Tag: Fruit category

The areca nut, popularly known as betel nut, is the seed of the fruit from the areca palm tree, *Areca catechu*, which is indigenous to tropical parts of Asia and East Africa. Scientifically, despite its common name, it is not a true nut, but rather the seed of a fruit classified as a berry or drupe. This botanical distinction clarifies its categorization within the plant kingdom, placing it firmly in the palm family, Arecaceae.

As of 2010, nearly half of all dried fruits sold globally are raisins, underscoring their widespread popularity. So, what is the category of raisins? The straightforward answer is that raisins are a type of dried fruit, made by dehydrating grapes from the *Vitis vinifera* plant.

According to the USDA's MyPlate guidelines, one cup of canned applesauce is counted as one cup from the Fruits group. While its classification is straightforward, the versatility of applesauce as a snack, condiment, or dessert often leads to confusion about its place in our diet. This article explores why applesauce is categorized as a fruit, what that means for its nutritional value, and how it compares to its whole-fruit counterpart.

Globally, the apple is the most widely consumed fruit. This beloved item can be found in a variety of tastes and forms, from the sweet crunch of a Gala to the tartness of a Granny Smith. However, when asking what category of food is an apple, the answer isn't as simple as it seems, with classifications varying between culinary and botanical contexts.