What is a Vegetable?

What's a Vegetable? 

What is a vegetable? I'm serious. Smarty-pants like to point out that tomatoes are a fruit, but so are eggplant and zucchini. If carrot is a root, and celery is a stem, broccoli is a flower, and yes, tomato is a fruit, then what exactly is a vegetable?

According to Wolfgang Stuppy, the research leader in Comparative Plant and Fungal Biology at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew & Wakehurst Place: “the term vegetable doesn’t exist in botanical terminology.” Simple as that.

Veggies might not exist botanically, but they’re not going anywhere culturally. So we're back to square one: what’s a vegetable?

A quick flip through the dictionary is surprisingly unhelpful. The first entry in the Oxford English Dictionary is so broad as to include “any living organism that is not an animal.” Under these guidelines oak trees and hydrangeas could end up on our dinner plates. Less archaic definitions include words like “edible” and “savory.” Leading us back to well, vegetables.

As it turns out, when we’re drawing distinctions between vegetables and fruit, it's not a plant part’s botanical function that matters, but it’s culinary one. And any kid could tell you what’s what: vegetables are dinner and fruit is dessert. We knew it all along.

So why did we ask this unexpectedly complicated question? Right: tomatoes. Like many other savory vegetables, tomatoes are neither root, nor stalk, nor leaf, but—botanically speaking—fruit. And if you’re having a botanical discussion, that’s the word you should use. But if you’re in the kitchen, for the love of pizza call them vegetables.

Knowing the botanical purpose of all our vegetables can help us feel connected to our food, and grateful for it. But the next time some pseudo-smarty pants tells you that tomatoes are fruit... please let them know that strawberries are in fact a vegetable. 

Aubrey Yarbrough is the Community Development Manager for Farmer Mark. Before moving to LA she ran her own organic farm and cooked on the garde manger station of the award winning Elements restaurant in Princeton, NJ. She has contributed poetry to New American Writing and prose to Edible Jersey.

Farmers Market 101: Market Tips

There are many tips and tricks to smart shopping at the farmers’ market. These tips allow you to get the biggest bang for your buck, and have the best experience possible. We’re letting you in on a few of our top tips. Keep these in mind next time your shopping at your local farmers’ market.

1. Early Bird Gets the Worm: This is one of our most important tips. If the market opens at 9, get there at 9! Being one of the first customers will allow you to pick from the farmers’ full selection. You might be missing out on an incredible item that always sells out within the first hour.
2. Go Big: Why not buy a whole flat of tomatoes or strawberries? If one of your favorite fruits or vegetables is in season and is looking juicy and delicious, go for it. You can always freeze or can them! Buying in bulk can often come with a nice discount. Politely ask the farmer about bulk deals available.
3. Experiment: We all have our favorite farmer at a specific market, but don’t forget to explore. Challenge yourself to try at least one new vendor each week at your market. You might just find your new favorite item.
4. Get Friendly: Farmers sell at the market not only to share their crops, but to get to know their customers! They love interacting and answering your questions, so don’t be shy! If your curious about their farming practices or what a certain crop is, go ahead and ask them! TIP: Remember your vendor’s name the following week and greet him with a friendly, “Morning, (insert name)!”
5. Bring the Green: Most farmers operate on a cash only basis, so don’t forget to stop at an ATM before heading to the market. And keep in mind that small bill work best.

Farmers Market 101: Market Faux-Pas

We’ve already discussed our top tips and tricks to get the most of your farmers’ market experience. Next up is our advice for what not to do at the market! Every market is different and unique, but these tips go for all markets across the board. Being mindful of the following will make each and every farmers’ market that more enjoyable for everyone! Here are our top 5 no-no’s:

1. Don’t over bargain: Bargains are all around the farmers’ market. From free samples, rounding down of transaction totals and the occasional free extra piece of produce, generosity abounds. Be grateful and don’t try to take advantage of the generous and casual nature of your farmers. They work extremely hard to provide the freshest and most nutritious food, and deserve every penny, which represents an investment in your community and local food system.
2. Don’t be in a rush: Life is sometimes crazy, and we understand that we live in a fast paced environment. However, one of the main charms of a farmers’ market is its slow, leisurely place. It’s an outdoor area meant for community gathering and relaxation, so give yourself time to walk around, talk to farmers and neighbors, and pick your perfect produce.
3. Don’t litter: Samples often come with a toothpick or mini cup. Avoid the easy temptation to toss it (or the remains of that strawberry top) on the ground. Be respectful to the market and the earth by placing trash in the bins.
4. Don’t be above market regulations: Market staff loves your pet but we have a duty to make sure the market is compliant with all health and agriculture department regulations. Don’t get upset when we ask you to obey them too. Unfortunately, pets are currently not allowed. Your pet is adorable but if it comes in contact with a vendor’s produce that vendor must toss it out, resulting in a loss of income.