Olives: Not Vegetables, Not Veggies—SHOCKING Fact About This Fruity Olive!

Sun, 03 May 2026 11:11:07 +0000

Olives: Not Vegetables, Not Veggies—SHOCKING Fact About This Fruiting Olive! When most people think of olives, they assume they’re vegetables—or at least a type of vegetable. But here’s a shocking secret: olives are actually small, fruit-like embryos of the olive tree, not true vegetables. This subtle but crucial distinction changes how we understand and enjoy olives. Let’s dive into the fascinating biology, culinary versatility, and the little-known truth behind this beloved fruit—and why it matters for health, cooking, and nutrition. ### Olives: Fruits, Not Vegetables—Here’s Why Botanically speaking, olives are classified as a fruit—specifically a drupe, a type of stone fruit common in nature. Unlike vegetables such as tomatoes or carrots (which develop from the plant’s flowering structure and grow above ground), olives develop from the flowers of the olive tree (Olea europaea) and mature into small, edible “fruits.” This places them firmly in the fruit category, even though they’re often used like savory spices or condiments.