms, is a fleshy fruit produced from a single ovary with multiple seeds embedded within the fruit's flesh. Bananas meet this definition as they develop from one flower with a single ovary, and they contain multiple seeds, even though the seeds in modern cultivated bananas are tiny and not fully developed. This classification might seem odd, but it’s based on the plant's structure and growth patterns, not just the way we use the term berry in everyday language.

Why Strawberries Aren't Berries

On the other hand, strawberries are not considered true berries, despite their common name. Botanically, strawberries are classified as aggregate fruits because they develop from a flower that has multiple ovaries, each producing a separate seed. The small, yellowish seeds on the surface of the strawberry are the actual fruits, while the fleshy part that we eat is derived from the flower's receptacle. This unique structure makes strawberries an interesting example of how the term berry in casual conversation differs greatly from its botanical meaning. Shutdown123